Paul Newman has passed away at age 83. The Newman's Own Foundation has issued this statement honoring Paul:
"Paul Newman's craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all. Paul had an abiding belief in the role that luck plays in one's life, and its randomness. He was quick to acknowledge the good fortune he had in his own life, beginning with being born in America, and was acutely aware of how unlucky so many others were. True to his character, he quietly devoted himself to helping offset this imbalance. An exceptional example is the legacy of Newman's Own. What started as something of a joke in the basement of his home, turned into a highly-respected, multi-million dollar a year food company. And true to form, he shared this good fortune by donating all the profits and royalties he earned to thousands of charities around the world, a total which now exceeds $250 million. While his philanthropic interests and donations were wide-ranging, he was especially committed to the thousands of children with life-threatening conditions served by the Hole in the Wall Camps, which he helped start over 20 years ago. He saw the Camps as places where kids could escape the fear, pain and isolation of their conditions, kick back, and raise a little hell. Today, there are 11 Camps around the world, with additional programs in Africa and Vietnam. Through the Camps, well over 135,000 children have had the chance to experience what childhood was meant to be.
In Paul's words: "I wanted to acknowledge luck; the chance and benevolence of it in my life, and the brutality of it in the lives of others, who might not be allowed the good fortune of a lifetime to correct it."
Paul took advantage of what life offered him, and while personally reluctant to acknowledge that he was doing anything special, he forever changed the lives of many with his generosity, humor, and humanness. His legacy lives on in the charities he supported and the Hole in the Wall Camps, for which he cared so much.
We will miss our friend Paul Newman, but are lucky ourselves to have known such a remarkable person."
R.I.P. Paul. You will be missed.
Comments (3)
This is really a sad day.
Not only was the man a brilliant actor, and wonderful humanitarian, but was also very unassuming about his fame and success. There wasn't an ounce of snobbery or prima donna about it. He just felt he was a lucky guy.
A great chapter of classic Hollywood now closed. There will never be anyone else like him.
Peaceful Journey, Hud.
1 of 3 | Posted by you you you | Posted on September 27, 2008 3:32 PM
Its a shame that with everything else going on at the moment - the financial crisis, the debates, Sara Palin queefing on the Iranian delegation - that Paul Newman's passing didn't get all the press attention it so rightly deserved.
He will be missed by many.
R.I.P.
2 of 3 | Posted by oywhatnext | Posted on September 29, 2008 11:13 AM
Here's to a true gentleman. Every celebrity should take note of this man's success and how well he handled it.
His commitment to civil rights didn't involve fanfare, press conferences, or Oscar podium proselytizing. He went out there in the trenches and peacefully did what needed to be done. He generously gave his time and money to the causes closest to his heart.
Most of all, his and Joanne Woodward's example of marital bliss was ten times sexier than any flash-in-the-pan fling. Their true commitment to the sacrament of marriage was what made their film scenes together so damn HOT. 50 years of romance. Real romance. WOW.
How fortunate I am to call this man my countryman. His work enriched my life in many ways and I'm proud to be a fan.
3 of 3 | Posted by TheVoiceOfReason | Posted on September 29, 2008 8:34 PM