Melissa Newman interview about her father Paul Newman

I interviewed Melissa Newman about her father Paul Newman and her relationship with him. We discussed this book The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man : A Memoir that she and her sister Clea worked years to write distilling it from 14,000 pages of transcripts Paul Newman had recorded. This unforgettable and extraordinary memoir, is a breathtakingly honest mea culpa from a complicated man striving to excavate his demons. Joanne Woodward, his wife of 50 years, says, "I used to think the only peace Paul ever found was that peace he used to find in being dead drunk."

[@Historian212]

I had a friend whose 10-year-old son developed cancer. He was able to take his son to the Hole-in-the-Wall camp. My friend said the camp was absolutely wonderful, great for his son (who recovered, thank God), and was so thankful for it. Paul Newman really provided an example for other wealthy people to follow in giving back.

[@lindamcfadden5522]

They were two great actors. I know her mother is in her 90's. I really admire this 61 year old daughter.

[@wandarask8444]

How beautiful your son is going well.

[@deborrastrom8559]

As a Nurse, I was asked to work at the H.I.W. camp. Had too busy of a schedule & could NOT do it..but always wanted to do that.

[@hdnft4633]

I happened upon the documentary and did a deep dive on Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Paul Newman’s memoir is a great read. I love listening to this interview. Thank you!

[@bondjane007]

I was lucky enough to meet your dad, Paul at the Indi 500. I was dating the guy in charge of all the camera crew, so I got a neck tag & rode around up close & personal! I got to ride up, purely by accident to the Club House only with Paul.!! The "cars" held only 2 people at a time. They were on some kind of tracks. I know he didn't care for people to ask for his autograph.He would always tell people he'd rather talk to them than sign his name on a piece of paper. So he & I talked, & of course it was about sports car racing, his favorite passion even over acting! We chatted like 2 old friends who happen to love cars. Never forget that moment with your dad, Paul Newman!

[@delythhirtle6827]

Melissa is a fabulous jazz singer. Heard her singing live many times, and she is so modest and gracious

[@debrapollice8892]

Wonderful conversation, I plan to order the book today. 🇨🇦❤

[@lorettanericcio-bohlman567]

Looking forward to reading this. Simply adored your mother especially in Paris Blues 💕. Refreshing interview

[@meidassecondsoprano150]

Ms. Newman, You are an excellent interviewee❤ Please don’t apologize for being gifted tangential thinker. It is a sign of giftedness and a great intellect that often isn’t explained well to young girls, no matter who they are. I was a teacher of gifted and talented girls who had amazing intellects and were similar to you!!! BRAVA !! Anyone can move from A to B to C. You are able to sculpt because of your same gifts!

[@btimec5290]

Still sad about Paul. I watched the series and just finished the book. Loved them. Thank you Melissa. So good you and the family put the book out.

[@marthamagee2055]

Thank you Melissa for your intelligent authenticity. I look forward to this book which sounds like a major opus of stories about your life being the child of two Hollywood icons that really matter.

[@lynnturman8157]

That just made me cry when she said she pre-mourned her dad's passing. That he was so fragile, he couldn't live without Joanne. What a great interview. I've been a huge Paul Newman fan since I was 10 years old & saw him in the Sting in 1974. I've seen 95% of his movies, seen most of his interviews, watched all the documentaries on him. But I've never felt I've known him better than I do now after this interview/conversation. This book is a must read for me.

[@joycegibbs5267]

imagine having legends like Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward as your parents. I would constantly shout it from the rooftops. What lovely children they seem to be also. So down-to-earth and gentle. Paul is one of my favourite actors. We was just so natural.

[@ritafranco3020]

After watching the bio of the Newman’s on HBO, it was refreshing to hear Melissa Newman’s perspective & how authentic & grounded she seems to be considering how she talks about her life growing up & the chaos that ensued.As someone who idolized & was probably obsessed with both of her parents as talented actors,it’s a good reminder that fame & fortune can’t make you whole. Each of us has to do that work.

[@betsyakalovvbugg9095]

Pleasant interview! She says “”you know “ so often I just wanted to tell her, “no, I don’t! That’s why I’m listening…” very realistic, for the most part.

[@MarielleStowe]

That repetitive "you know" really spoilt it for me.

[@pavlaustinov600]

This was amazing! I fell upon it completely by accident. I was particularly interested in the topic of identity.. I too grew up under the umbrella of fame, in fact our parents were good friends since I was little. I too want to come and lie on your couch! My father and Paul made a film together. When I was about 12 Paul asked me to give him a ski lesson (they were staying with us) that’s a story in itself... A big thank you to you both.

[@lynnturman8157]

Is your dad Peter Ustinov?

[@loramuer9314]

He was my favorite actor ever since I was a little girl not only for his good looks but because he was an astonishingly talented! He was brilliant in the movie Hud!

