A Brief Commemorative Writing for the Late Great Paul NewmanIn our society there are many different things that influence our culture. One of the biggest influences on our culture is that of the media. And for more than five decades Paul Newman was one of the greatest actors that our media has ever seen. From starting his career in small supporting roles, to starring in and directing his own box office hits, Paul Newman was one of the biggest things to ever happen to America’s film industry.Although Newman had an expansive career on Broadway and other off camera performances, his biggest accomplishments and most amazing performances were seen on the big screen. Newman’s first hit movie was called “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” in which he portrayed a very complex character and impressed audiences and film critics with his great acting ability. Not only did he give a good performance but also received his first academy award nomination for this film. He would go on to start in many great movies and be nominated for a number of other awards. Some of his greatest movies include “Cool Hand Luke” in which Newman played an antihero who was a prisoner in a work camp trying to escape, and in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” he acted alongside Robert Redford in the Western about two outlaws belonging to the ‘Hole in the Wall gang’.One of Newman’s best played roles and arguably his most influential film was called “Hud” in which he played a young man who was by himself against the world and his own parents. Many say that this was his best performance and one of the very best of that decade. Newman’s acting career was scattered with reviews like that and it would not end until he quit acting. And he never quit acting.
What Paul Newman Can Teach Us All
We get to choose what to focus on, where to put our energy, how much energy we are willing to put in to a given project, what meaning we will assign each experience we have, what we want to emphasize in our own thought patterns.So, why not choose positive thoughts as often as we possibly can? On the day I am writing these words, we sadly lost a great man, Paul Newman. He was a brilliant actor and a phenomenal philanthropist. He was, in other words, a person who “had his priorities straight.” He understood that
life was short and that those who have had good lives are destined to share with those who have had less good fortune. He considered himself a “lucky” man, who was often in the right place at the right time. In fact, he spoke often of luck and good fortune and he saw himself as tremendously lucky.But I think there was much more to it than mere luck. I think that he (and others like him, people who live their lives in a state of genuine gratitude and appreciation and love and generosity) play very large roles in creating their own wonderful destinies and ultra-productive lives. Sure, he may have “caught some lucky breaks” in his acting career as he has stated in interviews, but if he had not possessed the necessary talent, ambition, drive and tenacity (not to mention those incredible blue eyes), he would not have gotten as far as he did, in acting or in life, and he got very far indeed. It is common knowledge that his “Newman’s Own” food company and charity got started as a bit of a lark, but then it grew into one of the most important non-profit organizations in the world.
Top 10 Paul Newman Movie Performances
The Best of Paul Newman on FilmPaul Newman was one of the greatest movie stars of all time. He ranks with Gary Cooper, Tom Cruise, Clint Eastwood, Clark Gable and John Wayne as one of the most popular stars at the box office in movie history, but he also was considered a first-rate actor, someone whose best
performances were in the same league as Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson and Al Pacino. Cooper, Gable and The Duke all won the Best Actor Academy Awards (with Coop copping two competitive Oscars and a third, honorary award for his career), but none of these top box office stars received the sustained critical acclaim for their acting that Paul Newman did. Paul Newman received nine Oscar nominations in his legendary career that spanned more than half a century. He received an honorary Oscar in recognition of his outstanding career in 1986, then followed it up the very next year by winning a competitive Oscar for Best Actor in The Color of Money, a reprise of one of his most memorable characters, Fast Eddie Felson from 1961′s The Hustler. In 1994, Newman was the recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Scienes in recognition of his peerless charitable work.Not all of Paul Newman’s greatest performances merited attention from the Academy, but many of them did. Here are the top 10 Paul Newman performances captured on film, listed in alphabetical order:
RIP Paul Newman
A Great Actor and Philanthropist Passes OnPaul Newman, the great actor and philanthropist, died at the age of 83 after a battle with cancer. Anyone who loves films has to regard Paul Newman’s passing with more than a twinge of sadness. He was truly one of those greats whom we shall never see the like of again.In his youth, Paul Newman had the face and body of a Greek statue, but a subtle acting style the belied any pretty boy looks he had. The names of films that he made his own are the stuff of legend.
RIP Paul Newman In The Hustler, Paul Newman played an up and coming pool shark eager to make his name by playing a high stakes game against the reigning champion, played by Jackie Gleason. The great aspect of The Hustler is that it is as much about character as it is about a game. Paul Newman’s Fast Eddie is a self destructive man who may lose everything on the brink of gaining it. Paul Newman reprised the character of Fast Eddie decades later in The Color of Money, this time opposite Tom Cruise, in a story about comebacks and handing over the torch to a younger protégé. The Color of Money garnered Paul Newman his one acting Oscar. In Cool Hand Luke, Paul Newman played a rebellious inmate in a prison chain gang. A man whose body may well be imprisoned, but whose soul is in every way still free. Paul Newman’s impish depiction of Luke was enhanced by a solid supporting cast, including George Kennedy as a fellow inmate and Strother Martin as the prison captain.Almost everyone’s favorite Paul Newman movie is Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, which also starred a then young screen idol named Robert Redford. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was an early “anti western”, which turned the western mythos on its head by depicting a pair of bandits, ordinarily the heavies, as the good guys. Newman played Butch Cassidy with a kind of ironic brilliance, whether it was being chased by a posse “who are those guys?”, fighting one of his own gang for supremacy, or, hurt, scared, and alone, getting ready with Redford’s Sundance Kid to make a last stand against the Bolivian Army.
