128. When Paul Newman Met Joanne Woodward

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s 50-year marriage is arguably Hollywood’s most enduring real-life love story. Regarded as the “Last Movie Stars” of the Golden Era, they worked together on 16 films and shared a combined 14 Academy Award nominations. A rarity in showbusiness, they somehow managed to maintain their deep chemistry and friendship all while raising a big family in Connecticut, chasing big dreams, and selling salad dressing. Of course, they weren’t perfect. Our story kicks off with a five-year affair, when Paul was still married to Jackie Witte with three babies at home. We can’t help but wonder: if someone cheats WITH you, will they inevitably always cheat ON you? We look back on Paul’s infamous line comparing Joanne to a juicy steak, his complicated psyche and battle with alcoholism, and Joanne’s struggle to balance stardom with motherhood. In an industry known for divorce, what was their secret to weathering the storms and making it last all those years? Listen and find out. ***** About Significant LoversSignificant Lovers is a true-love podcast exploring couples throughout history and pop culture, hosted by cousins Kelly, Melissa, and Kaitlyn. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @significantlovers, listen on YouTube, and contact us at [email protected] Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for ‘fair use’ for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

In this week’s Patreon episode, Kaitlyn's covering a couple that was once called “Mr. and Mrs. Brooklyn” by the New York Times in 2007: Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger. From falling in love on the set of Brokeback Mountain, to becoming first time parents a year later, Heath and Michelle’s fairy tale love story appeared to have all the makings of forever. But less than 3 years after meeting, they called it quits. What happened? Was it because of the Joker? Other women? Drugs? And would Heath and Michelle have gotten back together had Heath not tragically passed? All this and more we discuss, including the sweet, funny, and heartfelt moments that made their relationship so memorable, while also looking at how their bond continues to be remembered, or misremembered, today. This episode will surely make you want to smile, laugh, cry, and rewatch Brokeback Mountain (and probably also 10 Things I Hate About You). ***** This is a teaser for a bonus episode— the full episode is 1 hr 40 minutes long! You can listen to it in full ⁠on Patreon⁠. About Significant LoversSignificant Lovers is a true-love podcast exploring couples throughout history and pop culture, hosted by cousins Kelly, Melissa, and Kaitlyn. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @significantlovers, listen on YouTube, and contact us at [email protected].

In 1929, their marriage was likened to that between “an elephant and a dove.” But in the years following, their relationship would go on to prove far more complicated than their dissimilar appearances would reveal— and far more explosive. In this extra long episode of Significant Lovers, we unravel the intoxicatingly toxic relationship between Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. From first their first meeting at 16 and 36 years old, to their first marriage, to their second, their love was as vivid and as volatile as the canvases they created. This episode has it all: cannibalism, political assassinations, affairs, divorce, bisexuality, art, Communism, fashion, and much, much more. Tune in to hear why Frida once claimed Diego was one of the two greatest accidents of her life. And what was the first?About Significant LoversSignificant Lovers is a true-love podcast exploring couples throughout history and pop culture, hosted by cousins Kelly, Melissa, and Kaitlyn. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @significantlovers, listen on YouTube, and contact us at [email protected].

