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Hell, He’s a Natural-Born World-Shaker

Paul Newman, 1925-2008 / TK

Miscellaneous | September 28, 2008 | Comments (66)

Paul Newman, at 83 years old, died of cancer today. It’s very rare that an actor’s death has much of an affect on me — it’s difficult for me to drum up sympathy for wealthy strangers that I’ve never seen be themselves. Newman is one of the exceptions — he’s one of the first actors that my father, himself a film nut, made a point of noting to me. I still remember my introduction to him when I watched The Color of Money when I was 11 years old. My dad, upon learning of my ignorance, promptly went on a Paul Newman binge, and within months I’d seen Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Slapshot, Fort Apache the Bronx, and The Sting.

In the 20+ years since then, Newman continued to distinguish himself as one of the legends of our time, a strong, handsome, talented star who had a style that we envied and a smile that we melted at the sight of. He played some of the most iconic roles you’re likely to see — Butch Cassidy, Fast Eddie Felson (The Hustler, The Color of Money), Governor Earl Long (Blaze), and of course, the eternal rebel Luke. He’s one of the rare actors who continued to amaze and amuse right to the very end of his career. Even if the films weren’t always terribly successful, he would still manage to be the very best part of it. His last live action feature film (he also provided voice work for Cars later), The Road to Perdition, received mixed reviews — personally, I thought it was a marvel of atmosphere and cinematography coupled with great performances, that somehow lacked cohesiveness — but there’s no questioning that Newman was wonderful in it. You’ll always remember some of his greatest moments — the jump with Sundance, fighting as Rocky Graziano (Somebody Up There Likes Me), burning up the screen with Elizabeth Taylor (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), or refusing to back down (not to mention eating all those damn eggs) in Cool Hand Luke.

I’ve managed to catch several more of his movies since that fateful day in 1986, and I’ve never been disappointed by any of his roles. Added to the fact that his philanthropic works were inspiring and far beyond the average Hollywood star’s efforts (a few months ago, he donated the entire value of Newman’s Own — $120 million — to charity), and you can’t help but feel love and respect for the man. Better yet, he was generous without being obvious about it. Sure, you see his face every time you buy salad dressing, but you never saw him holding press conferences talking about what a super guy he was. In interviews he was all twinkling eyes and sly smiles, even as he got older and slower.

Paul Newman’s acting career started in 1952, and spanned over 50 years. It’s an achievement worth noting. His contributions as an actor, as a humanitarian, and as a man will always be remembered.


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Comments

raise a glass to Paul Newman, who had a vision, while the rest of the world wore bifocals...

Posted by: thaf at September 27, 2008 2:37 PM

R.I.P. There will never be another like him.

Posted by: rlr260 at September 27, 2008 2:42 PM

Wipin' a tear, boss.
Wipe it Off.

Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at September 27, 2008 2:43 PM

R.I.P. Sir.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at September 27, 2008 2:45 PM

Class act, all the way.

Posted by: hugeinjapan at September 27, 2008 2:48 PM

He made more of an impression on me in the years after his "Heartthrob" stage--you are right about his turn in Road to Perdition; he was so perfect.

Slap Shot is the greatest sports comedy of all time.

Posted by: Jerce at September 27, 2008 2:57 PM

The first film I saw him in was Cat on a Hot Tin Roof about ten years or so ago in early high school. I instantly fell in love with him and the more I learned about him, the more I was amazed. A friend got to meet him a year or two ago as a result of a charity she was involved in, and I was so jealous. He was a wonderful man - you didn't need to know him personally to know that. A real class act.

Posted by: BizzyBees at September 27, 2008 3:12 PM

Just yesterday I was watching one of my favorite Hitchcock movies, Torn Curtain, which starred him. A stand out man, all the way.

Posted by: Sara at September 27, 2008 3:20 PM

Oh those eyes, those eyes. Paul Newman set a very high bar for leading men. He also set a high standard off screen. We could do with a few more like him in the world.

Posted by: Lindsey at September 27, 2008 3:22 PM

Damnit, why does it always take someone dieing to get me motivated enough to rent all these classics I should have seen years ago?

Posted by: the_wakeful at September 27, 2008 3:28 PM

My dad loves Paul Newman. Seriously, he loves him. "Sofi, I've never seen a more beautiful man", he used to tell me. Coming from a conservative Catholic, that was a big statement. But it wasn't just his looks. He was talented, charming, generous, selfless, and proved everyone wrong when they said Hollywood marriages don't last. Joan Woodward was his wife for 50 years.

