Actress and philanthropist Susan Kendall, daughter of the late Paul Newman and his first wife, Jackie Witte, has died at age 72.
According to an obituary published in The New York Times on Oct. 7, Kendall passed away on Aug. 2 from complications related to chronic health conditions.
Susan Kendall Newman (1952–2025) was an American actress, director, and philanthropist, known for her creative work in film and television as well as her deep commitment to social causes. Born in New York City, she was the daughter of legendary actor Paul Newman and his first wife, Jackie Witte.
The Newman sister, Susan in middle
Susan grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry but forged her own path both in front of and behind the camera. She appeared in several television movies and independent projects throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including Slap Shot, A Wedding, and I Want to Keep My Baby!. Beyond acting, she pursued directing and producing, with a focus on documentaries and socially conscious programming.
Deeply influenced by her father’s humanitarian values, Susan was also known for her dedication to advocacy and philanthropy. She worked with organizations addressing child welfare, homelessness, and addiction recovery, and she served on boards that supported community development and the arts.
Paul Newman
In her later years, Susan shifted her focus primarily to nonprofit work, helping to raise awareness and funding for causes related to public health and education. Despite her famous lineage, she largely avoided the spotlight, preferring a private life devoted to meaningful service and creative expression.
