Paul Newman--Actor, Activist, and Philanthropist--Died Last Night at 83
by Melissa Ford

The Washington Post is reporting that Paul Newman died last night after a lengthy battle with cancer. Well known for the tough guys he portrayed in film including Cool Hand Luke and The Colour of Money, he also had a softer side, giving away $150 million from his products marked as Newman's Own.

An accomplished director, race car driver, and Oscar winning actor, he has won awards not only in the entertainment industry, but for his humanitarian and philanthropic work.

As a movie-goer, I'll obviously miss his great talent on the screen as well as his work behind the scenes as a director. But as a mother, I will miss the man behind the company whose motto was, "Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good." While it may have been the "joke that got out of control" on one hand, it was also a reminder in every day products that a single person can make a huge difference.

Just as notable as his career and activism is his marriage to Joanne Woodward for over 50 years. In a town that is better known for its quick marriages and quicker divorces, he found a love that endured and endured. I'll be thinking a lot about her today as well.

How did you react to the news and how will you miss Paul Newman, legendary screen actor, director, and philanthropist? Please share stories about viewing your favourite Newman movies, purchasing Newman's Own products, or how his portrayal of the coolest man in town shaped your own vision of men.

Submitted by Melissa Ford (view blog) on Sat, 09/27/2008 - 10:58

Comments

 

I'm thinking about Joanne too, Mel

Much to admire in Paul Newman, not least his family. I'm thinking about them mostly. He seemed like the type who could never die.

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Submitted by Elisa Camahort on Sat, 09/27/2008 - 08:46
 

Maybe that's it--that he

Maybe that's it--that he seemed immortal.

My son had pointed to his cookies the other day in the store and said, "he makes really good cookies."  I told him to write him a fan letter about it and then got sidetracked and never sat down with him to write it.  We'll still do so, but it makes me sad that I didn't consider time as a factor. 

 

Venting about infertility since 2006
www.stirrup-queens.blogspot.com
and we're not talkin' cowgirls...

Submitted by Melissa Ford on Sat, 09/27/2008 - 08:51
 

Paul Newman

He was my favorite actor of all time. Not only was he beautiful, he was in love with his wife and gave away millions to good causes. What's not to admire and mourn?

MMH 

Submitted by Mary Margaret Hansen on Sat, 09/27/2008 - 08:51
 

If you could only pick one

If you could only pick one film (or character he played) as a favourite, which one would it be?

 

Venting about infertility since 2006
www.stirrup-queens.blogspot.com
and we're not talkin' cowgirls...

Submitted by Melissa Ford on Sat, 09/27/2008 - 08:52
 

Cool Hand Luke

The movie showed an incredibly handsome man that was a total muck-up but he had his own personal code of honor.

How he made his choices and suffered for them only to choose to live in defiance again and again. Loved that movie, even Struther Martin role in the film. I can never forget that face.

As a director then I'd have to pick Rachel, Rachel cuz that filmed nailed suffocating in a small town or state of mind.
It is a shame modern women haven't had the opportunity to see it.

Much blessing and hugs to Joanne and the family.

Gena - Out On The Stoop

Submitted by Gena Haskett on Sat, 09/27/2008 - 11:19
 

Cool Hand Luke, yes, but

Newman gave us so many amazing, nuanced portraits of masculinity that could fill a women's studies class. Hud. Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The Hustler.Oh baby, Even as an elementary school-aged child watching those movies on our black and white TV, I knew this was what grown and sexy looked like: Paul Newman, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier....

And yes, I greatly admire Joanne Woodward and loved them on the screen together. And indeed, the way he lived his values made him not only a great artist, but a great man.

But Lord, he was beautiful!

Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor|Professor Kim|

Submitted by Kim Pearson on Sun, 09/28/2008 - 17:34
 

Reggie Dunlop!!! Slapshot,

Reggie Dunlop!!! Slapshot, of course.

Submitted by L16 on Sat, 09/27/2008 - 09:41
 

He Will Be Missed

Very sad to hear. He will be missed greatly by alot of people.

Dana H

www.iopticsvisual.wordpress.com

www.iopticsvisual.com

Submitted by ioptics on Sun, 09/28/2008 - 08:34
 

Loved Him

Paul Newman was one of my favorite actors. I love his movies and I just love that he adored his wife. I also admire his work as a philanthropist. He was so beautiful to watch on screen. He was one of the greats.

http://fromayellowhouse.blogspot.com

Submitted by Dori7 on Sun, 09/28/2008 - 15:00
 

A Real Mensch

From "The Hustler," and "Cool Hand Luke," to "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting," "The Road to Perdition," and "The Color of Money," Paul Newman entertained us, seduced us, and mesmerized us.  But in addition to being a briliant actor and a physically beautiful man, he was also a "mensch."  Paul was half Jewish, and in Yiddish, "mensch" means a "human being."  "Human" in the best sense of the word.  Paul was beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside.  Paul, with his lovely wife, Joanne Woodward, used his fame, fortune and talent to do good in the world and to make a difference.  Paul did his best - that's the most we can expect of anyone - and he did it with grace, wit, and humility.  Paul Newman was a real mensch, and he will be missed in the world. 

Submitted by minnie bee on Sun, 09/28/2008 - 17:16
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