Claire Olivia Newman Followed Another Career Path Before Becoming Ambassador for Dad Paul Newman's K

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward's daughter, Claire Olivia Newman, has always been familiar with the world of Hollywood. Now, she is continuing and building on her father's legacy.

Despite her privileged celebrity upbringing, Claire Olivia Newman embarked on a journey of self-discovery that led her to find her true purpose. In her youth, she thrived in competitive sports.

However, she faced some professional challenges as she transitioned into adulthood. Later in life, she found her calling in volunteerism and service, sharing this passion with the love of her life.

Claire Olivia Newman attends "Lo Que De Verdad Importa" (The Healer) premiere at the Capitol Cinema on February 15, 2017, in Madrid, Spain. | Source: Getty Images

Inside Claire's Upbringing

Claire is the youngest daughter of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, born in April 1964. Claire joined older sisters Melissa and Nell, and she also has half-siblings - Stephanie, Susan, and Scott Newman from her father's past marriage with Jacqueline Witte.

Paul and Joanne had one of Hollywood's enduring marriages that thrived on mutual respect and passion. Claire noted that her father found an "equal" in her mother, highlighting their unique connection and mutual support for each other's pursuits.

Claire Olivia Newman and Joanne Woodward attend the Ballet Society Luncheon at the Bel Air Hotel on March 30, 1973, in Bel Air, California. | Source: Getty Images

Claire said growing up with celebrity parents felt "pretty normal." As a child, her life seemed typical despite its differences. Her parents tried to be present for important moments, gather for dinner, and discuss their day besides their house chores.

They stayed in Los Angeles only when necessary, finding normalcy in their Connecticut farmhouse. Claire and her siblings were fascinated with the family's variety of animals, which didn't extend to the glamorous movie stars who came to visit.

Their pets went with them when they traveled, and it created a unique dynamic, which she likened to the fictional family in the film "Swiss Family Robinson."

A photo of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward with their daughters Melissa and Clea in 1974. | Source: Getty Images

Claire recalled they had a pet skunk, a weasel, and her sister's peregrine falcons. They had six dogs initially, but when one of them had puppies, they could not part with them, resulting in a total of eight dogs.

Air travel was lenient then, and they often brought their dogs on flights. Claire remembered that flight attendants who recognized their family would greet them with friendly and amused looks as they boarded the planes.

Of all the animals, she has grown fond of horses. Claire had been passionate about horseriding and had no plans of following in her parent's footsteps in show business.

A photo of Claire Olivia and Paul Newman in 2002 at Madison Square Garden, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

She remembered how Paul and Joanne had shaped her future and the recommendations they had given her – choices she ultimately decided to go against. Claire said:

"My mother always wanted me to be a ballerina, and my father wanted me to be a concert pianist. I was good at both, but aged 13, I quit them to focus on horses – much to the horror of my parents."

Claire went on to accomplish the extraordinary feat of competing nationally at the tender age of 16. As she grew older, her love for riding horses continued.

A photo of Claire Olivia Newman and Joanne Woodward in May 1990 at Sarah Lawrence College. | Source: Getty Images

She expressed her deep love for horse riding, describing it as her "addiction" and her "happy place." Over time, she also mentioned that her parents began to support her.

Claire's world forever changed as she delved into her father's business and philanthropy.

Her parents were always present no matter the time or location. For events like The National Horse Show, she recalled she had to practice riding at Madison Square Garden as early as three in the morning.

Claire Olivia Newman attends the SeriousFun Children's Network Gala at Avery Fisher Hall on March 2, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Her mom would wake her up and serve her orange juice, and her dad would take her to Madison Square Garden in a cab. Despite his severe horse allergy, her dad sat through three full days of horse shows with her without a single complaint.

Claire is not only a passionate animal lover but also a justice advocate. She wanted to become an attorney to make a positive impact on others and protect people's rights.

