Paul Newman, one of the greatest stars to ever grace the Silver Screen, died earlier this month in his Westport, Connecticut home after a long battle with lung cancer.
There are many phrases that I could use to describe Paul Newman—ten-time Oscar nominee, philanthropist, heart-stopper, daredevil, and self-proclaimed “cynical S.O.B.” The matriarchs of my family would even venture to say (and I quote) “Paul Newman is a GOD!!” Religious beliefs aside, I couldn’t agree more.
The fact that Newman was married for fifty years to actress Joanne Woodward is one of his most defining characteristics. His numerous Oscars aside, someone should have given the man a “Hollywood Marriage Longevity” award. His unwavering loyalty to his family and friends was just one of the many signs that Newman was, in fact, the Real Deal.
Of course, you can’t mention Paul Newman without talking about his movies. With more than 80 films and TV productions to his name, Newman was the face of a generation. After a small stint in Picnic, a 1953 Broadway production, he was thrust into the world of film after his break-out hit, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, which co-starred the equally incomparable Elizabeth Taylor.
The ‘60’s and ‘70’s proved to be the Golden Years for Paul Newman as he scored one hit after another. One of his career highlights, The Color of Money, resulted in a Best Actor Oscar award in 1987. And hey, if your kids want a good introduction to Newman, make ‘em watch the 2006 animated film, Cars, where Newman voices the character of Doc Hudson. Not that they’ll need much convincing.
Despite all the hype about his acting skills (and his blue eyes, chiseled face, and…), Newman remained grounded, if not downright courageous in his quest to help others. His list of charitable investments might be even longer than his film credentials, but his one of his proudest accomplishments remains the creation of his food company, Newman’s Own. I grew up eating Newman’s Own organic salad dressings, a genuine feel-good product if there ever was one. Millions of dollars in revenue from his products have been donated to charitable organizations across the globe; specifically, Paul’s Hole in the Wall camps that help to restore normalcy to the lives of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
So, Paul Newman, we mere mortals salute you. You have made the world a better, and more delicious, place to live.
