Paul and Joanne : a biography of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward
Joe Morella, Edward Z. Epstein (Author)
This is a sympathetic, never invasive biography of the private lives and careers of the Newmans. While maintaining a consistently interesting and entertaining dual biography, Morella and Epstein decide not to print one speck of dirt about prickly Paul and loyal Joanne in their nearly 30-year marriage. The Newmans spend much time separated by their projects but the worst that comes to light regarding their private lives are verbal battles; Paul's giving up the hard stuff in midcareer; the drug problems of some of their six children and son Scott's fatal overdose; Paul's jousting with the press; and his deep commitment to the dangerous sport of auto. The authors follow the growth of the couple's artistic natures from project to project--with every film, play, and TV drama accounted for and discussed--Paul's long wait for an Oscar to balance Joanne's early one, their politicking, his personal investment in his salad-oil/popcorn/spaghetti-sauce empire, and his ties with the Actors Studio. His work as a director is measured and admired as is Woodward's multi-award-winning stage and TV career. She thinks Paul the best director she's ever had, and he thinks she's one socko thespian. A solid and winning bio with a light touch
Print Book, English, ©1988
Delacorte Press, New York, N.Y., ©1988