Claire Olivia Newman on stage during the Verizon IndyCar Series Phoenix Grand Prix at ISM Raceway on April 7, 2018, in Avondale, Arizona. | Source: Getty Images

She spent a year working at a law practice in New York, handling cases aiming for client acquittals. However, she realized it was not the right career for her as she was not "tough enough and mean enough" for the work.

After leaving her previous job, she took some time to search for her true calling in life. One day, her father asked whether she would stand in for one of his Newman's Own employees going on maternity leave, and she agreed.

Claire Olivia and Paul Newman attend the "Where the Money Is" premiere at Loews 42nd Street E Walk in 2002 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Claire Has Found Purpose In Service

Claire's world forever changed as she delved into her father's business and philanthropy. At their food company, Newman's Own, she actively engaged with various charitable organizations nationwide.

The work resonated with her and led her to develop her commitment to philanthropy. She became involved with her father's charity group, SeriousFun Children's Network.

Paul Newman and Claire Olivia Newman at "La Marche du Siecle" TV show on February 20, 1996, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

The network offers its services for free and operates independently managed camps and programs for seriously ill children. Among these initiatives, Flying Horse Farms is one of the network's 14 bricks-and-mortar camps.

She first became the camp counselor and admitted that this role transformed her from being a spoiled individual. She later served as the group's senior director of external affairs.

Joanne Woodward and Claire Newman attend a Celebration of Paul Newman's Dream to Benefit the SeriousFun Children's Network at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center on April 2, 2012, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In 2021, Claire became the organization's ambassador. Having worked in the group for years, she realized her dad was a visionary and a "big kid at heart," finding joy amid challenges was important for him. She said:

"For him, being at camp as a child was the place that gave him independence and pure carefree fun, and he wanted for these amazing kids, who he knew was missing out on their childhoods, to feel that and so much more."

Claire's father passed away in 2008 at age 83 after battling cancer. He was known for his philanthropy, strong family ties, and stellar acting career over five decades.

Claire Olivia, Susan, and Nell Newman arrive at An Evening of SeriousFun, a celebration of the legacy of Paul Newman, held at the Dolby Theatre on May 14, 2015, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

He debuted acting in the 1954 film "The Silver Chalice" and gained stardom by assuming the role of boxer Rocky Graziano in the 1956 movie "Somebody Up There Likes Me" after actor James Dean's sudden death.

Paul starred with Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen in Dean's unfinished film. Paul graced over 65 movies throughout his career, his last being the 2002 "Road to Perdition" with Tom Hanks, Daniel Craig, and Jude Law.

Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman backstage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City for "A Change Is Going To Come: A Concert for John Kerry" on Thursday, July 8, 2004. The event benefitted Kerry Victory 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Claire Shares Her Passion With Her Husband

For years, Claire searched for a man who could live up to her father and the strong bond her parents shared. In 1988, she was engaged to Marshall Field VI, who comes from an influential Chicago family with holdings in media and business.

However, her and Marshall's relationship never prospered. Eventually, she crossed paths with Kurt Soderlund, a Swedish-American man who coincidentally was her former roommate's boss.

Claire Olivia Newman and Kurt Soderlund attend the "Lo Que De Verdad Importa" premiere at the Capitol Cinema on February 15, 2017, in Madrid, Spain. | Source: Getty Images

Claire and Kurt's attraction blossomed when Claire invited him to a party. Eventually, they exchanged vows in a wedding ceremony in their own garden, with Paul proudly walking his daughter down the aisle.

The couple, residing together in Westport, Connecticut, never had children. "We did want children, and it was sad that it didn't work out," Claire said. They also considered adoption but kept putting it off.

Kurt Soderlund and Claire Olivia Newman attend the SeriousFun Children's Network Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on April 2, 2014, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

While Claire had longed for the experience of being a parent, Claire's mother, Joanne, reassured her that their actions, alongside Kurt, had a positive impact on countless children worldwide.

Optimistic about her future, Claire continues her ambassadorship in SeriousFun Children's Network, while Kurt now serves as the CEO of Safe Water Network, a charity Paul co-founded to help provide clean water in parts of India and Africa.

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