Paul Newman

Let's take a break from the chaos that is our political scene this week and pay homage to an authentic American, Paul Newman.  Newman , one of the finest actors and humanitarians of any generation, died today at the age of 83.

If Paul Newman was in a movie, you knew it would be good.  And he kept it real for decade after decade performing a wide range of characters, each of them memorable in their own right.  He wasn't one of those actors who succeeded because he played the same character each movie.  He could play the good guy, the bad guy, the sentimental guy or the tough one.  Every one was believable.  And he made everyone else in the movie with him better.

If all he had accomplished in his life was his movie career, we would still be honoring him.  But he accomplished so much more.  He and his wife, Joanne Woodward, were married for 50 years plus.  Woodward is a fantastic actress in her own right.  He loved fast cars and was in racing for a time.  But I believe he would tell us his most important achievement was Newman's Own.  

The food company he started as "a lark" with a friend has turned into perhaps the greatest example of cause branding by a company ever.  100 percent of the proceeds from the more than 150 food items manufactured and sold by Newman's Own goes to charity.  100 percent.

Paul Newman may have died, but he left a legacy that will live forever through his movies and through his philanthropy.  Here's looking at you, kid.  Thanks.

Comments

[Diane]

Lovely tribute - it was very good to read. Thank you!

Rest peacefully Paul Newman!

[Diane]

Lovely tribute - it was very good to read. Thank you!

Rest peacefully Paul Newman!

[Heather Bowen Ray]

I agree with your assessment -- Paul Newman was admirable for his talents but even more admirable for his character.

The Sundance Channel aired a fantastic episode of "Iconoclasts" that offered a window into Paul Newman's life:

http://www.sundancechannel.com/iconoclasts#/episode/210227766

Unfortunately, it looks like Hulu only has posted season 3, and the Newman/Redford episode was from season 1.

At any rate, the clips on the Sundance Channel site are interesting. Yet I do hope you get a chance to see the whole episode as a rebroadcast... if you haven't already seen it.

Here's to Paul Newman's philanthropic legacy.

Best,
Heather