Wade Woodward: What Happened To Joanne Woodward’s Father?

Wade Woodward is the father of retired actress Joanne Woodward whose career spans more than 60 years. She has been a star since the Golden Age of Hollywood. She is one of the first film stars to have an equal presence on television and one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema and the oldest living Best Actress Oscar-winner. She is known for her role in The Three Faces of Eve.

Wade Woodward: Bio Summary

Who Was Joanne Woodward’s Father, Wade Woodward?

Wade Woodward also known as Heywood Wade Woodward, Jr. was born on December 24, 1900, in Augusta, Richmond, Georgia, United States. His mother’s name is Minnie Waunita Verdery and his father’s name is Drayton Wade Woodward. He was not his parent’s only child. He was the brother of William Verdery Woodward, Wauneita Martha Woodward Quarterman, and Maude Leonard Woodward Brink.

Wade Woodward’s father was born in South Carolina while his mother was born in Georgia. Wade was born and brought up in Georgia. His maternal grandparents were Richard Walthall Verdery and Georgia Ann Leonard Verdery while his paternal grandparents were Soloman Richard Woodward and Martha C. Wade Woodward. Wade is said to have graduated from Clemson College.

Wade Woodward served as the vice president of the publishing company Charles Scribner’s Sons. He met and married Elinor (née Trimmier). He made Elinor his wife in the year 1923, in a wedding ceremony, attended by close friends and family. After the wedding, the then-newlyweds went on a trip to Atlanta and returned to reside in Morganton. In Morganton, Wade is said to have been an athletic director in the high schools.

Wade and his wife Elinor had two children, a son and a daughter. Their son is Heyward Wade Woodward (Wade Woodward, III) and their daughter is Joanne Gignilliat Trimmier Woodward (Joanne Woodward). After several years of being together, Wade and Elinor divorced. He got married again to Frances Kuhlman Woodward. There isn’t much info about his marriage to Frances.

Wade Woodward lived a private life. He lived in Blakely, Early, Georgia, United States in the year 1935 and in District 898, Cobb, Georgia, United States in the year 1940. He had a good relationship with his children but according to sources, his son Wade Jr. was his favorite. Wade Jr. became an architect. His daughter Joanne Woodward was influenced to become an actress by her mother’s love of film.

ALSO, READ: Elinor Gignilliat Trimmier: Who Was Joanne Woodward’s Mother?

Wade Woodward wasn’t too happy about his daughter Joanne Woodward’s decision to pursue an acting career however Joanne went on to pursue her dreams. She was starring in television productions and theater. She appeared in Tales of Tomorrow, Goodyear Playhouse, Danger, The Philco Television Playhouse, You Are There, The Ford Television Theatre, The Web, and The Elgin Hour.

Joanne Woodward appeared in many other TV shows such as Robert Montgomery Presents, Armstrong Circle Theatre, The Star and the Story, Omnibus, Star Tonight, Ponds Theater, The 20th Century-Fox Hour, The United States Steel Hour, Four Star Playhouse, Kraft Theatre, and Studio One. Her first feature film was Count Three and Pray in which she played Lissy. She later appeared in the film A Kiss Before Dying.

Joanne Woodward appeared in the films The Three Faces of Eve, No Down Payment, The Long, Hot Summer, Rally ‘Round the Flag, Boys!, The Sound and the Fury, The Fugitive Kind, From the Terrace, Paris Blues, The Stripper, A New Kind of Love, A Big Hand for the Little Lady, Rachel, Rachel, A Fine Madness, They Might Be Giants, and The Drowning Pool among others. She also produced and directed some films and TV series.

What Happened To Joanne Woodward’s Father?

Joanne Woodward’s father Wade Woodward died on 16 December 1976, in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. He was at the age of 75 years when he died. What killed him is unknown. He was laid to rest at the Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, USA. His former wife Elinor Gignilliat Trimmier died on 8 September 1992, at age 89, in Austell, Cobb County, Georgia, USA.

Wade Woodward is survived by his son Wade Woodward III, daughter Joanne Woodward, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives. His daughter Joanne who is still alive and in her 90s has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She was diagnosed in 2007 and decided to retreat from public life. She has chosen to live close to her family but away from much attention and publicity.

ALSO, READ: Claire Olivia Newman- Truth about Paul Newman’s daughter

Joanne Woodward was married to actor, film director, racing driver, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Paul Newman (January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008). They were married from January 29, 1958, until Paul died from lung cancer. Their union was blessed with three daughters: Elinor “Nell” Teresa (b. 1959), Melissa “Lissy” Stewart (b. 1961), and Claire “Clea” Olivia (b. 1965).