Paul Newman's daughter Susan Kendall Newman, known for her work in film and extensive philanthropy, died on August 2, 2025, at age 72 from complications related to chronic health conditions. Her family announced her passing in early October, revealing that the actress and producer had struggled with ongoing health issues.
Newman was the second child of legendary actor Paul Newman and his first wife Jackie Witte, launching a career that spanned theater, film, and television production. Her death marks the loss of a talented artist who used her platform to champion social causes and carry forward her family's legacy of giving back.
Early Career and Notable Film Roles
Beginning her career in theater, Newman appeared in both Broadway and off-Broadway productions. One of her early roles was in Jerry Adler's 1975 play "We Interrupt This Program," though the production had a brief run, closing after just seven performances.
Her breakthrough came in 1978 when she appeared in director Robert Zemeckis' "I Wanna Hold Your Hand," portraying one of six teenagers attempting to sneak into the Beatles' iconic first performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1964. She also worked alongside her father in the 1977 sports comedy "Slap Shot," where she played a small role as a pharmacist while Paul Newman starred as a minor league ice hockey coach.
Newman expanded her range by appearing in Robert Altman's 1978 satirical comedy-drama "A Wedding," sharing the screen with notable actors including Desi Arnaz Jr., Carol Burnett, and Geraldine Chaplin.
Award-Winning Production Work
Newman's talents extended beyond acting into producing, where she earned significant recognition. She produced the ABC Theatre presentation of Michael Cristofer's Pulitzer Prize-winning play "The Shadow Box" in 1980, which was directed by her father and starred her stepmother, Joanne Woodward, alongside Canadian actor Christopher Plummer.
Her production career garnered impressive accolades, including a Golden Globe, a Humanitas Award, and nominations for Emmy, Peabody, and Grammy Awards. She also produced an audiobook series of classical literature for Simon & Schuster, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album for Children.
Dedication to Philanthropy and Social Causes
Following the tragic death of her brother Scott Newman from a drug overdose, Susan's life took a decisive turn toward philanthropy in 1980. She became deeply involved with the Scott Newman Foundation, which her father established to address substance abuse issues.
Through this work, Newman spoke frequently at the Betty Ford Center, advised the California Department of Education on addressing media influence on substance use, and oversaw the creation of educational resources. Her efforts earned recognition from former First Ladies Betty Ford and Nancy Reagan.
Newman's philanthropic reach extended far beyond substance abuse prevention. She served as president of the Entertainment Industry Foundation and founded the Newman Consulting Company. In her later years, she focused on education, juvenile justice, conservation, and healthcare issues.
According to her obituary, "She was instrumental in shaping the philanthropic strategies of a private foundation and took pride in helping identify impactful grassroots organizations, support at-risk communities often overlooked by mainstream philanthropy and develop innovative approaches to disaster relief through local endowments".
A Lasting Legacy
Newman's family remembered her as "a lifelong philanthropist and social activist devoted to civil rights, conservation education, and anti-war and nuclear disarmament efforts". They added that she "will be remembered for her sharp wit and tongue, generosity and love, and her devotion to family and friends. She will be very much missed".
Her death comes 17 years after her father Paul Newman passed away in 2008. The elder Newman, a former Westport, Connecticut resident, was best known for his iconic roles in films including "The Color of Money," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "The Hustler," and "Cool Hand Luke," and his impact through conservation and philanthropy continues to be felt throughout Connecticut.
Susan Kendall Newman's life represented a commitment to using her privilege and platform for meaningful social change, carrying forward her family's tradition of giving back while carving out her own legacy as an artist and advocate for those often overlooked by mainstream society.
Sources
1. Susan Kendall Newman cause of death - Hindustan Times
2. [PDF] Addiction, Culture, and Narrative During the War on Drugs
3. Susan Newman Obituary (2025) - Los Angeles, CA - Legacy.com
4. Susan Newman, daughter of CT's Paul Newman, dies at the age of 72
