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While many celebrities seem to believe that even bad publicity is a good thing, clamoring at all moments for the narcissistic illumination of the spotlight, Paul Newman often preferred to keep to the shadows, emerging only to talk up a project he was supporting or, just as often, diverting that light to his philanthropic activities.
And while the combination of famous people and charitable impulses can be disastrous — remember Paris Hilton’s efforts to go to Darfur? — Newman quietly raised over $200 million with his successful line of salad dressings, lemonades, cookies and other foodstuffs.
From his Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for gravely ill children to the Scott Newman Foundation for the prevention of drug abuse (named for his son, who died of an overdose) to his public stance against nuclear weapons to his support of liberal politicians from Eugene McCarthy to Ned Lamont, Paul Newman cannily used his fame to support the causes that were important to him.
He was also, it bears noting, one hell of an actor.
While the 1950s are thought of as the decade of Marlon Brando and James Dean, Newman was just as much a product of the Actor’s Studio and its Stanislavsky-influenced Method acting style. Despite his matinee-idol looks, Newman was drawn to conflicted characters in screen adaptations of Tennessee Williams (“Sweet Bird of Youth” as well as “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” where he had to help the audience make sense of Brick despite the censor’s removal of all references to the character’s homosexuality), William Faulkner (“The Long, Hot Summer”) and Larry McMurtry (“Hud”).
Granted, as Newman was often the first to admit, his promising screen career was nearly nipped in the bud with the infamously awful 1954 Bible epic “The Silver Chalice,” about which he famously noted, “I used to put the picture down, but to have the honor of being in the worst picture of the ’50s and surviving is no mean feat.”
A career of infinite variety
Surviving can be counted as one of Newman’s many talents — in a business so often cruel to actors, particularly ones whose good looks send moviegoers into a frenzy, he remained a strong screen presence over the course of six decades, capping off a brilliant career with 2002’s “The Road to Perdition,” the 2005 HBO movie “Empire Falls” and a vocal turn as a wise old Hudson Hornet in the animated “Cars.” Until Newman actually announced his retirement from the screen in 2007 at the age of 82, most of his fans probably assumed his career would never end.
It was a career that offered infinite variety. How many actors could survive two Irwin Allen disaster epics (“The Towering Inferno” and “When Time Ran Out”) and then proceed to one of David Mamet’s greatest screenplays (“The Verdict”)?
What other screen career encompassed collaborations with Otto Preminger (“Exodus”), Robert Altman (“Buffalo Bill and the Indians”) and the Coen brothers (“The Hudsucker Proxy”)? Who else got to pitch woo with Elizabeth Taylor (“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”), Shirley MacLaine (“What a Way to Go!”), Julie Andrews (“Torn Curtain”), Sally Field (“Absence of Malice”) and, of course, his frequent collaborator and second wife Joanne Woodward? (The two starred opposite each other in a dozen movies and telefilms, and he directed her indelible performance as Amanda Wingfield in an underrated 1987 screen version of “The Glass Menagerie.”)
What was the secret to Newman’s longevity? The fact that he always took the work seriously without ever doing the same to himself probably helped. A quick scan of his notable quotes at Wikipedia reveals one hilariously self-deprecating proclamation after another, such as “I wasn’t driven to acting by any inner compulsion. I was running away from the sporting goods business,” and “The embarrassing thing is that my salad dressing is out-grossing my films.”
Perhaps his side interests in directing theater and racing cars made him seem all the more like a screen legend — it’s the ones who could leave the business at any time who seem to get the most respect.
‘Like chasing a beautiful woman’
If any adulation that was due him seemed to come late, it was the elusive Academy Award; Newman was nominated for best actor six times (for “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “The Hustler,” “Hud,” “Cool Hand Luke,” “Absence of Malice” and “The Verdict”) without winning, although he did receive an honorary Oscar in 1986. One year later, he finally won the prize for reprising his “Fast Eddie” Felson character from “The Hustler” in 1987’s Martin Scorsese–directed “The Color of Money.” (In his acceptance speech, Newman said, “It’s like chasing a beautiful woman for 80 years. Finally, she relents, and you say, ‘I am terribly sorry. I’m tired.’”) He would go on to snag one more best supporting actor nomination (for “Road to Perdition”) along with a thoroughly-deserved Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his philanthropy.