He did a wonderful show with Robert Redford, and I was surprised at how funny he was in it. Hearing about his death is just sad. I hope his class rubs off on some of the current Hollywood pricks.

Posted by: Sofía at September 27, 2008 3:35 PM

Very few of the current "leading men" in Hollywood are worthy to lick the sweat off Newman's balls.

Posted by: The Wanderer at September 27, 2008 3:39 PM

A loss for the world. A truly great man who never bragged or proclaimed his greatness. RIP Mr. Newman. You really were a one of a kind guy.

Posted by: Melody at September 27, 2008 3:43 PM

Judging from the picture of Newman that you put up TK, cancer must have ate him up, because on the Seinfeld show has was much heavier and he wore glasses.

Posted by: Pookie at September 27, 2008 3:44 PM

Personal top 5 Paul Newman Films:

1. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
2. Cool Hand Luke
3. The Color of Money
4. Empire Falls
5. Slap Shot

Posted by: Nicole at September 27, 2008 3:45 PM

This is just too sad. A great loss, he was and still one of my favourite actors. Apart from everything that's been mentioned here, he managed to convince me in The Verdict that even a beat up lawyer can be cool (which is not true, but he did it anyway).

Thank you for everything, Paul. Rest in peace.

Posted by: JC at September 27, 2008 3:54 PM

Any love for 'The Long Hot Summer'?

Posted by: Lindsey at September 27, 2008 4:10 PM

Thank you, TK. There is grief in our house tonight for a true champion of art and humanity.

Posted by: socalledonlycousins at September 27, 2008 4:13 PM

Well said, TK. I knew I could come to Pajiba for a fitting tribute to a man who was not only a great actor and screen legend, but who was truly a remarkable human being.

Posted by: Kolby at September 27, 2008 4:20 PM

I want to remind everyone that Newman's charities are notable in the sense that he only associated with those in which ALL profits would go to the intended beneficiaries (that includes his own "Newman's Own").
The best tribute to give the man, if you are the charitable type, is to look into an give to those he was helping.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at September 27, 2008 4:27 PM

I loves me his pineapple salsa. I believe I have some in the fridge.

"Sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand."

The opening sequence of "Luke" when he's cutting the heads off the parking meters might be my favorite first two minutes of a movie.

Posted by: bucdaddy at September 27, 2008 4:32 PM

Thank you, TK, for paying tribute to such a talented and remarkable man. He set the bar high for actors, philanthropists, and genuinely good men. He will be sorely missed.

If there's a heaven, you know they had a race track and a gourmet kitchen ready for his arrival.

Posted by: ShinyKate at September 27, 2008 5:13 PM

Another little flick of his that seems to slip out of everyone's radar is "Absence of Malice." A smart look into what happens when an innocent man gets caught up between a the power of the Press and the Judicial system.

I think Sally Field? Co-starred in that.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at September 27, 2008 5:19 PM

That white boy had soul! Now he and Elizabeth Taylor can look for Big Daddy forever!

Posted by: Jesse Jackson at September 27, 2008 6:00 PM

There are very few men like Paul Newman, and that's what makes his death so hard to accept.

Joanne must be crushed.

Posted by: chenry at September 27, 2008 6:05 PM

Godspeed, Mr. Newman. They don't make them like you anymore, and they never will again.

Posted by: Armando at September 27, 2008 6:20 PM

ah - those eyes !!! i married the man i did because he had those eyes - adios newman !!!

Posted by: marcia at September 27, 2008 6:58 PM

A film no one has mentioned -- yet it's one of his great ones, IMO -- is "Nobody's Fool." It's Jessica Tandy's last film, it has a wonderful score, and there are all sorts of recognizable folks doing good work. Newman is wonderful.

And, of course, "The Verdict." An amazing performance, without a speck of vanity.

RIP Mr. Newman.

Posted by: Louise at September 27, 2008 7:52 PM

Dammit.

Dammit, dammit, dammit, dammit, dammit. I haven't choked up over an RIP since the day Asimov died. Now what, dammit. My world just got smaller, again.

Glad to see some Cat on a Hot Tin Roof love. The denial, layered over knowing, layered under a compelled drunk & played well. The internal conflict with his position in the family. Even showing an athlete moving a bit uncertainly with drink. Brilliant. Mesmerizing. (Not that I have acquaintance with layers of knowing and not, encased in the amber of family and small-town transparency. Or with drink, sweet, sweet narcotizing ambrosia. No, not I.) Anyway, he nailed it.