We were in actual tears by the end of this episode. Kel takes us back to 1960 on the remote island of Hydra, where singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen first met and fell in love with Marianne Ihlen, a young mother from Norway. Although their paths didn’t stay aligned forever, Leonard and Marianne never quite forgot each other– even in their very last days. Whether you’re unfamiliar with Leonard’s music (although everyone knows ‘Hallelujah’) or a die-hard Cohen fan, there’s a lot to learn from Leonard and Marianne’s relationship. But first, Kel makes Mel and Kaitlyn correctly differentiate Leonard Cohen, Dustin Hoffman, and Al Pacino in a lineup. Later, she has a random rant about the Boygenius song “Leonard Cohen.” And we end it with a good cry… “It’s time to laugh and cry, and cry and laugh about it all again.” Mentioned in Episode: Leonard Cohen, Dustin Hoffman, or Al Pacino? ***** This is a teaser for a bonus episode— the full episode is 2 hr 59 minutes long! You can listen to it in full ⁠on Patreon⁠. About Significant LoversSignificant Lovers is a true-love podcast exploring couples throughout history and pop culture, hosted by cousins Kelly, Melissa, and Kaitlyn. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @significantlovers, listen on YouTube, and contact us at [email protected] Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for ‘fair use’ for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton gave us the term “paparazzi.” JLo and Ben Affleck gave us combined couple names like ‘Bennifer.’ And thanks to Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow, we will always have “consciously uncoupling.” Way back in episode 11, Kell covered Gwyneth Paltrow and her long-forgotten fiancé, Brad Pitt. Now over 100 episodes later, we’re back to revisit the romance between the actress-turned-Goop CEO and Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin. Chris met Gwyneth at a very tender time in Gwyneth’s life – just a few weeks after her father’s death. Chris was there for her during her darkest hours, and famously wrote “Fix You” for her as she grieved. This week, Chris & Gwyneth inspire us to talk about dating while grieving, the myth of “mutual” breakups, and whether or not your ex can feel like a sibling?  P.S. This was recorded weeks before the “Coldplay concert couple” that’s been in the news. It’s just a bizarre coincidence!! About Significant LoversSignificant Lovers is a true-love podcast exploring couples throughout history and pop culture, hosted by cousins Kelly, Melissa, and Kaitlyn. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @significantlovers, listen on YouTube, and contact us at [email protected].

Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe were the “perfect” young Hollywood sweethearts in the late 90s. We look back on how the Cruel Intentions’ co-stars first met and their whirlwind trajectory to newlyweds and young parents. We discuss their questionable wedding venue, the Oscar love curse, gender stereotypes, Ryan’s past controversies, and more. Related and Similar Episodes: Episode 25: When Johnny Cash Met June Carter Episode 82: When Debbie Reynolds Met Eddie Fisher Episode 65: When Joaquin Phoenix Met Liv Tyler ***** This is a teaser for a bonus episode— the full episode is 1 hour 47 minutes! You can listen to it in full on Patreon. About Significant LoversSignificant Lovers is a true-love podcast exploring couples throughout history and pop culture, hosted by cousins Kelly, Melissa, and Kaitlyn. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @significantlovers, and contact us at [email protected] Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for ‘fair use’ for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

In a special bonus episode, Kelly is joined by Nathan from the podcast Silent Generation. Nathan tells us the fascinating love story between Emma Goldman and Ben Reitman, two radical people who lived very unconventional lives together in the early twentieth century. Once called “the most dangerous woman in America,” Emma was an anarchist revolutionary, writer, and political activist. Ben Reitman was a hobo-turned-doctor (for real!), the founder of a hobo college, and a notorious ladies’ man. When Emma and Ben met in 1908, it was perhaps love at first sight. Both believed in free love—or so Emma thought. Mentioned in the episode: No Regrets: Dr. Ben Reitman and the Women Who Loved Him by Mecca Reitman CarpenterThe Damndest Radical by Roger A. BrunsEmma Goldman: Revolution as a Way of Life by Vivian GornickMarina and Ulay at MoMA (The Artist is Present)About Significant LoversSignificant Lovers is a true-love podcast exploring couples throughout history and pop culture, hosted by cousins Kelly, Melissa, and Kaitlyn. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @significantlovers, and contact us at [email protected].

Like many girls, Taylor Swift has an unlucky history with J names. We’ve covered her relationships with Jake Gyllenhaal, John Mayer, and Joe Alwyn. Today, we’re going back to 2008 to revisit her very first high-profile relationship with the original Joe, Mr. Perfectly Fine himself, Joe Jonas.This short relationship took on a life of its own after ending with the infamous 27 second phone call. Back then, Taylor was the least bit coy telling us about the juicy personal details in connection with her songs. Her openness arguably sparked the public’s parasocial obsession with connecting her music to the famous celebrity characters she would date for years to come. Was this an effective marketing strategy by Taylor, or an impulsive naivety that she would later regret?We look back at the Taylor & Joe playlist, featuring Camille Belle: Forever & Always, Much Better, Last Kiss, Better Than Revenge, and more. We reveal why we never really fucked with The Jonas Brothers and look inward as we contemplate some tricky questions. Is a phone call or text ever appropriate for a break-up? And, if someone wrongs you in a relationship, do you feel justified to trash talk or is it not worth your breath?Related Episodes:Episode 13: When Taylor Swift Met Jake GyllenhaalEpisode 18: When Taylor Swift Met John MayerEpisode 36: When Taylor Swift Met Joe Alwyn Episode 10: When Miley Cyrus Met Nick Jonas ***** About Significant LoversSignificant Lovers is a true-love podcast exploring celebrity couples and historic romances, hosted by cousins Kelly, Melissa, and Kaitlyn. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @significantlovers, and contact us at [email protected] Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for ‘fair use’ for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