[@patrickmoriarty7273]

Melissa is a really grounded person just like her parents. I’m buying her book sounds like a great read ~ great interview ~ Thank You 🙏

[@carlanegri1102]

I appreciate this immensely, so much resonance. I was proud to be a participant in the "Make A Difference Day" competition that is sponsored by your father's charity org. It was a great volunteerism project and I loved being able to talk about your Dad's connection. THANK YOU

[@daren7079]

I have always admired Melissa's father! The book was excellent! I actually donated my copy to the local public library so others could enjoy Paul's excellent book! He was such a generous person! As a Special Education teacher I loved how he set up Summer Camps for Children with cancer! I buy many of his outstanding products ! Love the Peach Salsa, pizzas, and salad dressings too! Feels so good to buy those products that help so many people! You father and mom are fantastic people! Not many people in Hollywood can keep their marriages together like JoAnn and Paul Newman managed to do ! 🥰🥰🥰Growing up in Connecticut was probably the reason!

[@marthamagee2055]

That's nice. Thank you. 😍🤙

[@Maryloubeeck1943]

So sad, Anonlee, that this remark is your synopsis of this interview. To me Melissa honestly portrayed the good and bad of being the child of super popular actors; I didn't get the feeling at all that she was feeling sorry for herself, she was just stating raw truth. I like her very much and wish for her a heart at peace!

[@LaniAnne402]

This is a surprise for me! I’m happy to learn that there is a new book to read. Because of COVID19, I began reading more. Thank you for writing this memoir. I have to wait until Tuesday to bring this work of love home! 🎉❤

[@LaniAnne402]

Was surprised by the book. It’s a very humble description of her dad and family. I was expecting it to include much more racy information. It is a kind, humble view of Paul Newmans life. He was a regular guy with a beautiful smile, ice blue eyes and down to earth way of expressing himself. Thank you for sharing your experience as a daughter of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.

[@kerrieboughton53]

You have a lovely voice miss Newman I loved your dad and Steve mequeen I miss the old movies from Australia

[@Mamadukee1]

Steve's McQueen still alive in all his wonderful films, please look up a great Steve McQueen film set in England it's called the War lover, Steve dominates start to finish ,have a great day from Coventry 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😁

[@ubiestinsula]

What a lovely interview! Newman and Woodward always left me star struck. Now, to have been introduced to one of their daughters (a true treasure like her parents) has been a great pleasure. Thank you, Julia Samuel, for a penetrating and moving interview. Well done!

[@mollypinto4666]

Thank you for making me feel better. I have this problem to. So much to say and lose track. What a wonderful interview. Thank you both beautiful people. You're so original Mellisa. God bless 💗

[@JustCallMeLiberty]

Oh my the host of the show looks like Joanne Woodward IMO

[@oneseeker2]

I enjoyed this interview.

[@zamiadams4343]

Fantastic interview, thanks!

[@marymayer8304]

Thank you for this interview. Loved hearing about the lives of your talented parents. 😊👏

[@srl3360]

Good interview and a great book on the insight to Paul, family and friends. Thank you.

[@izzy9132]

With this interview I really want to read this book. What a fascinating couple they were both together and individually to me who saw them a lot as a baby boomer. Everyone's back stories including myself offers so much insight into our complexities and what Melissa has said is really interesting. Thanks for upload this video. I'll now go searching for the book.

[@karencooney7911]

So happy I stumbled across this - thoroughly enjoyed the chat ladies & have now ordered the book , thank you 😊

[@meidassecondsoprano150]

Wonderful interview. Thank you❤

[@janemmb]

Julia, excellent interview. When I first saw you both I thought that you were related. You look like the Newman’s/Woodward’s 😘😘😘🤗

[@krishender]

Such a fascinating and interesting conversation/interview !!

[@pupikatz8442]

Thanks for the wonderful interview!

[@SugarWildflower-si4ox]

Loved the book. ❤

[@mattdrago4660]

Melissa is wonderful. I really enjoyed this.

[@moyagreene9590]

Melissa is a clear eyed and thoughtful commentator on her parents lives and art. Too bad she was interrupted so many times by the interviewer!

[@marthamagee2055]

She wasn't. It's an interview. Melissa talked 75% of the time. The interviewer came in here and there but graciously gave Melissa the floor in this conversation.

[@patriciafry8634]

Totally agree that the interviewer should not have kept interrupting!! The interviewer cut her off many times when she was saying something interesting, and changed the subject on her. Usually to how did fame affect you. Wish she had let Melissa finish!!

[@lisaripley2363]

Wonderful interview

[@mayrafernandez7303]

I can Only say a thank you to all of you.❤

[@judypasqualone3819]

Wonderful interview..so personal and awareness in getting to know her Dad in this way. Thank you Melissa. You were so open and interesting. ❤️

[@marcashton100]

So good, thank you and Melissa is brilliant - the specks of dust (and glitter) that have contributed to the realization of the memoir are greatly appreciated; powerful honest stuff, and important heart warming solace for those of us who have similar experiences.