Meanwhile, every rebel wants to be "Luke", wants to believe that in the end the need of your own path runs so deep it can't be erased. Luke was a prisoner to his own rebellion more than to any warden but if we must be shackled, what better than to that? Every wise-guy hustler wants to be Fast Eddie - so knowing, so skilled, so unbowed. Blew the Xenu-spawn off the screen, too (Although a good sneeze, really . . . ) And Butch and Sundance. And Absence of Malice. (And who knew that Sally Field and Wilford Brimley could both actually act?) Each performance I saw was a gem. Actual range, and what them folks what have words call "gravitas."

Personally his charities were about using his name to help a cause vs. a cause to promote himself. (Insert the too, too many examples of the Hollywood self-serving thing here.) Every single colleague, costar, business partner had only good to say about the man. Not the icon, or his work or his talent. The man. As a man.

You know what? There will be a flock of fawning retrospectives. Iconic clips and words of praise from over-coiffed faces without a duke of an idea how to comport themselves public-like (oh, my brothers - and sisters.) Jackals making time on the corpse of a man better than they will ever be. I don't mind them gnawing on their own ilk. Is Paris noshing on Perez these days or what? If ever two deserved each other. But . . . Newman?

I hereby resolve not to watch a one of them. Not to read, listen, or comment. A sincere, first-person appreciation from someone with the right to an opinion - I'm all over that. A deliberate personal retrospective of his work, or hunting down his charities because they've been vetted - done and done. For the rest, I won't give the trolls a click, an eyeball, a link or an instant of my precious attention stolen using his name. This is how we get some quality in our laughable culture. Starve the Philistines who survive on the bones of their betters, and the blood of those they dupe into coming along.

Not that I have an opinion. Meanwhile, just dammit.

Posted by: BierceAmbrose at September 27, 2008 7:59 PM

"...(And who knew that Sally Field and Wilford Brimley could both actually act?) ..."


*Before I leave here, I'm gonna have somebody's ass in my briefcase...*

That's gold baby.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at September 27, 2008 8:16 PM

There are an awful lot of his films that I really love, but "Mr. and Mrs. Bridge" is one of the ones that I can't help but stop and watch every single time I come across it.

Posted by: elsie at September 27, 2008 8:22 PM

The man could wash his whites on them abs, no bleach necessary.

True Story

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at September 27, 2008 8:33 PM

Pit of the stomach hurt. The kind that reminds you you aren't as talented, but there is a reason you even try. Peace, Paul.

Posted by: patchfire at September 27, 2008 8:45 PM

Forty-nine percent of the class in Hollywood left us today. My condolences to his wife, the other forty-nine percent.

Posted by: lateformyfuneral at September 27, 2008 9:19 PM

So now we are left with whom?

Kirk Douglas, Don Rickles and Lauren Bacall?

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at September 27, 2008 9:25 PM

Someone's probably mentioned them already, but since I'm lazy (and sad):
The Verdict
Nobody's Fool

Posted by: JL at September 27, 2008 9:33 PM

I'm genuinely sad today. He was a lovely man and a lovely actor.

Posted by: Julie at September 27, 2008 10:09 PM

Like many here, I grew up on Newman thanks to my parents. Stuff like The Sting, Butch & Sundance, The Towering Inferno and so on. He had that movie star gleam, that All-American shine and yet had granite gravitas. He could be Luke and Butch and make each one unique.

Of course, I'll remember his turn in Road to Perdition as the father gangster to a snively Daniel Craig. He had his charm and he had his gravitas still.

BTW, here's a clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dABKrPE3bOQ

Of course, I love that he made it into Cars. Paul Newman an old racecar? Seems fitting.

And what can be said about his charity or humanitarianism that hasn't already been said? Many preach it. He lived it.

Rest in Peace

Posted by: BFFredo at September 27, 2008 10:13 PM

Cheers Mr. Newman.

Posted by: Cindy at September 27, 2008 10:21 PM

Nobody's mentioned Exodus (I don't think), but his portrayal of Ari Ben Canaan gave me a Jew in cinema that wasn't nerdy or slimy. When he emerged dripping from the sea as a freakin' modern-day Moses, I think I fell in love a little.

Paul Newman, z"l

Posted by: KP at September 27, 2008 10:23 PM

"American Thinker" was thinking what I was thinking:

"Paul Newman was a liberal who put his money where his mouth was."

And managed to do it without shooting off said mouth every 30 seconds.

