Remembering Susan Kendall Newman: A Life of Talent and Advocacy
Susan Kendall Newman, a talented actress, Emmy-nominated producer, and passionate social activist, has passed away at the age of 72. Her family announced that she died on August 2 due to complications from chronic health conditions. Susan was the firstborn daughter of iconic actor Paul Newman and his first wife, Jackie Witte.
Newman made her mark in the entertainment industry, notably portraying one of the six teenagers eager to witness The Beatles’ inaugural performance on The Ed Sullivan Show in the 1978 film I Wanna Hold Your Hand, directed by Robert Zemeckis. She also had memorable roles in classic films such as Slap Shot (1977), where she played a pharmacist alongside her father, and A Wedding (1978), directed by Robert Altman.
In addition to her film career, Susan graced the Broadway stage in 1975 with the innovative production We Interrupt This Program …, directed by Jerry Adler. Though the show had a brief run of just seven performances, it showcased her talent and dedication to the arts. In 1980, she produced an ABC Theatre adaptation of Michael Cristofer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play The Shadow Box, directed by her father and featuring her stepmother, Academy Award winner Joanne Woodward.
Susan’s creative endeavors extended beyond acting and production; she produced a family-friendly audiobook series of classical literature for Simon & Schuster, which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album for Children.
Born on September 27, 1953, Susan was the middle child of Paul Newman and Jackie Witte, who were married on December 27, 1949. The couple had three children: Scott (born in 1950), Susan, and Stephanie (born in 1954) before their divorce on January 28, 1958. The following day, Paul Newman married Joanne Woodward, whom he had met while working on Broadway, and together they welcomed three daughters: Elinor (born in 1959), Melissa (born in 1961), and Claire (born in 1965). Paul Newman passed away from lung cancer on September 26, 2008, at the age of 83, while Jackie Witte passed away in 1994 at the age of 64.
Following the tragic death of her brother Scott in 1978, Susan became deeply involved in drug abuse prevention. She joined the Scott Newman Foundation, which was established by her father in memory of Scott, and eventually took on the role of executive director. As a recognized expert in drug abuse prevention, Susan testified before Congress and spoke at various institutions, including the Betty Ford Center. One of her proudest achievements was a groundbreaking program that encouraged high school students to create their own anti-drug commercials, providing them with the tools and guidance to bring their ideas to life.
In addition to her work in drug prevention, Susan served as president of the Entertainment Industry Foundation and established a consulting firm that helped government agencies and nonprofits develop effective prevention programs and fundraising strategies. In her later years, she shifted her focus to broader advocacy efforts, including education, juvenile justice reform, conservation, and healthcare initiatives.
Susan Kendall Newman leaves behind a legacy of creativity and compassion, committed to making a difference in the world. Her contributions to both the entertainment industry and social causes will be remembered by many.