Ditch your old jalopy, and steal yourself a new vehicle, because you’re gonna need it to keep up with this whirlwind of an episode. You won’t want to fall behind and get left in the dust. In this episode, Kaitlyn takes us deep into the infamous love story of one of the most notorious duos in American history: Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. We cover it all. From their humble beginnings in Texas to their days on the run, to their unfortunate bloody end. We also answer all your most burning questions about the couple. Like, was Clyde the ultimate bad boy? Were they really in love? And was it hopeless of Bonnie to wait for Clyde while he was in jail for 2 years, even though they had only dated a few months? ***** This is a teaser for a bonus episode. You can listen to it in full on Patreon— now only $3/month! About Significant LoversSignificant Lovers is a true-love podcast exploring celebrity couples and historic romances, hosted by cousins Kelly, Melissa, and Kaitlyn. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @significantlovers, and contact us at [email protected] Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for ‘fair use’ for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

A note to our listeners: We are taking a little break from the podcast due to some current hardships in our family. We should be back by June 2025, and we will keep you updated on our Instagram (@significantlovers). Now on to the show... The year was 2016. A relatively unknown British actor named Tom Holland had just recently been cast (the year prior) as the newest Spider-Man. He made his first appearance in the film Captain America: Civil War, and his solo trilogy as the famous web-slinger had been officially green-lit. The world was abuzz with speculation as to who would play Tom’s on-screen love interest, MJ. Enter Zendaya Coleman (or just Zendaya, as she liked to be called), a Disney Channels star with a promising career in Hollywood ahead of her. Especially once she landed her first feature film role in the upcoming Spider-Man movie. From then on Tom and Zendaya were known to the public as co-stars. And then friends. And then someone more?…In this episode, we dive into the fascinating relationship between Tom Holland and Zendaya. From their iconic on-screen chemistry in Spider-Man to their real-life bond, we explore how their friendship eventually blossomed into the romantic relationship that everyone knows and loves today. But don’t you worry, their relationship may not have been as perfect as you may think. Ever heard of Jacob Elordi? You certainly will during this episode. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about their connection, this episode has all the details you won’t want to miss!1. Zendaya and Tom Talk About Their First Meeting: 0:00 - 0:502. Tom First Instagram Post W/ Zendaya: x3. Picture of Tom and Zendaya Out to Eat:  x4. Zendaya Reaction to Chrissy Teigen Spider-Man Kiss: 0:12 - 0:255. Photos from Spider-Man Homecoming Photocall in London: x6. Tom Talks Heartbreak During Cherry Press: 5:11 - 5:427. Video of Tom and Zendaya Kissing in Car: x8. Another Video of Tom and Zendaya Kissing in Car: x9. Tom’s “My MJ” Instagram Post: x10. Tom and Zendaya Interview at Spider-Man: No Way Home Photocall in London: 1:54 - 2:48 AND 4:05 - 4:3611. Tom Interview by Extra at L.A. Premiere of Spider-Man: No Way Home: 1:44 - 2:0612. Tom's Answer to “What He Took from Set?”: 0:18 - 0:2213. Zendaya's Birthday Post for Tom: x14. Tom “Rizz” Interview for Buzzfeed: 1:29 - 1:5015. Zendaya's Answer to "What She Misses from the UK?" During Dune Press: 7:33 - 7:3816. Zendaya “Rizz” Interview for Buzzfeed: 8:09 - 8:5017. Tom and Zendaya at Bero Event: x***** About Significant LoversSignificant Lovers is a true-love podcast exploring celebrity couples and historic romances. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @significantlovers, and contact us at [email protected] Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for ‘fair use’ for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.