That's a liberal even I can like.

Posted by: bucdaddy at September 27, 2008 10:54 PM

Aye, "Nobody's Fool" was good stuff, it's too bad there weren't many more old cranky bastards from him.

And why'd I think TK was older than me? Great, now I feel unsuccessful, ya jerk.

Oh and that's some damn good spaghetti sauce too.

Posted by: Jay at September 27, 2008 11:03 PM

A beautiful man, in all ways.

Posted by: grace at September 28, 2008 12:22 AM

So sad.

He was one of the people in the world that when you thought about him, you were just happier knowing he existed, for all the reasons you've all listed. I'm really saddened when somebody substantial just fades away, especially because there just doesn't seem to be any interest whatsoever in trying to keep any of the magic and grace alive in the hollywood machine. And it is always surprising how certain people impact your life, and you never even know until they're gone, and all those tiny moments hit you in one fell swoop.

I have to admit I'm mostly a sucker for the talent, but I think I loved each and every moment of his face I ever saw.

Posted by: replica at September 28, 2008 12:35 AM

Yes to all of the above.

But come on, it's effect, TK, effect. He had an effect on you. Affect is a verb.

You're really going to correct grammar in a memorial post? Really? Wow. That's sweet. -TK

Posted by: marya at September 28, 2008 1:32 AM

"So now we are left with whom?"

May I submit Martin Sheen to the list of classy gentlemen still left in Hollywood? Lovely man, married to the same woman for 40 years, charming as all get out, and one hell of a president.

Posted by: Lindsey at September 28, 2008 2:23 AM

i was deeply saddended by the news of paul newman's passing.

as a film student his movies are somewhat of a holy bible for me, and as a person his humanitarian efforts always touched me. the man used to paddle across the lake everyday to visit the kids at his camp (one of them anyways).

newman was just one of those rare actors that refused to succumb to the limelight and rather his private life be kept, well, private.he's someone who should be a guiding light for all those misguided young hollywood stars out there right now.

thanks for the memories.

Posted by: citizen_cris at September 28, 2008 4:25 AM

He was 83? I thought he was like 65. Huh.

And Sockarooni is fucking awesome.

Posted by: Lucas at September 28, 2008 4:51 AM

This was lovely, thank you. I join you in feeling this one a little bit too hard.

Love live ol' blue eyes and the forever graceful.

Posted by: kate jones at September 28, 2008 10:22 AM


Long Hot Summer is one of my very favorite movies. He met Joanne Woodward making this movie and the chemistry is so wonderful.

Posted by: amber at September 28, 2008 10:53 AM

Wasn't the cat in "Road to Perdition?"

Posted by: Jesse Jackson at September 28, 2008 11:30 AM

My favorite Paul Newman quote-when asked if he was ever tempted to fool around on his wife Joanne Woodward-"Why would I go out for hamburger when I have steak at home?".
I have loved his charm and real nobility forever.
He will be missed.

Posted by: djo at September 28, 2008 12:08 PM

The most beautiful man I have ever seen on the screen. A wonderful actor and a truly decent human being.

And yes, Lindsey you can get some love for The Long, Hot Summer.

Clara Varner: You're too much like my father to suit me, and I'm an authority on him.
Ben Quick: He's a wonderful old man.
Clara Varner: One wolf recognizes another.
Ben Quick: Tame us. Make pets out of us. You could.

But my all-time favorite Newman film is Hud. A cinematic masterpiece with Newman as the best cold-blooded bastard ever.

Hud Bannon: My momma used to love me, but she died.

Hud Bannon: The only question I ever ask any woman is "What time is your husband coming home?"

Hud Bannon: I'll do anything to make you trade him.
Alma Brown: No thanks. I've done my time with one cold-blooded bastard, I'm not looking for another.
Hud Bannon: Too late, honey, you already found him.

Other favorites:
The Rack - A underrated little gem

The Left-Handed Gun a unconventional western, depicting casual violence, a precursor to Arthur Penn's Bonnie and Clyde ten years later

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - Could any two stars have been so achingly beautiful than Newman and Elizabeth Taylor?

The Hustler - The iconic Fast Eddie Felson, need I say more?

Sweet Bird of Youth - Chance Wayne: I like you. You are a nice monster.

Cool Hand Luke - Featuring one of the most iconic lines in cinematic history:
"What we have here is...a failure to communicate."

Harper - the coolest PI on the planet

Lew Harper: I used to be a sheriff until I passed my literacy test.

