Paul Newman: 1925 - 2008 - R.I.P.

Paul Newman, legendary actor, film director, racing driver, entrepreneur, and humanitarian, died on September 26th, 2008, at the ripe old age of 83. He died at his home in Westport, Connecticut after suffering complications from his long battle with cancer.

Paul Newman the actor was an ever-present in Hollywood from the 1950s to the 2000s. His first film role came in 1956, when he played Rocky in Somebody Up There Likes Me. He then starred in The Hustler in 1962, Cool Hand Luke in 1967, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in 1969, The Sting in 1973, The Towering Inferno in 1974, The Verdict in 1982, The Color of Money in 1986, The Hudsucker Proxy in 1994, and Road to Perdition as recently as 2002. Those are merely the highlights in a film career that spanned six decades.

Newman was a naturally gifted and good-looking man who always rated highly with audiences. Critics also adored his often brooding performances, and he was nominated for nine Oscars, eventually winning one for The Color Of Money.

Aside from his film career, Newman was a talented racing driver as well as race team owner. He also owned his own food company, Newman’s Own, most famous for salad dressings, of which all the profit went to charity.

Paul Newman was ultimately a thoroughly decent human being who inspired those who met him and even those who didn’t, equally. He will be sorely missed, and his life should be celebrated by all.

Paul Newman: 1925 -2008 - Rest In Peace.