“He set the bar too high for the rest of us. Not just actors, but all of us,” said George Clooney. Paul Newman died this past Friday, September 26, at the age of 83, after a long battle with lung cancer. When most of today’s generation hears the name Paul Newman, they say, “Hey, isn’t that the guy from those salad dressings?”
While a true statement, Paul Newman was so much more than that, he shall be remembered as a legendary actor, humanitarian, and as “the man with the most famous blue eyes in movie history.”
Newman was an actor, film director, entrepreneur, humanitarian and auto racing enthusiast.
Newman started his acting career performing for theatre and television, but he soon became one of the world’s most enduring popular film legends, holding major roles in more than 50 motion pictures, such as: “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof”, “The Hustler,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Sting,” and “The Color of Money.”
He worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Alfred Hitchcock, Robert Altman, Martin Scorsese, Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall and Tom Hanks.
Newman was the winner of the 1953 Theatre World Award for his breakout performance in “Picnic,” and was also nominated for a 2003 Tony Award for Best Actor in Play, for his performance in “Our Town.”
In addition, Newman was a 10- time Academy Award nominee but it would be 37 years until he would win for his performance in the 1986 Martin Scorsese film, “The Color of Money.” Newman was also the recipient of a 1986 and 1996 honorary Oscar.
Newman’s handsome looks and piercing blue eyes made him the ideal romantic lead, but he also played rebels, tough guys and losers.
Newman was chosen by Empire magazine in 1995 as number 12 in the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history, known for his trademark “sparkling blue eyes”.
As Deborah Orr, writer for The Canberra Times wrote: “Newman’s legacy, in his films and his many charitable projects, is considerable. It is important to remember that as well as a great man, he was a good person, and to remember too that there are solid reasons why really exceptional public figures are fairly hard to come by.”
In addition to his film career Newman was also a known as devoted husband, loving father, adoring grandfather, and dedicated philanthropist; long before his battle with cancer.
Newman, a passionate race car driver since the early 1970’s, became co-owner of Newman-Haas racing in 1982. Newman was one of the founders of the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, and was very involved in his charitable organization, founder of ‘Newman’s Own Foundation Inc.’, a successful food company formed by Newman in which all proceeds go to charity, as well as The Hole in The Wall Association, a group of 11 summer camps across the globe for terminally ill children. Newman’s Own is also the co-sponsor of the PEN/Newman’s Own First Amendment Award, a $25,000 reward designed to recognize those who protect the First Amendment as it applies to the written word.
In 2006, he opened the Dressing Room restaurant, which helps out the Westport Country Playhouse.
As of 2006 Newman’s Own had raised an astonishing $120 million in donations. Newman was not only a great actor, but a great human being, a man of “selfless humility and generosity”; he used his success to help others without seeking praise or reward. Newman was shining example of those in the acting profession, a great role model.
Newman’s legacy will surely live on and he will truly be missed.
Brianna Choynowski is a second-year student at West Chester University. She can be reached at BC622996@wcupa.edu.