Screen elegend ... Paul Newman has died aged 83 after a long battle with cancer.
Screen legend Paul Newman dies after battle with cancer
He`ll be remembered for talent, looks and charity work
He was 83, and had long marriage to Joanne woodward
LEGENDARY film star Paul Newman, whose brilliant blue eyes, good looks and talent made him one of Hollywood`s top actors over six decades has died after a long battle with cancer.
He was 83, and died on Friday night, said his Los Angeles-based spokesman Jeff Sanderson.
Newman appeared in some 60 movies, including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Hustler, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Sting. He earned nine Oscar nominations for acting and won the best actor honour for 1986`s The Colour of Money.
Famed for his philanthropy as well as his acting, Newman was married to Oscar-winning actress Joanne Woodward for more than 50 years, and had successful side careers as an auto racing driver and creator of a line of food products, Newman`s Own, that bore his name and face on their labels.
The Newman`s Own Foundation took profits from that company and sponsored numerous charitable organisations. Newman also founded his Hole in the Wall Camps, which provided fun summer breaks for children around the world suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
"Paul`s 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," said vice-chairman of the Newman`s Own Foundation Robert Forrester.
Newman was born in a Cleveland suburb on January 26, 1925, and was a navy radio man in the Pacific during World War II. Afterward, he went to Kenyon College in Ohio on a football scholarship but took up acting after being cut from the team because of a bar room brawl.
After his father`s death, Newman helped run the family sporting goods store before heading to the Yale Drama School.
He ended up in New York, finding bit parts in TV and a Broadway role in Picnic in 1953. His first major movie role was portraying boxer Rocky Graziano in Somebody Up There Likes Me.
Tributes
Family and friends mourned the loss of a loving family man and passionate humantirian who, in the words of many, had lived an "exemplary life".
Newman`s daughters led the tributes, citing the "selfless humility and generosity" that characterised their father`s life.
"Paul Newman played many unforgettable roles," a statement said.
"But the ones for which he was proudest never had top billing on the marquee. Devoted husband. Loving father. Adoring grandfather. Dedicated philanthropist."
"Our father was a rare symbol of selfless humility, the last to acknowledge what he was doing was special," his daughters said today. "Intensely private, he quietly succeeded beyond measure in impacting the lives of so many with his generosity.
"Always and to the end, dad was incredibly grateful for his good fortune. In his own words, `it`s been a privilege to be here.`"
Hollywood heart-throb George Clooney said simply: "He set the bar too high for the rest of us. Not just actors, but all of us."
Actress Julia Roberts, who was involved in working for Newman`s camps for sick children, told People Magazine: "He was my hero."
The Motion Picture Association of America said Newman`s charitable deeds - his foundation has donated more than $US100 million ($119.93m) to worthy causes - would rival his acting legacy.
Former president Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton also praised Newman`s generosity.
"Paul was an American icon, philanthropist and champion for children," the Clintons said.
Veteran Italian screen goddess Gina Lollobrigida echoed the tribute. "He was a marvellous actor and human being, serious, with an exemplary life who has contributed enormously to world cinema," the ANSA news agency quoted her as saying. "He is a man to respect and appreciate."
He was like Bill Gates; quietly doing something concrete and ongoing to help those who needed a helping hand and few know about it. They make a difference, a huge difference in the lives of those they touched. They are the true modern day heroes. Bye Paul, take your rest in peace, the world is a better place for having had the honour of knowing you.
Posted by: RA of null 7:45am today
From the outside looking in Mr. Newman appears to have a truly blessed life, a long and successful career, a loving and life long marriage, great looks including an amazing set of beautiful blue eyes, happy and successful children and the kind of giving spirit we mere mortals could only hope to emulate.RIP Mr. Newman, your work is done but the world is a little less bright for your passing.
Posted by: Tracey of Newcastle 7:35am today
Aaahh, the one Sting he couldn't pull off!A true Star in all it's meanings...!!!
Posted by: ghostlaird of hamilton hill 7:18am today
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