Paul Newman
1925-2008
Of all the obituaries I’ve done, which is at this point is a lot, this has to be the most crushing and saddening one yet. We all heard that screen legend Paul Newman had been ill lately, but for some reason I just didn’t want to accpet the fact that Paul Newman would die. Diagnosed with lung cancer last June, Paul Newman had been facing health concerns ever since he’d stepped down from his stage directing debut, a production of Of Mice and Men last May.
Passing away yesterday at his home, Paul Newman left behind a fantastic body of work including films such as; Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Hustler, Hud, Cool Hand Luke, my personal favorite Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, Slap Shot, Absence of Malice, his oscar winning role in The Color of Money, Nobody’ Fool, Road to Perdition and many, many more. With his notable silver hair accompanied by the most famous blue eyes in film and trademark charm Paul Newman continually won over the hearts of filmgoers throughout a legendary film career.
Possibly known almost as much for hisNewman’s Own food company (Which donates all of it’s profits to charity and will know be run by his daughter Nell) for his acting, it’s kind of a reassuring thought that Paul Newman can not only live on through his films but as well on our local gorcery shelves and in our kitchens continually reminding us of his contributions to society. It’s sad to see him go but he certainly left quite a mark because there was only one Paul Newman.