Joanne Woodward
“A subtle, fiercely intelligent actress who chose the character study over the spotlight.”
A young Southern actress under contract to Fox, Woodward broke through playing a woman with three distinct personalities in 'The Three Faces of Eve.' The bravura performance won her the 1957 Best Actress Oscar and established her as a serious dramatic star.
Georgia Roots
Born Joanne Gignilliat Trimmier Woodward in Thomasville, Georgia, she trained in New York theatre. A Fox contract led to film roles built on nuanced, complex women.
Eve and the Oscar
In 'The Three Faces of Eve' (1957) she gave three personalities distinct voices and gestures, winning the Best Actress Oscar. She famously wore a dress she had sewn herself to the ceremony.
A Hollywood Marriage
She married Paul Newman in 1958 and they often worked together, including 'Rachel, Rachel,' which he directed. Their partnership lasted 50 years until his death in 2008.
Career Timeline
- 1930Born in Thomasville, Georgia
- 1953Understudies in Broadway's 'Picnic'; meets Paul Newman
- 1955Makes feature film debut
- 1957Stars in 'The Three Faces of Eve'
- 1958Wins Best Actress Oscar; marries Paul Newman
- 1958Co-stars with Newman in 'The Long, Hot Summer'
- 1968Newman directs her in 'Rachel, Rachel'
- 1973Stars in 'Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams'
- 1990Stars in 'Mr. & Mrs. Bridge' with Newman
- 2008Newman dies after 50 years of marriage
Biggest Hits
- She is the only Best Actress winner to date to accept the Oscar in a gown she sewed herself.
- She and Paul Newman met as cast members of the Broadway play 'Picnic' in 1953.
The Moment You Remember
Audiences still marvel at her shifts among three distinct personalities in The Three Faces of Eve, each transition achieved through posture and voice rather than makeup, announcing a major dramatic talent.
Portrait: MGM · Public domain (pre-1978, no copyright notice) · via Wikimedia Commons