By Rick Tetzeli
Over the years, Paul Newman represented many things to many people. We now think of this mostly in terms of his latter years, when, between his charitable foundation, his carefully chosen roles, and his clearly articulated political views, he came to represent a kind of “Old Man in the Mountain” New England archetype: flinty, intelligent, generous, outspoken, singular.
But for my mother (who would have been 71 this fall) — and many others, obviously — Newman was one of those rare actors who elicited a deeply personal reaction over many years. Thanks to her, there was really only one movie star whose name I knew from the beginning: Paul Newman. (Actually there were two: My father, who liked to pretend he was a tough guy, preferred Frank Sinatra. But my mother said there was no contest in the Battle of the Blue Eyes.)
My mother swooned over the young Newman. As a result, my introduction to movies featured not just the standards — Bambi, The Sound of Music — but also a basic training in Newman. I was 8 when I saw Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid three times at the local theater. By the time I was 10 years old, I had seen Somebody Up There Likes Me, The Hustler, Hud, Harper, Butch Cassidy, and Cool Hand Luke. Mom just couldn’t stop talking about Newman’s great looks, how suave he was, what great shape he was in, and so on. It was all a little much for an 8-year-old to listen to, but I realized later that the early Newman represented a lot of what she yearned for in her life. He had a vitality that she missed from her life as a somewhat-frustrated housewife. And he had an energy and a sense of possibility that she sensed was missing from my father.
By the time I’d left for college — the time of Fort Apache, the Bronx and later The Verdict — my parents had settled into a routine suburban marriage. Some ups, many downs. I remember talking to my mom about Newman then. She still spoke fondly of his bygone hotness — she was downright playful recalling the way he looked in The Long, Hot Summer — but she loved the new Newman, too. She loved his resolve, his determination to find a way through crap to do the right thing. That was what she felt she was trying to do in her life. And when that resolve went public with his foundation, well, obviously our house was the one always stocked with Newman’s Own lemonade.
What did Newman mean to you, EW readers? What roles of his did you love best? There aren’t many left like Paul Newman, so please fire away with your tributes to the man.
PLEASE NOTE: We may be interested in running reader comments in the magazine, along with our obituary tribute, which goes to press Tuesday night. So if you’re okay with EW printing your tribute, please write “OK FOR PRINT” at the end of your comment. Many thanks.
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Comments (1-30) of 257 Add your comment
He was a great actor and will be sorely missed.
A major loss. Thank you, Paul, and God’s speed.
God Bless Paul Newman and his family. May he RIP. Thank you for so many wonderful memories. He was truly a one of a kind man who will be sorely missed.
Paul Newman exuded warmth and
a humanity that few other actors
can match. A very special man.
I’m so sad to hear this. He was a great talent, a major part of what I associated with great movies and entertainment since I was a child. We will miss you, Paul.
So few icons remain. And so passes another of the heavyweights. Truly classy, and socially responsible.
Paul Newman was as handsome as he was thoughtful & real. He will be surely missed. His charities will live on to honor him & my prayers are with his family.
He was incredible! One of the greatest actors of any generation. He will be missed.
Oh man, this is sad news. ‘Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid’ is one of my absolute favorite movies. I hope we all go back and appreciate all the great work he did for us, his loyal audience.
Great actor and even a greater man. RIP, Paul.
Rest in peace, Paul. You will be missed.
HE WAS A VERY FAVORITE ACTOR OF MINE FOR MANY YEARS. I WILL TRUELY MISSS HIM AND NEVER WILL FORGET HIM. MAY HIS SOLE LIVE ON. AND MY CONDOLENCES GOT OUT TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY/.
It seems like I have loved him all of my life. What a wonderful man. My sympathy to his lovely wife and his children. His charity work will be carried on and his fantastic performances will live on forever, but we will miss him. He was brilliant, funny, generous and he leaves a legacy far beyond his acting. Heaven is a more beautiful place today.
A passing of one of the last great originals. A sad day…
I can’t think of a role Paul simply wasn’t great in, sure like all performers he might have been in some mediocre films, but he was always brought his magic touch. His legacy as a actor in film history will be permanent, but his acheivement as a human being is greater still. The warmth and generosity of Mr. Newman is a beacon to the best in all of us. My deepest sympathy to Joanne and his family.
PS-EW- It would be shameful if he fails to make the cover.
teardrops on my keyboard…
He was shining proof that it’s possible to be famous yet humble. He was gorgeous and talented, yet modest. He never lost his sense of humour about the industry. He gave millions to charity, but was never obnoxiously patting himself on the back about it. Although it was his second, his marriage to a hollywood actress was relatively private and lasted 50 years. Fans have lost an incredible talent. Young Hollywood has lost a role model. Terrible loss for everyone.
What a loss. NOt just for the entertainment industry but for humanity. He was always so poised and kind. He will be truly missed. Condolences to his family and friends.
He was a very good actor. Will be deeply missed by millions…peace be with you Paul.
He was a true legend in the world of arts and cinema. He’ll forever be remembered for being one of the best actors in the last half of the 20th century. He was a great actor and an even better man, how good is that, huh? To the Newman family: I wish you solace during your time of bereavement in knowing that Mr. Paul left an indelible mark in the lives of moviegoers everywhere . God Speed, Mr. Newman.
The loss of one of Hollywood’s all time best is a sad thing indeed. His memory will live forever in the hearts of everyone he has touched in whatever way. Heaven has gained yet another bit of talent in which someday we will all enjoy them yet again in the ever after. Rest now for we will always remember.
He was awesome. Rest in peace.
Paul, you were my favorite actor. You will be missed! Enjoy your next life!
The industry has truly lost one of the greats! All time favorite Butch & Sundance, HUD, what a classic, everytime it is on I watch it. My 17 yr old thought Hud was the coolest. He was loved & appreciated, & always will be..my prayers go out the Newman Family. OK to Print
Paul Newman was the best actor ever! I cannot believe he is gone, but he has left such an amazing legacy behind him. it will be impossible for future generations not to know who he was and what he did not only for movies, but also for people in the world by contributing so much to charities. RIP PN
Paul Newman had many outstanding qualities: He was a superbly talented actor, quite intelligent (in various ways, including his business acumen), a devoted family man, a person of clear and admirable values. But what strikes me most about him is how selfless he was, working tirelessly for the common good, with zero desire for self-preservation, accolades, or recognition for his accomplishments. I didn’t know him at all beyond his food products and a few movies, but I cried when I heard he had died, because he seemed to be such a good person. If only all of us could be more like Paul Newman. My deepest condolences to his wife, children and other members of his family.
I remember him in Cool Hand Luke, I thought he was so cool.I was in high school then. Then a race car driver. I admire how he donated to charity and he never seemed to be like all the other people in Hollywood.
I had a huge crush on Paul Newman when I was about 13. I saw “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” at least 6 times…by myself. I’ve looked all my life for a man like that, still haven’t found him.
ohhh Butch! I am bereft. love to Joanne. memories are beautiful
ok to print
i always refer to PAUL as the one of us (newmans) who went west and done good. My wife states the above photo looks like a blue eyed NEWMAN we see at family reunions. I may be biased in my thinking PAUL is one of the all time greats, be it actor or a mans’ man!