After her divorce from Paul Newman in 1958, Jackie Witte chose not to remarry and remained single until she passed away at the age of 64 in 1993. Despite the passage of 35 years since her divorce from Paul, Jackie did not enter into a new marriage or relationship.
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The cause of Jackie Witte’s death was never publicly disclosed, and no official obituary was published. However, it is known that Jackie lived a life that some might consider unfulfilled, as her ambitions as a performer and artiste were hindered by the responsibilities of being a family woman. She devoted herself to caring for her children and ensuring their stability, which meant putting her own career aspirations on hold.
Though her marriage to Paul Newman was short-lived, it left a lasting impact on her life. Jackie remained dedicated to her role as a mother and led a private life away from the spotlight until her passing.
Table of Contents
Profile summary
| Full name | Jacqueline Witte |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | September 1929 |
| Date of death | 1994 |
| Zodiac sign | Virgo |
| Age at death | 64 years old |
| Place of birth | United States of America |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Hair colour | Blond |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Marital status | Divorced |
| Ex-husband | Paul Newman |
| Children | 3 |
| Profession | Actress, model |
Who was Jackie Witte?
Jackie Witte, an American actress, and model, was the first wife of the renowned actor, director, race car driver, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Paul Newman. They fell in love at a young age and married, sharing nearly ten years together from 1949 to 1958. However, their marriage eventually ended in divorce.
While Paul Newman is famously known for his faithful and devoted marriage to Joanne Woodward, his second wife, few are aware of the intriguing story behind his first marriage to Jackie Witte. Their relationship began before Paul’s rise to fame, and their love story took a different turn after their divorce.
How Did Jackie Witt Meet Paul Newman?
Jackie Witte and Paul Newman’s fateful encounter took place in a small town where they both happened to be engaged in summer stage work after the conclusion of World War II in 1949. At that time, Newman, a 24-year-old Navy veteran, had returned from his military service, while Witte, a captivating blonde with dark eyes and an impressive height, was a 19-year-old college student.
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As destiny brought them together, Witte and the talented actor found an instant and profound connection. Love blossomed, and they soon discovered their shared passion for acting, both aspiring to make a mark in the world of theater. Fueling their dreams, they made a joint decision to join a theatre company in Woodstock, Illinois, where their romance flourished despite the five-year age difference, and they began dating.
When Did Jackie Witte and Paul Newman Tie the Knot?
Witte and Newman’s love story blossomed rapidly, culminating in their marriage on December 27, 1949, just a few months after they met. However, rumors circulated, suggesting that their marriage was prompted by Jackie Witte’s pregnancy.
During this time, as Witte was expecting, the couple faced the dilemma of potentially giving up their theatrical pursuits. Simultaneously, Newman’s father passed away, compelling him to take on the responsibility of running the family business, which he had temporarily set aside to pursue acting. Consequently, the newlyweds relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where they welcomed their first child, Scott Newman, in 1950.
Paul Newman and Jackie Witte’s Children
During their 9-year marriage from 1949 to 1958, Paul Newman and Jackie Witte were blessed with three children: Allan Scott Newman, Susan Newman, and Nell Newman.
Their first child, Scott, was born on September 23, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio. Tragically, Scott passed away on November 20, 1978, due to an accidental drug-and-alcohol overdose. Before his untimely death, he pursued a career as an actor and stuntman, following in the footsteps of many of his family members.
Susan, their second child, briefly ventured into the acting world, featuring in her father’s 1977 film “Slap Shot” and later appearing in other films such as “A Wedding.” However, she eventually found her passion in film production.
As for their youngest daughter, Stephanie Newman, she charted her own unique path. Described by her elder sister as a “free-spirited farmer-writer-painter,” Stephanie chose to explore her interests in farming, writing, and painting, steering away from the family’s Hollywood legacy.
Did Having Children Affect Jackie Witte’s Career?
After their marriage, Jackie Witte and Paul Newman faced challenges as they navigated the responsibilities of parenthood and their budding careers. With each subsequent child, the pressures increased, making it difficult for Jackie to continue pursuing her acting career. Instead, she sought modeling gigs to support their growing family.
Meanwhile, Paul Newman was accepted into Yale University for a master’s program in theater, with the backup plan of teaching if his acting career didn’t take off. They ventured into the unknown, with Jackie frequently traveling to New York in search of modeling opportunities.
While Jackie became a successful full-time model, her modeling career came to an end when she became pregnant with their second child, Susan Newman. This further added to their growing family responsibilities.
Despite dropping out of Yale, Paul Newman decided to give acting another try. He persevered and started landing minor roles on television, slowly building his career. Eventually, his talent led him to a role in the Broadway play “Picnic,” where he was also an understudy for the lead actor. With time, Paul’s acting career began to flourish, setting the stage for his future success in the entertainment industry.
Jackie Witte’s movies
There are no movies credited to Jackie Witte as she did not pursue a career in acting. Her dream of becoming an actress remained unfulfilled as she passed away in 1993. The details surrounding her cause of death remain undisclosed to the public.
Tragically, Jackie Witte and Paul Newman’s first son, Scott Newman, also faced a heartbreaking fate, succumbing to a drug overdose in November 1978. Despite the challenges they endured, Jackie was a devoted wife and mother during her marriage to Paul Newman.
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Paul Newman, a renowned actor, director, and philanthropist, later died of lung cancer at his home in Westport, Connecticut, on September 26, 2008. While Jackie Witte may not have pursued a career in movies, her role as a loving partner and mother left a significant impact on her family’s life.
Jackie Witte and Paul Newman Divorced in 1958
In 1958, Jackie Witte and Paul Newman’s marriage came to an end. Despite the birth of their third child, Stephanie Newman, their relationship was already falling apart. Paul’s new film role in Manhattan kept him away from Jackie and closer to Joanne Woodward, the woman who would eventually capture his heart.
As Paul spent time away from his family, he grew closer to Joanne, leaving Jackie feeling abandoned and heartbroken. Raising three children on her own became a demanding task, leading Jackie to give up her acting career to focus on her motherly duties. However, this decision further distanced Paul from her, as acting was his passion and priority.
Eventually, Paul confessed to Jackie that he was in love with Joanne and intended to spend the rest of his life with her. Despite Jackie’s hope of reconciliation, news of Joanne’s pregnancy confirmed that it was time to let go. Reluctantly, Jackie Witte signed the divorce papers in 1958, allowing Paul Newman to marry Joanne and start a new life with her in Connecticut, away from the public eye.
