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Where have all the Paul Newmans gone?
Paul Newman died Friday. This news made me sad.
I was sad not because I’m a rabid Newman fan, but because Paul Newman was a celebrity that you could honestly look up to and emulate.
Yes, he divorced his first wife. But he was married to his second wife, actress Joanne Woodward, for 50 years. This is unheard of in today’s world of 60-second celebrity marriages.
Newman was a skilled actor, playing many iconic roles in great films, such as Cool Hand Luke and the Young Philadelphians. And he continued acting until last year when he officially retired stating that he had lost the skills that made him successful.
He was a real man’s man, too. He was rugged and tough, without being too cocky or arrogant. I’d pit Newman of the 1960s against any actor before or since and he’d always get my vote for most sexiest actor.
But he was so much more than that.
He served in the Navy during World War II. He became an aircraft radioman and gunner, after being denied pilot training when it was discovered he was color blind.
When his son, Scott, died of a drug overdose in the 1970s, he started a drug abuse prevention center in his son’s name, the Scott Newman Center.
He started his own food line, Newman’s Own, which donates 100 percent of its post-tax profit to charity. To date, Newman’s Own has given over $200 million.
This is a far cry from today’s actors who shamelessly merchandise their fame with clothing lines, fragrances, etc. and use the proceeds to line their already-overfilled pockets.
In addition to his philanthropic pursuits, Newman also acted out for political causes, but he did so with a grace and tact that is absent in so many uber-political celebrities.
He may have played the bad boy on stage, he never seemed to crave the constant limelight. Instead he lived a quiet life with his wife and children in Connecticut.
Unfortunately, lung cancer — developed possibly from his early years as a chain smoker — ultimately took Newman’s life at the age of 82.
All in all, Newman was a man that could be considered a true role model. I hope young and up-and-coming actors follow in his footsteps.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Robin
Comments
By Lynn
September 30, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Great post Robin! He was a total hunk and made great salad dressing to boot. All your points are right on the mark.
By Richie Ann
September 30, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
I read something awhile back that said his daughter convinced him that they needed to go organic and she started the organic Paul Newman food branch that you’ll find in the health food stores. He later said he was proud of her for having the foresight.
Yes, he indeed seemed to be much more than just an actor and indeed lived a full life. Condolences to his family.