Looking over the career of Paul Newman is like watching a microcosm of American life and American cinema, from the post-World War II Freudian underpinnings of “The Left-Handed Gun” (where he played probably the screen’s most psychologically tortured Billy the Kid) to the legend-busting irony of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” to the post-Vietnam historical cynicism of “Buffalo Bill and the Indians” to the then-shocking profanity of “Slap Shot.”
While some of his less successful films — “WUSA,” “Fat Man and Little Boy” — attempted to overtly tackle political issues, it was in quieter works like “Nobody’s Fool” (where Newman gives one of his greatest performances as an irascible old man seeking to repair his dysfunctional relationship with his son and grandson) where the actor most successfully connected with his generation’s triumphs and losses.
Both in terms of his extraordinary talents and his reticence to use his fame for anything but the good of others, they just don’t make them like Paul Newman anymore.
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{"commentId":3171052,"authorDomain":"sunnylady01"}
Paul Newman was an outstanding actor, philanthropist, humanitarian, and wonderful husband to his wife Joanne. What a legacy to leave behind, if only we could aspire to be so giving to our country and world. I shall be very sad this weekend, thinking about all the wonderful films I have seen with his beautiful blue eyes staring off the screen. I shall miss knowing that he is still alive and performing all of his acts of kindness. God bless Joanne and the family.
{"commentId":3171052,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"sunnylady01"}
- 1 vote
#1 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 12:55 PM EDT{"commentId":3171822,"authorDomain":"olohrengel"}
Thank you sunnylady for saying what so many of us are thinking and feeling. It will be hard not being able to think of him being still alive. Of all the great ones of my generation who are gone, Paul Newman is the one for whom I feel the most personal loss, probably because he proved himself to be a caring person. He did good without all the "Look at me. Aren't I great?" hoopla that we see among the current rich and famous. My sense is that Paul Newman would have been giving of himself if he had been poor and known only to a few. That and a long, stable marriage made him worthy of honor and admiration. May God bless and comfort Joanne and their family.
{"commentId":3171822,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"olohrengel"}
#2 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 1:36 PM EDT{"commentId":3172385,"authorDomain":"dcardone"}
Very sad! Paul Newman was one of my favorite actors especially when he teamed up with Robert Redford. Reading all the reviews, there's no mention of "Somebody Up There Likes Me". Isn't that the film that put him on the map?
{"commentId":3172385,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"dcardone"}
#3 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 2:09 PM EDT{"commentId":3172732,"authorDomain":"squawk2"}
I think most of what was written is true and I thought he was a good actor. He was certainly generous to charities. I wish he'd made even more movies. He will be missed. R.I.P. Paul
{"commentId":3172732,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"squawk2"}
#4 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 2:32 PM EDT{"commentId":3175285,"authorDomain":"nvbarbara"}
RIP dear one.
Its hard to think about those piercing blue eyes being closed forever.
Mr. Newman will always be remembered for his great acting, but also for being one of the most generous men around.
A self effacing lovely man who shared love with his family and to those in need.
His 'Hole in the Wall' camp gave love and hope to many many children, and parents who will never forget the generosity of of this man and his equally giving wife.
He will be sorely missed. I've never felt moved to write in response to anything to do with actors, but I must make exception for this one time, he deserves no less than our thanks for being in this world, and making it a better place. He was definately "Nobody's Fool"!
Regards to his lovely wife and family.
{"commentId":3175285,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"nvbarbara"}
{"commentId":3175330,"authorDomain":"nvbarbara"}
RIP dear one.
Its hard to think about those piercing blue eyes being closed forever.
Mr. Newman will always be remembered for his great acting, but also for being one of the most generous men around.