[@bethelle9099]

Nice to have come upon this interview! No matter how we came into this world or by whom, everyone has their challenges and growing up sure has a lot of ins and outs and ups and downs. Paul was the biggest star of his day so I can imagine feeling as though you are paling in comparison as a child. Part of why it shows, much too much is made of so called Hollywood stars. But Paul did so much philanthropic work he is to be commended on that. Yes Melissa, as far as dust goes, the Bible says that even the nations of the world are as dust on God's scales of justice. In the scheme of the universe, we do seem like nothing. It is love and the love we give, that elevates mere humans, above the sky, the moon, the stars, the sun and beyond! The best to you and yours!

[@doriemckay6935]

Melissa so favors her dad's looks. It's uncanny. Love her smile.

[@dorothyblair6741]

I think she has features from both her parents, but I see Joanne Woodward more than Paul Newman in her face.

[@debbiedean3165]

I love this interview-so deep and pertinent to my, or many peoples lives/families 😊 Thank you both

[@wandarask8444]

The lady in red looks like Paul Newman's wife. Lovely interview Thankyou ladies From Australia

[@josalmon4742]

You look like Paul, Melissa, very pretty, and I enjoyed your viewpoint on your life.

[@mildredrharmon4032]

My papaw could have passed as paul Newman's twin in the young days!!! ❤️

[@sueraiders]

Melissa looks like her father and I see a little bit of her mom Joanna. Paul Newman was the coolest so good looking such a great actor just like people say nothing is forever but he’ll never be forgotten how could you forget the face of his all the women were crazy about him. 🙏🏻 cool hand Luke, he was cool.

[@marthamagee2055]

The interviewer bears an uncanny resemblance to Joanne Woodward.

[@katgirlblue]

I was thinking the same!

[@christinascibetta1043]

I thought so too!

[@stephanieklemetsrud6781]

When the screens came on I thought,” Oh my God, she looks just like her Mother!” I thought the interviewer was the daughter. Then I saw certain expressions the daughter made, I could see her dad. Really interesting interview.

[@RebeccaKhan-fx7jf]

Right

[@ckaydw]

I don’t. Joanne is much prettier than this lady. The smile is different her face is long. I don’t see Joanne at all

[@karenjanicehollick1545]

Interesting interview , sadwith her mother now

[@judypasqualone3819]

I can’t place which parent she might resemble. Lovely lady.

[@manueladarazsdi9675]

I feel she is a real mix of both.

[@Moluccan56]

I can’t either. Like father around the eyes?

[@clayerkwiltee2315]

Neither. Ironically, Julia looks more like Joanne Woodward than Melissa.

[@su-rv2uq]

I think it is so admirable that Paul created the Hole in the Wall Gang camps and donated the profits of his foods to that concern. I read that Nell Newman, head of the company now, was reversing that, and I hope it is not true.

[@kathleen7849]

I would have liked to see some of her art.

[@greenwil]

Hello Melissa from a Cushman line cousin!

[@imeanithonest5704]

Why is nobody mentioning Joanne Woodward????

[@lorettanericcio-bohlman567]

I’ll mention her especially in Paris Blues! Fabulous

[@karenagbayani1816]

She has her dad's eyes.

[@karenjanicehollick1545]

Looks like her dad

[@dianalee8967]

I never read Melissa's book but I just finished reading Paul Newman and everything was great except leaving his first wife was a three children to marry Joanne Woodward he cheated on her not just a fling but like a year was it a year and a half he went and lived with some woman and there was Joanne waiting for him and they stayed together then for what 40 50 years I don't know for a long time after that but she really took a lot and she was a great woman she even helped raise the first children

[@PalmSpringsDiva1]

too many "ya knows" Melissa but the parents are certainly memorable but of course Paul was definitely the bigger star in so many ways...I doubt Joanne would have gotten where she did without him. I had a date once in Shaker Hts with a relative, ironic.

[@lameduck3630]

Why go out for hamburger when you have steak at home? Err... What a load of bollocks.😂😂😂

[@ryanscottlogan8459]

This is beyond ridiculous!So parents need “experts” to teach them how to raise kids?Wow how were they doing it for thousands of years.😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@clayerkwiltee2315]

Julia looks a bit like Joanne Woodward.

[@aidaparisio689]

These super priviledge children of famous parents should take a two year leave and move to a small city in Africa or Middle East away from the excesses of wealth and find their identity and meaning of life ansdself worth. Generaly speaking most people ask their own self worth and the true life questions and most people have complexities and confusion at some point in their life. She was graced with his father incredible good looks and beautiful eyes......I stopped watching after 20 min.