Paul Newman: A Lifetime of Unforgettable Films
“How should I play that one, Bert? Play it safe? That’s the way you always told me to play it: safe… play the percentage. Well, here we go: fast and loose. One ball, corner pocket. Yeah, percentage players die broke, too, don’t they, Bert? How can I lose?” Fast Eddie Felson (the late
Paul Newman) stated in 1961′s The Hustler. That statement symbolized Newman’s life and career until he died on September 26th. Newman once described his motivations for choosing a film script based on a sensory reaction to the material. “Every time I get a script it’s a matter of trying to know what I could do with it. I see colors, imagery. It has to have a smell. It’s like falling in love. You can’t give a reason why.” No matter what film or subject matter, Newman’s interest in his work never left the screen. His infamous blue eyes sparkled regardless of the type of trouble any of his characters were in such as being chased by the law in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. He played a mixture of moral and amoral characters with the same zeal no matter what. Let’s take a look back on the career of a prolific and talented actor who lived as if everyday was an adventure. Here are listing of twelve of Newman’s most memorable film roles and three additional films worth mentioning based on Newman’s performance. Take some time to watch each one of these films and enjoy some samples from Newman’s illustrious career.
Paul Newman: May You Rest in Peace
Paul Leonard Newman was born on January 26, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio and he passed away yesterday, September 26, 2008 at his home surrounded by his family in Westport, Connecticut. The world had come to know, love and
respect Paul Newman through his distinguished acting ability, iconic star quality and admirable philanthropic endeavors. The exemplary relationship Newman shared with his widow, Academy Award winning actress Joanne Woodward, will stand forever in time as a testament to all those who would denounce the stability of the Hollywood marriage. Granted Paul Newman was not the average Hollywood actor, neither is Joanne Woodward…but their enduring relationship provides a reflection of the stability that two people can enjoy if they are committed to doing the work it takes to make a powerful two career relationship last. As I woke up this morning and read the headlines that Paul Newman had died I actually felt a sense of sadness. I don’t normally feel personally saddened by the passing of celebrities because I don’t actually know these people. However, Paul Newman was a special case because I am indeed one of his biggest fans; I hold a true respect for his altruistic nature and a deep admiration for his commitment to his marriage…and his acting ability, what can I say that has not already been said about his incomparable acting ability? Nothing one more thing. We all know that Paul Newman was an amazing actor. Here is a small list of some of the work where Paul Newman’s incredible acting ability is succinctly displayed:Cool Hand Luke (1967) Watch Paul Newman’s fourth Academy Award nominated performance here on Netflix now: Cool Hand Luke *Check out this Famous Quote from the film: “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.”The Long Hot Summer (1958)Watch Paul Newman in one of his first starring roles here on Netflix now: The Long, Hot Summer
Legendary Actor Paul Newman Dies
Charities Were His PassionAccording to Reuters, one of the greatest actors who has ever graced the silver screen, Paul Newman, died Friday night, September 26 at his home in Westport, Connecticut. The legendary performer acted in over 50 movies, many of them to later become classics, and was nominated
Legendary Actor Paul Newman Dies Date: September 26, 2008Westport, CTUnited States of America for numerous acting awards throughout his six-decade career. Paul Newman was 83.Paul Newman, a native of Cleveland, Ohio took his Midwestern work ethic to Hollywood and treated acting as a job, saying once that acting had “nothing to do with being an adult.” And although his profession garnered him fortune and fame, Newman’s passions were car racing and promoting social causes. His Newman’s Own Foundation owned a line of food products that has generated over $250 million for charity (Newman, who created and oversaw the company, refused any kind of salary.) over the years.Newman was nominated for nine Oscars and won Best Actor for 1986′s “The Color of Money.” He won an Emmy for his supporting role for the multiple award-winning mini-series “Empire Falls.” His film credits read like a “best of ” list: “Hud,” “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof,” “The Hustler,” “Somebody Up There Must Like Me,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Sting,” “Nobody’s Fool,” “The Verdict,” and “The Road To Perdition.”But this writer’s favorite will always be “Cool Hand Luke.” Paul Newman’s easy, laid back performance of a fun-loving southern boy placed in a soul-crushing prison is the epitome of great acting. Newman’s title character is a tragic hero, actually a pride-filled young man set against an unforgiving corrupt penal system, exemplified by the brilliant performance given by Strother Martin, who won an Oscar for his work. Newman himself would be nominated for a Best Actor award, his first of five.
