Celebrity
Who Was Jackie Witte? Paul Newman’s First Wife and Forgotten Love
Published
4 days agoon
By
Admin
Before Paul Newman became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, there was a young woman quietly standing by his side — her name was Jackie Witte. While most people know about Paul’s famous marriage to actress Joanne Woodward, very few remember the woman he married first.
Jackie Witte was not just “Paul Newman’s first wife.” She was a young dreamer, a hopeful actress, and a devoted mother who gave up her dreams to support the man she loved. In today’s article, we’ll walk through her full story — from how she met Paul, their early married life, their children, and the quiet life she chose after their divorce. Her story is touching, real, and often forgotten — but it matters.
Let’s take a closer look at the life of Jackie Witte, Paul Newman’s first wife and forgotten love.
Jackie Witte Quick Bio
Full Name | Jacqueline Emily Witte |
Famous As | Paul Newman’s first wife |
Date of Birth | September 15, 1929 |
Place of Birth | Cook County, Illinois, USA |
Date of Death | May 19, 1994 |
Age at Death | 64 years old |
Cause of Death | Not publicly revealed |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | White |
Hair Color | Blonde |
Eye Color | Brown |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Ex-Husband | Paul Newman |
Marriage Date | December 27, 1949 |
Divorce Date | January 28, 1958 |
Children | Scott, Susan, and Stephanie Newman |
Profession | Actress and Model |
Known For | Being Paul Newman’s first wife and mother of his first three children |
Net Worth | Unknown (lived privately after divorce) |
Death Place | New York City, USA |
Who was Jackie Witte?
Jackie Witte was born on September 15, 1929, in Cook County, Illinois. She grew up in a simple, working-class family and was raised with strong values. Her father owned a meat market, and Jackie had big dreams of becoming something more — an actress.
She had dark eyes, light hair, and was known for her calm and quiet nature. People described her as shy and serious. She wasn’t interested in fame or attention. Instead, she loved books, theater, and deep conversations.
Before she met Paul Newman, Jackie was trying to build a life in the theater world. She acted in small local plays and was planning to become a model or stage actress. She was just starting out when her life suddenly changed.
Jackie Witte and Paul Newman’s First Meeting
Jackie met Paul Newman in the summer of 1949. Both of them were working in summer theater — a common path for young actors trying to break into the industry. Jackie was just 19 years old, and Paul was 24 — a handsome Navy veteran with bright blue eyes and a charming personality.
It didn’t take long for them to fall in love. They were young, full of dreams, and excited about the future. Just a few months later, they got married on December 27, 1949.
Some people at the time thought Jackie might have been pregnant, but that wasn’t true. They simply couldn’t wait to start their life together. Their marriage began quietly, with very little money but lots of hope.
The Early Marriage Years
At first, life was not easy. Paul was still trying to make it as an actor, and Jackie was doing her best to support him. They moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where Paul helped run his late father’s business while studying acting at Yale. Jackie put her own career on hold and focused on being a wife.
Later, they moved to New York City so Paul could chase his acting dreams. Jackie worked as a model and sometimes traveled for work, but her main job became holding the family together.
Their life was simple and full of struggle, but Jackie stayed by Paul’s side. She believed in him. While he took acting classes, auditioned, and worked hard, Jackie cooked, cleaned, and supported him in every way.
Jackie Witte and Paul Newman’s Children
During their marriage, Jackie and Paul had three children. Their first child, Scott Newman, was born in 1950, followed by their daughter Susan Kendall Newman in 1953, and a third daughter, Stephanie Newman, in 1954.
Jackie became a full-time mother. She took care of the kids while Paul’s career slowly started to grow. Raising three young children while her husband was often away or working late wasn’t easy, but Jackie managed it quietly and with love.
She was known to be a hands-on parent, always putting her kids first. Her children were the center of her world — especially when Paul’s acting life became more demanding and their family time grew shorter.
The Struggles in Their Marriage
As Paul started gaining fame, the family’s life changed. He was getting more acting jobs and spending more time in Hollywood and New York City. Meanwhile, Jackie stayed home with the children, often feeling lonely and forgotten.
There were many nights Paul wasn’t home. He was busy with rehearsals, filming, and socializing with actors and writers. Jackie began to sense the distance growing between them. She wasn’t part of that glamorous world — and truthfully, she didn’t want to be.
Their marriage slowly became strained. Paul was surrounded by new people, new places, and new attention. Jackie was tired and emotionally stretched. She had given up her dreams, and now she felt like she was losing her husband too.
Paul Newman’s Affair and Divorce
Everything changed when Paul met Joanne Woodward in 1953. They worked together on the Broadway play Picnic, and soon, their friendship turned into something more. At first, Paul kept things quiet, but over time, it became clear that he had fallen in love with Joanne.
