Paul Newman (1925

September 27, 2008

Paul Newman (1925 - 2008)

Paul Newman and Katherine Ross in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

My favorite actor of all time is Paul Newman. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid, Cool Hand Luke. Who can forget those performances? Father to

a son and five daughters (from two marriages), he lost the first - his son Scott - to a drug overdose in 1978 and later created the Scott Newman Center for drug abuse prevention. Married to Joanne Woodward, they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this year. Known for his generosity and philanthropic works he created "Newman's Own" which has generated more than $200 million in charity contributions. A resident of Westport, Connecticut, Newman founded "The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp" for seriously ill children in nearby Ashford. It's a summer camp tucked out in the woods - just a few miles from my home. Newman was known to visit often.
I am sure he will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward

Paul and Joanne - 50 years of marriage

Paul with the kids from The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp

DONATE TO THE HOLE IN THE WALL GANG CAMP

Comments

Robin said…

A class act in every sense of the word. They don't make them like that anymore and he will be missed.

September 27, 2008 at 10:05 AM

Anonymous said…

We second, Robin. They certainly don't. Weren't he and Joanne gorgeous?

September 27, 2008 at 2:07 PM

Larry said…

Mr. Newman as a class act and I enjoyed several of his movies.-Cool Hand Luke, Color Of Momey and The Sting are three that bring back memories for me.

September 27, 2008 at 3:31 PM

Rachel Biel said…

Oh, there is a hole in the world... He is one of my all-time favorites, too! As an actor, I love the depth of character, his solitude, his ability to portray the angst of both his youth and his old age, but as a man, I have always found him to be a person of dignity and honor. I've never heard a bad word about his character. That's not easy in a world that is anxious to defame. Both he and Robert Redford have been such an example of philanthropy and vision in the acting world... I wish we could clone him!

September 27, 2008 at 8:06 PM

High Desert Diva said…

Sad day. "Raindrops are falling on my head..."

September 27, 2008 at 8:14 PM

Marie Louise said…

Diva - Yes, that is my favorite scene. Always wished it was me riding that bike.

September 27, 2008 at 8:24 PM

lucie said…

what a beautiful man in every way

September 27, 2008 at 9:38 PM

Camille said…

I was so saddened to hear the news. I agree with Robin and Larry who said he was a class-act. He was a generous and caring man who gave back to the community through his many talents.

September 28, 2008 at 6:47 AM

Laura @ the shorehouse. said…

I said the same thing as Robin did to my friends last night. We had a bunch of folks over and toasted one of the greatest men we were lucky to "know" -- he used his celebrity to champion causes close to him, and never, ever stopped. What a talent (and, wow, we all -- both sexes -- had a hard time naming a more handsome man!).

Great tribute to an awesome man. It's been so great to see mentions of him on so many of my favorite blogs!

September 28, 2008 at 9:06 AM

dee said…

I love that you posted this. So sad that he passed away. He seemed to live such a full life though, didn't he? And those pics of him and Joanne Woodward are beautiful. I worked with Hole in the Wall Gang once for a charity event and I think it's so wonderful that he gave so much back to the world in that way.

Also, on a side note, I finally posted my I Heart Your Blog award! Thank you so much again, it was SO sweet of you! Here it is...sort of a fitting twist, given your post, actually:
http://www.thelilbee.com/2008/09/youre-it.html

September 28, 2008 at 10:28 AM