Paul Leonard Newman was one of the greatest actors of his generation – of any generation – but more than that, he was simply a great man. A kind, generous, humble man, who lived by the courage of his convictions.
Paul L. Newman January 26 1925 – September 26 2008
Paul Newman was a constant supporter of charities and humanitarian efforts, but sought no praise for his philanthropism. He founded the 'Hole in the Wall' charity to help treat terminally ill children to adventurous camping holidays. He also donated every penny of the profits from 'Newman's Own' brand of foodstuffs to charity.
Newman was self effacing about his charity work. After receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1994, Newman vowed to never again accept an award for his charity work. He didn't think it was something special that deserved a pat on the back. Humanitarian endeavors were simply part of his life. He was a man who thought deeply about such things, cared about the world he lived in, and helped out wherever he could.
Paul Newman's Loving Family
After a long battle with cancer, the star sadly passed away at his home in Connecticut. He was surrounded by his loving family, his wife of 50 years Joanne Woodward, and his children. Paul and Joanne raised 3 daughters together, Nell, Melissa and Claire. Paul was also father to 3 children from his previous marriage to Jackie Witte – Scott, Stephanie and Susan. Scott tragically died in 1978 of a drugs overdose.
Show Kindness, Give to Charity, Vote
Paul Newman's family have spoken about paying tribute to him by simply showing kindness to friends, donating to charity and voting in the upcoming elections. After her father's death, Melissa Newman spoke to reporters outside the family home. She said:
“Just look out for each other. That's really what he was all about”.
Even in death, Paul Newman's character, and that of his mourning family, is defined by exemplary dignity. Random acts of kindness will benefit everyone, and honor a man who tried, in his life, to show kindness to everyone he met.
Paul Newman's Best Films
Newman will, of course, also be remembered for his tremendous achievements in acting. His films will live on, and will undoubtedly garner new fans. Amongst the best of his prodigious output were the films he made with Robert Redford - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting. Then there was his iconic role as Fast Eddie Felson in The Hustler. Classics such as Hud, Cool Hand Luke, The Towering Inferno, and more recent films such as The Hudsucker Proxy and Road to Perdition proved Newman more than deserving of his 'King of Cool' tag.
More than anything, Newman's fans will remember how his sapphire blue eyes sparkled with impish glee in so many wonderful films. He was a true Hollywood legend, and although he shrugged off his movie star good looks with a customary irreverence for them, Paul Newman will remain forever handsome in the cinematic legacy left behind...and forever admired as a simply great man.
Go on, pass on a random act of kindness today. Do it for Paul.