Jackie was heartbroken. She knew her marriage was in trouble, and the emotional pain was growing. Paul tried to balance his guilt and his growing feelings for Joanne, but in the end, he made a hard choice.
In 1958, Jackie and Paul divorced after nine years of marriage. That same year, Paul married Joanne. Jackie’s world changed forever — and she quietly stepped away from the spotlight, never to return.
Jackie Witte’s Life After Divorce
After her marriage with Paul Newman ended, Jackie Witte chose to step away from everything — the media, the spotlight, and the Hollywood world. She quietly began a new life, far away from fame. She focused fully on her children and kept her personal life very private.
Unlike Paul, who soon married Joanne and stayed in the public eye, Jackie never remarried. There are no reports or interviews showing she dated or found love again. It seems she decided to stay single and live a calm, quiet life. Many say she never wanted fame — she only wanted peace for her and her kids.
Jackie never gave interviews or tried to correct how people remembered her. She simply disappeared from the public, showing how much she valued privacy over attention.
What Happened to Jackie Witte?
Jackie Witte passed away on May 19, 1994, in New York City. She was 64 years old. Her cause of death was never shared with the public. Her family kept those details private — just like she had lived most of her life.
Even today, very little is known about her final years. She was not seen in the news or on television. She didn’t write a book or give interviews. She stayed completely out of the public eye.
Jackie’s story mostly lives on through old photos, quiet memories, and the children she raised. She may not have been famous, but her role in Paul Newman’s life and legacy will never be forgotten.
Jackie Witte’s Legacy and Memory
Jackie Witte may not be remembered like Joanne Woodward, but her place in Paul Newman’s life was important. She was the woman who stood by him during his early years — the years full of struggle, hope, and uncertainty.
She gave up her own dreams to support him. She raised three children mostly on her own while Paul chased his acting career. And when things fell apart, she accepted it quietly and moved on with grace.
In 2022, her story was briefly told in the documentary The Last Movie Stars, which used old family interviews. Even in that film, Jackie’s presence felt quiet and gentle — just like her real life. This helped people remember that Paul Newman’s journey started with Jackie Witte by his side.
The Children She Raised, Where Are They Now?
Jackie Witte and Paul Newman’s children each had different paths in life. Their son, Scott Newman, tried acting and appeared in films like The Towering Inferno. Sadly, he died in 1978 at age 28 from a drug and alcohol overdose after a motorcycle accident. His death deeply hurt Paul, who later started the Scott Newman Center to help kids learn about the dangers of drugs.
Their daughter, Susan Kendall Newman, became a TV producer and later worked in charity and activism. She was known for fighting for education, health, and conservation. In 2022, she even filed a lawsuit with her sister Nell against the Newman’s Own Foundation, saying it wasn’t honoring their father’s wishes. She passed away in August 2025 at age 72.
Their third child, Stephanie Newman, chose a quiet life away from media. She has never been in the public eye and seems to have followed her mother’s path of privacy.
Jackie Witte vs. Joanne Woodward
Jackie Witte and Joanne Woodward were very different. Joanne became a Hollywood star, while Jackie disappeared from view. Joanne was seen in magazines and red carpets. Jackie was only seen in old photos.
But both women shaped Paul Newman’s life. Jackie was there in the beginning — when there was no fame, no money, and no big movie deals. Joanne came later, when Paul was already famous. People often forget Jackie, but she helped build the foundation for everything that came after.
There’s no need to compare them harshly. Each had her place in Paul’s story. But Jackie Witte’s story reminds us that not all heroes are in the spotlight.
Final Thoughts
Jackie Witte may have been forgotten by many, but her quiet strength tells a powerful story. She loved, supported, and sacrificed. She raised her children with care. She stayed strong even when her marriage ended and fame passed her by.
She never spoke out. She never complained. She simply chose a life of peace.
Today, when we remember Paul Newman’s legacy, we should also take a moment to remember Jackie Witte — the first woman who stood beside him, believed in him, and helped him start the journey that made him a legend.
Her story may not be loud, but it’s full of heart. And it deserves to be told.
(FAQs)
What was Jackie Witte’s cause of death?
No one knows for sure. Jackie Witte passed away in 1994 at age 64, but her cause of death was never made public. Her family kept it completely private.
How many children did Jackie Witte have with Paul Newman?
She had three children with Paul Newman — Scott, Susan, and Stephanie. Shockingly, two of them (Scott and Susan) have now passed away.
Did Jackie Witte ever act in movies?
Not really. Despite dreaming of being an actress, Jackie Witte never made it to Hollywood. She gave up her career early and focused on raising her children.
How much was Jackie Witte’s net worth?
No exact number is known. Jackie stayed out of the spotlight after her divorce, and her personal earnings were never shared. But her ex-husband, Paul Newman, was worth $80 million.
When did Jackie Witte marry Paul Newman — and when did they divorce?
They married on December 27, 1949, and divorced on January 28, 1958. Their marriage lasted 9 years — and ended when Paul fell in love with Joanne Woodward.