Paul Newman Dies at 83, Update
Long Life Accomplishments Paul Newman, Academy-Award winning actor, the activist, male diva of popcorn, race car driver dies on September 26 at the age of 83 after a battle with cancer. Paul Newman resided at his farmhouse near Westport, as family and friends stood by his side. His battle with cancer was a long
war lost when Friday he was pronounced dead. Newman was planning on the production of ‘Of Mice and Men’, but unfortunately had to pull out in May due to his heath issues. A lifetime from the Paul Newman most of our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents fell in love with. With a history of charm behind his cool blue eyes, Paul was born to be live the life in the spotlight. During the 1950′s, Mr. Newman started in theater and television. He gained nominations for 10 Oscars, winning three awards of lesser value but of high respected honors. His roles in more than 50 motion pictures include famous flicks such as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”. Sexy and casual Paul Newman and Robert Redford offered greatness through their characters in a movie of two friends with true inner life of freedom. The females went wild for both actors, as they captured the hearts of many, young or old. “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” proved to be a comic Western winner in the eyes of many although it was once thought of as potentially being an upcoming flop by some film makers.”The Sting” was a fantastic movie of slick gambling. Paul Newman played a character that is not only smart, he could take a man’s money from him right before his eyes, without him seeing. With tricks and inner planning, Paul Newman’s character pulls of the “sting”, a movie that explores the idea of planning the hustle. “The Sting”, always worth seeing, as Paul Newman was made for this act, but he didn’t stop there. Paul also played strong characters in “The Verdict”, “Absence of Malice”, “Color of Money”, along with many other serious films, but only Fast Eddie from the “Hustler” matched Luke of “Cool Hand Luke”.
Paul Newman Dead at 83
Nowadays when you hear the name Paul Newman you think of that guy that makes the salad dressings, spaghetti sauce and some other food products. Well, if your over the age of thirty you might also know Paul Newman was an actor. If you liked Robert Redford you should know he and Paul Newman
did several movies together. And any Tom Cruise fan will tell you Paul Newman was in The Color of Money with Cruise.Paul Newman did a lot more movies than with just those two actors. He actually started acting in the 1950s. Paul Newman was nominated for 10 Oscars winning one regular award and two honorary ones. He had major roles in more than 50 motion pictures. He also worked with some of the best directors in the last 50 years.According to Legendary actor Paul Newman dies at age 83 Paul Newman passed away Friday surrounded by his family and close friends at his farmhouse near Westport his publicist Jeff Sanderson reported. Paul Newman was 83 years old. He had a long battle with cancer. In May, Paul Newman cited “unspecified health issues as cause for dropping plans to direct a fall production of “Of Mice and Men”. Paul Newman was married to Joanne Woodward in 1958. They acted together in The Long Hot Summer. He directed her in several films as well. They had three children together. He had three children by a previous marriage and his only son died of an accidental overdose. Paul Newman didn’t like the “Hollywood” life and chose to be private. He wouldn’t sign autographs but yet he was very charitable. His salad dressing company that was started as a joke donates all their profit to charity. As of 2007 records it was close to 175 million dollars. He also set up camps for severely ill children.The 1970s brought change for Newman who became fascinated with racing which he had studied for a 1972 film called “Winning.” In 1977 Newman and his driving team did well in several major races. In the 1977 Daytona race they came in fifth. In 1979 they took second place in Le Mans. Newman was also political and very liberal. He might have been a political activist. Paul Newman joked one of his proudest achievements was to be on President Nixon’s “enemies list”.
Paul Newman Dead at 83
It hardly seems possible or plausible that the handsome man for all seasons is dead. Paul Newman died yesterday in Westport, Connecticut. Diagnosed with cancer a little over a year ago, Newman’s neighbor and business associate, A.E. Hotchner reported to the Associated Press that Paul
Newman succumbed to the disease yesterday in Newman’s home. Paul Newman is known for a plethora of movie roles, enjoying racing, entrepreneurship, and charitable giving. From the 1960′s to the 1990′s Paul Newman’s blue eyes have seared the screen and the hearts of women. He received nine nominations for Academy Awards and won one for “The Color of Money.” He also received two honorary awards, one in 1985 for dedication to his craft and another in 1993 for humanitarian efforts. Paul Newman’s product line “Newman’s Own” includes salad dressing, organic foods, wine, sauces, and lemonade. Profits have been donated to charity, including children with chronic life-threatening disease and those with drug related illnesses. Born January 26, 1925, Paul Newman passed Friday, September 26, 2008, at the age of 83. Paul Newman was the younger of Arthur and Teresa Fetsko Newman’s two sons. Paul graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1943, where he built upon his experience, begun at Cleveland’s Children’s Play House, performing in high school performances. From there he attended the Ohio University as he waited admittance to the Navy. Following World War II Paul Newman dabbled in sports and Yale Drama School, but was swept away by Broadway and from there to Hollywood. Though he has passed from earth he will remain with us forever through films in which he has acted and directed. His generous spirit, earthy good looks, and eyes as clear blue as crystal pools will remain with us forever.Sources:Harris, Kathryn and Dan Hart, “Star of ‘The Color of Money,’ ‘Hud,’ Dead at 83.