A self effacing lovely man who shared love with his family and to those in need.
His 'Hole in the Wall' camp gave love and hope to many many children, and parents who will never forget the generosity of of this man and his equally giving wife.
He will be sorely missed. I've never felt moved to write in response to anything to do with actors, but I must make exception for this one time, he deserves no less than our thanks for being in this world, and making it a better place. He was definately "Nobody's Fool"!
Regards to his lovely wife and family.
{"commentId":3175330,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"nvbarbara"}
{"commentId":3172780,"authorDomain":"lundberg8840"}
Not only was Paul Newman an excellent actor but he was a good man who made me proud and honored that he made movies to entertain we the people of the World. He, like Steve McQueen, was a true man's man. Honorable to his wife of 50 yrs, Joanne Woodward. You have my sympathies with your lose of a best friend, Husband, father, and an overall great man.
Thank you Mr. Newman
Thank you for your movies, sauces, and everything you have given this world.
You are a True Legend and you will be missed by the world.
Joseph Lundberg
{"commentId":3172780,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"lundberg8840"}
#5 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 2:35 PM EDT{"commentId":3174912,"authorDomain":"mj74"}
A Lion of Hollywood is dead. Thank you, Paul.
{"commentId":3174912,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"mj74"}
#6 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 5:06 PM EDT{"commentId":3175221,"authorDomain":"nvbarbara"}
RIP dear one.
Its hard to think about those piercing blue eyes being closed forever.
Mr. Newman will always be remembered for his great acting, but also for being one of the most generous men around.
A self effacing lovely man who shared love with his family and to those in need.
His 'Hole in the Wall' camp gave love and hope to many many children, and parents who will never forget the generosity of of this man and his equally giving wife.
He will be sorely missed. I've never felt moved to write in response to anything to do with actors, but I must make exception for this one time, he deserves no less than our thanks for being in this world, and making it a better place. He was definately "Nobody's Fool"!
Regards to his lovely wife and family.
{"commentId":3175221,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"nvbarbara"}
#7 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 5:28 PM EDT{"commentId":3175257,"authorDomain":"nvbarbara"}
RIP dear one.
Its hard to think about those piercing blue eyes being closed forever.
Mr. Newman will always be remembered for his great acting, but also for being one of the most generous men around.
A self effacing lovely man who shared love with his family and to those in need.
His 'Hole in the Wall' camp gave love and hope to many many children, and parents who will never forget the generosity of of this man and his equally giving wife.
He will be sorely missed. I've never felt moved to write in response to anything to do with actors, but I must make exception for this one time, he deserves no less than our thanks for being in this world, and making it a better place. He was definately "Nobody's Fool"!
Regards to his lovely wife and family.
{"commentId":3175257,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"nvbarbara"}
#8 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 5:30 PM EDT{"commentId":3175323,"authorDomain":"MADBAWDEN"}
A WONDERFUL AMERICAN ACTOR...AND GREAT HUMANITARIAN
{"commentId":3175323,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"MADBAWDEN"}
#9 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 5:35 PM EDT{"commentId":3175668,"authorDomain":"MADBAWDEN"}
A FINE AMERICAN ACTOR BUT MOST OF ALL A HUMANITARIAN THAT WE WILL ALWAYS ADMIRE....
AND TRY TO EMULATE. MY BEST TO HIS FAMILY.
SINCERELY, MARY
{"commentId":3175668,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"MADBAWDEN"}
#10 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 5:58 PM EDT{"commentId":3176500,"authorDomain":"mdondero"}
So sad! What a great guy, one of the few 'stars' I'd really be excited to have over for dinner.
His humanitarian work far exceeded his film work but now I'm thinking about which movies to add to my netflix queue....... Cool Hand Luke? The Hustler? Cat on a Hot Tin Roof!? I've seen Butch Cassidy way too many times.... hmmm, maybe The Sting or The Verdict.... lots of choices. But first I think I'll go buy some popcorn and salad dressing! Yes! That's what I'll do....
