Hollywood Legend Paul Newman’s Talented Daughter Passes Away: Tributes Flood In

Susan Kendall Newman, the actor, producer, activist, and eldest daughter of Hollywood icon Paul Newman, has died at 72. Her family confirmed the news in an obituary published in The New York Times (as reported by the Independent), noting that she passed away on August 2 from complications related to chronic health conditions.

(Photo by Universal Pictures/Getty Images)

“Susan Kendall Newman 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 family shared in a heartfelt statement, published in The Independent.

Born in New York City in 1953 to Paul Newman and his first wife, Jackie Witte, Susan built a remarkable career that extended far beyond her famous last name — leaving a legacy as a talented performer, producer, and tireless advocate for social causes.

From Stage to Screen: A Promising Acting Career

Susan began her career in theater, performing in both on- and off-Broadway productions before leaping into film. In 1978, she landed her breakout role in Robert Zemeckis’s “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” portraying Peggy Sue, one of several teenage Beatles fans determined to meet the band during their legendary 1964 appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

She went on to appear in “Slap Shot” (1977) and “A Wedding” (1978), earning praise for her grounded, relatable performances.

Later, Susan transitioned behind the camera, producing the acclaimed television film “The Shadow Box” (1980), which was directed by her father and starred her stepmother, Oscar-winning Joanne Woodward.

This project earned her an Emmy nomination and further cemented her creative legacy.

A Lifelong Advocate for Public Health & Education

In 1980, Newman joined the Scott Newman Foundation, established by her father after her brother Scott’s death in 1978 from a drug overdose. As Executive Director, she became a prominent voice in drug prevention and public education, advising federal agencies and testifying before Congress.

She oversaw groundbreaking initiatives like “Drug-Free Kids: A Parent’s Guide” and a student-driven anti-drug PSA program that aired winning commercials nationwide. Her dedication earned her recognition across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Mexico.

Newman later founded the Newman Consulting Company, where she guided nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies on outreach and prevention programs. As per IMDB, she also produced a Grammy-nominated audiobook series for Simon & Schuster, with proceeds benefiting family literacy efforts.

Her activism expanded to include education, juvenile justice, conservation, and healthcare, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. She worked on environmental preservation projects in Big Sur, supported leukemia and melanoma research, and contributed to election protection initiatives.

(Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Susan is survived by her sister, Stephanie, 71, and her half-sisters Nell, Melissa, and Clea from Paul Newman’s marriage to Joanne Woodward. In a 2015 Vanity Fair interview, Susan spoke candidly about tensions with Newman’s Own Foundation leadership after her father’s passing in 2008.

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