When Is It Time to Replace Your HVAC System Instead of Repairing It?

Everything You Need to Know About Identity and Access Management

Will AI Ad Generators Make Human Copywriters Obsolete?

Andre Hakkak Net Worth 2025: Biography, Luxury House, Wife, and Life Today

Who Was Frances Yarborough? The Truth About Don Knotts’ Last Wife

Choosing the Right Furniture Delivery Software in 2026

Adapting to Brexit and Currency Changes: How UK Amazon Sellers Can Stay Competitive

Serrapeptase Liver Connection: Improve Your Liver Function Naturally

How Your Dating Perceptions Change As You Get Older

Roof Replacement and Repair Experts Proudly Serving the Heart of Texas Communities

Curious About JOI Database? Read This First Before You Click Anything

Should You Use Wooflix in 2025? Honest Review and Best Alternatives

Where Is Noelle Watters Now? Jesse Watters’ Ex-Wife’s Life After Divorce

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell: The Inspiring Story of Jerry Rice’s Ex-Wife

ECMISS: The Intelligent System Behind Smarter Everything

Who Is Marlene Knaus? The Untold Story of Niki Lauda’s First Wife

Is F2Movies Safe to Use? The Truth Nobody Tells You

Who Is Raquel Pedraza? Meet Taylor Fritz’s Tennis Star Ex-Wife

Alisande Ullman Today: What Happened After Her Divorce from Leslie Nielsen?

Where Is Anne Steves Now? The Truth About Rick Steves’ Ex-Wife

When Is It Time to Replace Your HVAC System Instead of Repairing It?

Everything You Need to Know About Identity and Access Management

Will AI Ad Generators Make Human Copywriters Obsolete?

Andre Hakkak Net Worth 2025: Biography, Luxury House, Wife, and Life Today

Who Was Frances Yarborough? The Truth About Don Knotts’ Last Wife

Choosing the Right Furniture Delivery Software in 2026

Adapting to Brexit and Currency Changes: How UK Amazon Sellers Can Stay Competitive

Serrapeptase Liver Connection: Improve Your Liver Function Naturally

How Your Dating Perceptions Change As You Get Older

Roof Replacement and Repair Experts Proudly Serving the Heart of Texas Communities
Categories
Trending
-
Entertainment3 months ago
Curious About JOI Database? Read This First Before You Click Anything
-
Entertainment3 months ago
Should You Use Wooflix in 2025? Honest Review and Best Alternatives
-
Celebrity2 months ago
Where Is Noelle Watters Now? Jesse Watters’ Ex-Wife’s Life After Divorce
-
Celebrity1 month ago
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell: The Inspiring Story of Jerry Rice’s Ex-Wife