Hombre - My favorite Newman western

Absence of Malice - Everyone brought their A game

The Verdict - Where was that man's Oscar, oh yeah, Ben Kingsley?

Guilty pleasures:
The Young Philadelphians
From the Terrace
A New Kind of Love

Rest in Peace Mr. Newman, I cannot express how much you will be missed.

Posted by: allheavens at September 28, 2008 12:21 PM

My family is dysfunctional to the point that we often quarrel and hold grudges for years. My parents divorced when I was a toddler. My Mom, my Dad and I now live in three different states.

Yesterday, when the news came out that Paul Newman had passed, my Dad called my Mom and my Mom called me. It was like a family member had died.

I grew up watching this man's movies. I was taught to believe that only he and Sidney Poitier were perfect. I can't say that I can argue that point even today.

Rest in Peace, Fast Eddie.

Posted by: greer at September 28, 2008 3:22 PM

uh...no one is perfect. Sorry, although Paul Newman LOOKED pretty damn perfect in most of his pictures and movies. Mmmmm...! R.I.P. - his cookies are damn good too!

Posted by: ph at September 28, 2008 10:30 PM

Ole Blue Eyes was color blind. Ain't that weird?

Friend of mine was in the race pit at the Indy 500 one year. Turned around and got introduced to Paul Newman. He said "Whaddya think?" and all she could respond was "It's loud" Too tongue tied. He just laughed.

For a nice appreciation of the man, head over to Slate http://www.slate.com/id/2201116/?GT1=38002

Kenyon also had a nice dedication.

Posted by: amanda47 at September 28, 2008 11:15 PM

No mention of Hud and only one for The Long Hot Summer?? Come on now folks. Get with the program.

I've stuck up a black and white of Mr Newman at my desk. It had to be done.

Posted by: amanda at September 29, 2008 8:35 AM


*tear*
R. I. P.

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at September 29, 2008 10:16 AM

Goddamn the world got a lot less cooler. He was my favorite actor and I enjoyed him in so many different roles. I spent a large part of yesterday playing YouTube clips of his films and the smile on my face was wide and deep.

Too many movies to list here, but I will always have a place in my heart for Nobody's Fool. Coming from a small town, it felt quite real.

A great actor, a better man. I will raise a glass and eat a hard boiled egg for you, my friend who I never met.

Posted by: Rubble44 at September 29, 2008 12:37 PM

Classy, lovely, modest, funny, smart. Sigh. So perfect in "The Verdict" - a good enough actor that one wasn't distracted by his insane good looks and blue eyes.

Posted by: samantha t at September 29, 2008 12:59 PM

Twilight. Go rent Twilight and marvel at the scene where he and James Garner spend time sitting and talking about their prostate problems and other ills. It's funny and sad and extremely brave of two actors who made their fortune being young, handsome and tough, and who now are old and frail...but still TOUGH, dammit. Plus it has Gene Hackman, Susan Sarandon and I believe Reese Witherspoon in a very early role. It's a GOOD movie. Go Racin' for the Checkers in Heaven, Mr. Newman!

Posted by: lil_a at September 29, 2008 1:52 PM

Paul Newman was one of my favorite actors, and goddamn hot too. As a teen I was partial to Redford in "The Sting", but after graduating into womanhood my tastes matured and Newman became that epitome of the perfect man. NO ONE in Hollywood can hold a candle to his level of class, Joanne was one lucky lady.

Posted by: racheee at September 29, 2008 6:38 PM

Hottest. Man. Ever.

Also he was really a good guy and stuff, or so it seems.

Posted by: tt_marie at September 29, 2008 10:37 PM

I watched Absence of Malice, largely based on the number of comments here that mentioned how good it was. I loved it. Tonight I watched Slap Shot for the first time, and I don't think I've ever laughed so much at a move in ages! The two films couldn't have been more different, but in both, Paul Newman was perfection. He will be missed.

Posted by: Sarah at September 30, 2008 7:20 PM

RIP. Paul Newman was the kind of gorgeous that artists would immortalize in stone. He was also a great actor.

As for who is left in Hollywood of the classy/talented old guard?...In addition to those already mentioned, I'd add Karl Malden. Longest marriage in Hollywood...really talented...just not handsome...

Posted by: :( at September 30, 2008 11:02 PM

he elevated every movie he was in and i will always remember the line he left joanne woodward with in " a rage to live " .........." how do you like them apples"?

Posted by: snake at October 1, 2008 12:00 AM