{"commentId":3176500,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"mdondero"}
#11 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 6:59 PM EDT{"commentId":3178609,"authorDomain":"deepdiver1951"}
One of if not The world's greatest actor's. Mr. Paul Newman was a one of a kind. He was one of the most extremely talented people the world will ever know. He excelled in acting, motor sports, and with his food product's. The number's of people that he helped thru his charitable foundation's has been a model for other's to follow. Paul Newman will be greatly missed. It is a sad day for the world.
{"commentId":3178609,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"deepdiver1951"}
#12 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 10:09 PM EDT{"commentId":3180655,"authorDomain":"lisa-isham"}
I absolutely loved watching him in his movies.The world loss a kind,caring human being today.God bless his wife,family and dear friends.
{"commentId":3180655,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"lisa-isham"}
#13 - Sun Sep 28, 2008 1:29 AM EDT{"commentId":3181094,"authorDomain":"ford316"}
Paul Newman will be sorely missed. I had the pleasure of 'meeting' him in Manhattan 25 years ago. He was trying to hail a cab while I was waiting for my commuter bus home. I happened to turn and recognized his profile. He turned and starred at me with his beautiful BLUE eyes in a way that said, 'please don't scream or say anything'. With the eyes starring at me a cab pulled up and Paul Newman got in. As the cab started to pull away, he rolled down the window and mouthed 'Thank you' to me, at which point I screamed, 'Paul Newman just got into that cab!' He got away, but will always be a fond memory.
{"commentId":3181094,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"ford316"}
#14 - Sun Sep 28, 2008 2:36 AM EDT{"commentId":3182462,"authorDomain":"andrea-1"}
One of the few Americans who can call himself a true maverick.
Thank you for all of your gifts to us, Mr. Newman, and love to you, Joan and family.
{"commentId":3182462,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"andrea-1"}
#15 - Sun Sep 28, 2008 8:43 AM EDT{"commentId":3182617,"authorDomain":"bgaffney"}
One of my favorite films "Sweet Bird of Youth" was not on the list. I saw it while a junior in college and maybe that had something to do with the fact that I still think it was a great movie. He appeared in that movie as so desperate of a person which of course in real life he was not at all desperate.
{"commentId":3182617,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"bgaffney"}
#16 - Sun Sep 28, 2008 8:59 AM EDT{"commentId":3182650,"authorDomain":"bgaffney"}
Isn't it amazing he did not have to have a limo. to get around.
{"commentId":3182650,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"bgaffney"}
#17 - Sun Sep 28, 2008 9:02 AM EDT{"commentId":3183281,"authorDomain":"ge45ge"}
One of a kind and will be sorely missed, and example of a real caring man, he not only talked the talk he walked the walk, thanks for being part of our lives, thanks Joanne for being there for him.
{"commentId":3183281,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"ge45ge"}
#18 - Sun Sep 28, 2008 9:56 AM EDT{"commentId":3183416,"authorDomain":"silvia1960"}
One day while at a meeting at the APT Foundation in New Haven, CT, a fire drill alarm went off and we all had to converge in the parking lot. While standing by my car I noticed two men talking nonchalantly and thought I recognized one of them, but I told myself I had to be wrong because this man was very old. One of the gals in the meeting came over to talk to me and noticed my staring and remarked, "can you believe Paul Newman is here in the parking lot?" Well I was floored and proceeded to gawk and just stare in awe, so she suggested that since he was speaking to her boss that we go over and she would work in an introduction somehow. Well as it turns out, I was introduced to Paul Newman and shook his hand, which I proceeded not to wash that hand and stare at it for a week. I did not ask for an autograph or take a picture of him with my cell phone camera (I was too scared too), but I must say he was a genuinely sincere and nice down to earth guy and I honestly believe he really had no idea how good looking or how important he really was. I often wondered if he ever knew what a thrill he had brought into my humdrum boring little world and how much that small handshake meant to me. He left me with a memory which I will cherish for the rest of my life and I finally did wash my hand!! In closing all I can say is "rest in peace, the last of the great ones is gone." There will never be another.
