Susan Kendall Newman, the daughter of legendary actor Paul Newman, has died at the age of 72. The actress and producer passed away on August 2, 2025, due to complications from chronic health conditions, according to an obituary released in October.
Newman began her career in the arts, appearing in stage productions and films. She rose to fame starring in the 1978 film I Wanna Hold Your Hand, which depicted six teenagers desperate to see The Beatles' first performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. She also appeared in Slap Shot and A Wedding, the latter featuring her father.
As a television producer, Newman earned an Emmy nomination for her work on The Shadow Box, directed by her father and starring her stepmother, Joanne Woodward. She also produced an audiobook series of classical literature, earning a Grammy nomination for best spoken word album for children.
In later years, Newman focused on philanthropy and activism, supporting civil rights, conservation, education, and healthcare. She collaborated with the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and VoteRiders on election protection, supported environmental preservation in Big Sur, and funded melanoma prevention and leukaemia research at Oregon Health & Science University.
Newman is survived by her family. Her obituary described her as having a 'sharp wit and tongue, generosity and love, and her devotion to family and friends.' She was the daughter of Paul Newman and his first wife, Jackie Witte.
