Paul Newman Has Passed Away at 83 Years of Age
Cleveland area native turned Hollywood icon Paul Newman has lost his long battle with cancer and died yesterday at 83 years old. Newman was a graduate Shaker Heights High School in 1943 and planned to study at Ohio University until World War II interrupted his plans as he served in the Navy.
Newman was interested in acting getting his start at Shaker Heights Public Schools at just seven years old. Who would know that he would become one of the top leading men of his time? Newman was a true superstar in Hollywood and starred in notable films such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), The Hustler (1961) and Cool Hand Luke (1967). Later films include Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973), The Verdict (1982), The Color of Money (1986) and scored a hits all the way to this decade with 2002's 'Road to Perdition' and 2006 animated film 'Cars' which he lent his distinguished voice to which received critical acclaim.
The buckeye native also made a name for himself as a strong Democratic supporter in the political arena, and had a succesufl business venture in a food line called Newman's Own. He was also known for his love of car racing, even participating in a race when he was stricken with cancer earlier this year.
Newman, who had been a heavy smoker, died at his home in Westport, Connecticut, of lung cancer yesterday evening.
Vice-Chairman of Newman's Own Foundation Robert Forrester released this statement today:
"Paul Newman's craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all.
"Paul had an abiding belief in the role that luck plays in one's life, and its randomness. He was quick to acknowledge the good fortune he had in his own life, beginning with being born in America, and was acutely aware of how unlucky so many others were. True to his character, he quietly devoted himself to helping offset this imbalance."
Paul is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joanne Woodward, his 5 children and two grandchildren.
Comments
There are reasons people consider an individual a hero, a mentor and/or an inspiration. As a native Akronite, I've followed this good man's career, in both racing and acting. However, there are two things that I find to be salient qualities of his that I embrace. Paul Newman was a good and imperfect human being in an imperfect world. He was aware of his weaknesses. He was also generous. To those of you who are into dollars and cents, one quarter of a billion dollars is a lot of kindness to give back. To those of you who feel strongly in the Bible, "To whom much is given, much is required". I think he walked the talk.
Congratulations to Mr. Newman on getting that checkered flag.
A tireless worker for his fellow man.
A great actor and family man.
I admired him so!