{"commentId":3183416,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"silvia1960"}
#19 - Sun Sep 28, 2008 10:06 AM EDT{"commentId":3184085,"authorDomain":"karojen"}
The world is a little less of a good place without Mr. Newman. I so respected him for his millions to charity and for his 50 year marriage. If all of the Hollywood stars would follow in his footsteps, the world could be a much better place.
My heart breaks for his wife. I can't imagine losing a husband of 50 years. I hurt for his five daughters, but they can take comfort that their father was a true hero, and a guy of great class and distinction.
Celebs nowadays have such power over the public, they also have millions and millions. Instead of spending their lives doing drugs and traveling the world in search of the perfect party, why not set up charities and spend their time off screen helping the poor and underprivileged of America [not some other country] and why not use their influence over young people to do good instead of spending their time in jail and on the first page for their transgressions? Paul Newman was a magnificent man, he was so worthy of our respect. God bless him and his family.
{"commentId":3184085,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"karojen"}
#20 - Sun Sep 28, 2008 11:01 AM EDT{"commentId":3184140,"authorDomain":"rjmassey23693"}
And who can forget the amount of fun he brought to Mel Brooks' Silent Movie and the wheel chair race scene! The fact that Paul Newman was a "real" actor, and brought life to any character he played, and is now gone, makes me sad because Hollywood really haven't found much in the way of "real" actors who can bring his whole self to the screen and still give the audience the character at the same time. Maybe diverse character actor Johnny Depp, or British sultry, intense, and deep actor Sean Bean, or Aussie's incredible Beautiful Mind Gladiator Russell Crowe, even the upcoming, let's get real Will Smith. Paul Newman and his brand will be missed and it's scary to see tne best of the best leaving us. THat's why I watch Turner Classic Movies because the new stuff gets too lost in the special effects. Anyone can play a Super Hero, but it takes someone like Paul Newman to actually be one. THanks for all the talent you've shared over the years and the good memories you leave with us.
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#21 - Sun Sep 28, 2008 11:07 AM EDT{"commentId":3186040,"authorDomain":"henrysproperties"}
Paul Newman - A Man For All Season(ings)!! A legendary artist, with a humble yet generous heart. RIP!
{"commentId":3186040,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"henrysproperties"}
#22 - Sun Sep 28, 2008 1:25 PM EDT{"commentId":3195871,"authorDomain":"bigmeat"}
{"commentId":3196276,"authorDomain":"robertp"}
Newman was a class act. Great actor and wonderful husband. You never saw him in the news for some of the stupid things actors and actresses do now. And the one thing I liked about him is his loyalty to his wife. 50 plus years! Unheard of in these days marriage for convenience or status. Which some of these so called Hollywood types would do the same.
{"commentId":3196276,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"robertp"}
#24 - Mon Sep 29, 2008 7:30 AM EDT{"commentId":3201823,"authorDomain":"ppuckett4713"}
THIS IS A GREAT LOSS FOR HOLLYWOOD & ALL HIS FANS. HE WAS AMONG THE LAST GREAT ICONS OF HOLLYWOOD. NOT ONLY WAS HE A GREAT ACTOR BUT ALSO A GREAT HUMANITARIAN, HUSBAND & FATHER & FRIEND. HE WILL SORELY BE MISSED. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY & PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY...
{"commentId":3201823,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"ppuckett4713"}
#25 - Mon Sep 29, 2008 12:21 PM EDT{"commentId":3204173,"authorDomain":"carolync-1"}
One of a kind. One of those who should have lived forever. There's only a handful of 'em.
{"commentId":3204173,"threadId":"370811","contentId":"1922224","authorDomain":"carolync-1"}
#26 - Mon Sep 29, 2008 2:02 PM EDT{"canLink":false,"threadId":"370811","isPrivate":false}
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