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Joanne Woodward: The Real Face of Eve
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Joanne Woodward, born on February 27, 1930, in Thomasville, Georgia, is an acclaimed American actress known for her nuanced portrayals of complex women and her Oscar-winning performance in "The Three Faces of Eve" (1957). Her illustrious career spans decades across film, television, and theater, marked by numerous accolades and a long-standing marriage to fellow actor Paul Newman.
Early Life with Acting Aspirations
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Joanne Woodward's early life was shaped by her mother's love of movies and her own passion for acting. Born in Thomasville, Georgia, to Wade Woodward Jr., a school administrator, and Elinor Woodward, an avid film enthusiast, Joanne was named after Joan Crawford
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. Her childhood was marked by frequent moves, living in various Georgia towns before settling in Greenville, South Carolina, after her parents' divorce3
. Woodward's early exposure to the entertainment world came at age nine when she attended the Atlanta premiere of "Gone with the Wind," where she boldly sat on Laurence Olivier's lap3
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. This early brush with stardom foreshadowed her future success, including her Academy Award-winning performance portraying distinct personalities in "The Three Faces of Eve," a role that would showcase her ability to depict dissociative identity disorder with remarkable depth4
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Breakthrough: "The Three Faces of Eve"
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Joanne Woodward's breakthrough came in the 1950s, first through television appearances on shows like "Goodyear Playhouse" and "Hitchcock Presents," before transitioning to film
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. Her career-defining role arrived in 1957 with "The Three Faces of Eve," where she portrayed a woman with dissociative identity disorder, showcasing three distinct personalities2
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. This powerful performance earned Woodward the Academy Award for Best Actress, raising her to stardom and establishing her as one of Hollywood's most versatile talents2
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Her success in this title role not only demonstrated her exceptional acting range but also set the stage for a remarkable career that would span decades and include collaborations with her future husband, Paul Newman1
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Joanne Woodward (Photos)
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Joanne Woodward's Filmography
Joanne Woodward's filmography showcases her versatility as an actress, with notable performances encompassing several decades. Her work includes collaborations with her husband Paul Newman and roles that earned her critical acclaim and awards.
Woodward's career also included notable television performances, such as her Emmy-winning role in "See How She Runs" (1978) and her portrayal of a schoolteacher in "The Glass Menagerie" (1987).
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Count Three and Pray | Lissy | Film debut |
| 1957 | The Three Faces of Eve | Eve White / Eve Black / Jane | Academy Award for Best Actress |
| 1958 | The Long, Hot Summer | Clara Varner | First film with Paul Newman |
| 1968 | Rachel, Rachel | Rachel Cameron | Golden Globe Award for Best Actress |
| 1973 | Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams | Rita Walden | BAFTA Award for Best Actress |
| 1990 | Mr. and Mrs. Bridge | India Bridge | Academy Award nomination |
| 1993 | Philadelphia | Sarah Beckett | Supporting role |
| 2005 | Empire Falls | Francine Whiting | Final on-screen role with Paul Newman |
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Joanne Woodward's Awards and Honors
Joanne Woodward's illustrious career has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors across film, television, and theater. Her accolades span several decades, highlighting her versatility and enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
Woodward's performances in television movies like "Sybil" (1976), where she played a psychiatrist treating a woman with dissociative identity disorder, further showcased her range and earned her additional nominations
| Award | Category | Work | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy Award | Best Actress | The Three Faces of Eve | 1958 |
| Emmy Award | Outstanding Lead Actress | See How She Runs | 1978 |
| Emmy Award | Outstanding Lead Actress | Do You Remember Love | 1985 |
| Golden Globe Award | Best Actress - Drama | The Three Faces of Eve | 1958 |
| Golden Globe Award | Best Actress - Drama | Rachel, Rachel | 1969 |
| BAFTA Award | Best Foreign Actress | Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams | 1974 |
| Screen Actors Guild Award | Life Achievement Award | Career Achievement | 1985 |
| Kennedy Center Honors | Lifetime Artistic Achievement | Career Achievement | 1992 |
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. Her collaborations with husband Paul Newman, both on-screen and in his directorial efforts, also garnered critical acclaim, though she maintained a distinct and celebrated career of her own2
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Joanne Woodward's Interviews (Videos)
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Iconic Performances and Roles
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Joanne Woodward's career is marked by a series of acclaimed performances across film and television productions. Her portrayal of Eve White/Eve Black/Jane in "The Three Faces of Eve" (1957) stands out as her most iconic role, showcasing her ability to depict distinct personalities and earning her an Academy Award
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. Woodward's versatility shone in "Rachel, Rachel" (1968), where she played a schoolteacher grappling with loneliness, directed by her husband Paul Newman1
. The couple's on-screen chemistry was evident in numerous movies, solidifying their status as a celebrity power couple2
. In television, Woodward delivered powerful performances in productions like "Sybil" (1976), where she played a psychiatrist treating a woman with dissociative identity disorder3
. Her collaboration with writer Stewart Stern resulted in the emotionally charged "Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams" (1973), further demonstrating her range as an actress1
. Throughout her career, Woodward balanced roles depicting complex family dynamics with appearances in numerous television programs, establishing herself as a respected movie star beyond her association with Newman4
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Joanne Woodward's Personal Life
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Joanne Woodward's personal life was deeply intertwined with her professional career, most notably through her 50-year marriage to actor Paul Newman. The couple met while working on the Broadway production of "Picnic" in 1953 and married in 1958, becoming one of Hollywood's most enduring and respected couples
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. Together, they collaborated on numerous films, including "The Long, Hot Summer" (1958) and "Mr. and Mrs. Bridge" (1990), showcasing their on-screen chemistry and off-screen partnership1
. Despite their fame, Woodward and Newman chose to raise their family away from the Hollywood spotlight in Westport, Connecticut, prioritizing privacy and normalcy for their three daughters2
. In recent years, Woodward has faced health challenges, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 20073
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. Her condition has reportedly progressed, with recent reports suggesting she is receiving at-home hospice care, surrounded by her family4
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Closing Thoughts on Joanne Woodward
Joanne Woodward's Academy Award-winning performance in the title role of "The Three Faces of Eve," portraying distinct personalities of a woman with dissociative identity disorder, showcased her exceptional range as an actress. Woodward's collaborations with her husband Paul Newman, both on-screen and off, cemented their status as Hollywood's power couple. From her early days as a schoolteacher's daughter to her roles in iconic movies like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (where Newman starred alongside Robert Redford), Woodward's performances consistently captivated audiences. Her versatility shone through in various roles, from troubled mothers to complex book characters brought to life. Woodward's ability to portray multifaceted characters, whether in television dramas or feature films, earned her multiple Academy Award nominations and other accolades. Her enduring partnership with Newman, both in their personal lives and professional collaborations, serves as a testament to their commitment to family and craft, inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers.
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