Joanne Woodward’s decades-long career has cemented her place in Hollywood history as a great acting powerhouse. Born on February 27, 1930, in Thomasville, Georgia, this southern belle has made an unmistakable impression on the silver screen, earning her a well-deserved place among Tinseltown’s elite.
Woodward’s rise to prominence began in the 1950s when her fascinating performances in television shows such as the Goodyear Playhouse and Hitchcock Presents drew the attention of both fans and critics. Her exceptional talent carried over to film, where she made her debut as a lady with several personalities in 1957’s The Three Faces of Eve. The role earned Joanne an Academy Award for Best Actress, for which she was nominated three more times in her career.
Off-screen, Woodward’s romance with late superstar Paul Newman, her spouse and fellow acting legend, is a classic Hollywood fairy tale. Theirs was a love that went beyond the flash and glamour, lasting almost five decades. The duo would appear together in several films, beginning with the drama The Long Hot Summer. Others were Rally ‘Round the Flag, Boys! (1958), From the Terrace (1960), Paris Blues (1961), and A New Kind of Love (1963).
During the height of their fame, the power couple had three daughters together: Elinor Teresa “Nell” (1959), Melissa Stewart (1961), and Claire Olivia “Clea” (1965). They would defy Hollywood norms and stay married until Paul’s death from lung cancer on September 26, 2008.
Unfortunately, Joanne has been dealing with her health issues recently. Continue reading to hear more about Joanne’s battle with Alzheimer’s illness and how she is doing now.
Joanne Woodward Was Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s Disease
Joanne and Paul’s extraordinary love story was the focus of the current six-part documentary The Last Movie Stars. The HBO film, produced by Ethan Hawke, reveals that, while her husband battled cancer, the Hollywood actress was also dealing with her own health issues. Joanne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2007, a few days before her husband was stricken with terminal cancer.
Interestingly, Joanne portrayed a woman named Barbara with the disease Alzheimer’s in the 1985 television film Do You Remember Love? “As Barbara’s disease progresses, Miss Woodward takes her through an incredible range of emotional colors, from bratty girl to fearful woman, while never losing contact with the character’s fierce intelligence,” according to The New York Times. Joanne told the publication that her own mother had Alzheimer’s and that the performance was “an hommage” to her.
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What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological ailment that affects millions around the world. It primarily affects elderly persons, reducing memory, cognition, and daily function. The Mayo Clinic reports that it begins with forgetfulness and bewilderment and progresses to significant cognitive decline, personality changes, and the inability to do regular tasks.
Alzheimer’s disease is distinguished by the buildup of aberrant proteins in the brain, resulting in plaques and tangles that impede neuronal communication. The specific cause is unknown, although age, genetics, and lifestyle choices all contribute to its development. Currently, there is no cure, only medicines to relieve symptoms temporarily. Early detection and research into preventative and treatment strategies are critical in combating this terrible disease.
How Long Has Joanne Woodward Been Sick?
As previously stated, Joanne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2007, only days before Paul was diagnosed with cancer. The Oscar winner has kept a quiet profile in her later years, so it’s unclear when she began experiencing symptoms.
If you want to know about the health of other stars, check out the articles below:
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How is Joanne Woodward Doing Today?
During the promotional campaign for The Last Movie Stars, Hawke emphasized that Joanne was still able to watch the film, saying, “That’s why the family wanted me to do [the film] now; they wanted it to come out while she’s still alive and can see this, to support her.”
The movie also stated that Joanne was “living with her family in Connecticut.” In April 2023, a source informed Ok! Magazine, “At this point, the best that can be done for Joanne is to keep her comfortable while waiting for the inevitable. It’s a tribute to her courage and determination she has lived with this debilitating disease as long as she has.”
