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Susan Kendall Newman, an actress, Emmy-nominated producer, and prominent social activist, passed away at the age of 72. She was the firstborn daughter of the legendary actor Paul Newman. Her family announced that she died on August 2 due to complications from chronic health conditions.
Newman, born to Paul Newman and his first wife, Jackie Witte, gained recognition for her role in the 1978 film I Wanna Hold Your Hand, where she played one of six teenagers attempting to catch The Beatles’ historic first performance on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. The film was both directed and co-written by Robert Zemeckis.
In addition to her feature film work, Newman had smaller roles in notable projects such as Slap Shot (1977) and A Wedding (1978), the latter directed by Robert Altman.
Her theatrical contributions included appearing on Broadway in 1975’s We Interrupt This Program…, an avant-garde production helmed by director Jerry Adler, though it enjoyed only a brief run of performances.
Newman’s talents extended beyond acting; she served as a producer for an ABC Theater presentation of Michael Cristofer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Shadow Box, which her father directed and starred her stepmother, Oscar-winner Joanne Woodward.
Her dedication to literature was showcased through her production of a family-friendly audiobook series of classical stories for Simon & Schuster, which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album for Children.
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Newman was born into a family steeped in entertainment, as her parents tied the knot in Cleveland on December 27, 1949, welcoming three children—Scott, Susan, and Stephanie—before their divorce in January 1958. Shortly thereafter, Paul Newman married Woodward, with whom he fathered three daughters: Elinor, Melissa, and Claire.
This family was affected deeply when Scott, an actor himself known for roles in The Towering Inferno and Breakheart Pass, tragically passed away in 1978 from a drug overdose. Subsequently, her father established the Scott Newman Center dedicated to drug abuse prevention, which Susan later became involved with, eventually serving as executive director of the Scott Newman Foundation.
Throughout her life, she advocated extensively for drug abuse prevention, testifying before Congress and speaking at various prestigious venues, including the Betty Ford Center. She also spearheaded educational initiatives across several states aimed at empowering youth to create anti-drug public service campaigns.
Later in her career, her focus shifted toward issues in education, juvenile justice, conservation, and health care—dedicating her efforts to meaningful societal causes.
Newman’s passing marks a significant loss in both the entertainment and advocacy communities. Her legacy resonates through her endeavors in film, activism, and the impact she made on countless lives.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at Hollywood Reporter.