It is the end of an era in films. Paul Newman, the man with the piercing blue eyes, passed away early this morning after a long battle with cancer at age 83. He was surrounded by family, friends and the loving thoughts of millions of fans around the world.For me Paul Newman was an icon. I grew up watching his films and being mesmerized by those blue eyes. Those eyes that we were all so in love with were, in fact, color blind. This kept Mr. Newman from becoming a pilot in the Naval Air Corp.
I think my favorite film of his was Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid but, frankly, it's pretty hard to choose a favorite film from an actor with his range and talent. I also loved him as Fast Eddie and I'll never forget him in Cool Hand Luke, who would?
He once said that he never read his reviews,
"If they're good you get a fat head and if they're bad you're depressed for three weeks,"He was an actor, a race car enthusiast and driver and, according to those who knew him best, a great practical joke advocate. He once had a Porsche wrapped up in ribbons and parked in Robert Redford's hallway. According to one story I read he was (allegedly) was expelled for crashing a keg of beer into the president's car at Ohio University.
He was also a great humanitarian. He created Newman's Own, a food product company dedicated to natural ingredients where all the profits are donated to charity. Yes, All The Profits!
The only bottled dressings I buy are Newman's Own because they are absolutely the best and because, as the website says, it's "Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good". Now, that is the best corporate slogan I've ever heard! Truth in advertising - add that to Mr. Newman's best qualities!
He loved beer, fast cars, making movies, good jokes and we loved him.
Read more about Mr. Paul Leonard Newman, his life and his career:
Paul Newman at IMDB
Paul Newman on Wikipedia
Legendary actor Paul Newman dies at age 83
Paul Newman, Star of `The Color of Money,' `Hud,' Dead at 83
Paul Newman, movie and racing icon, dead at 83
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