Paul Newman:Cause of death, Old,Age,Movie in order,leaves his money to,History
Paul Leonard Newman, born on January 26, 1925, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, was an American actor, director, producer, race car driver, and entrepreneur. His striking blue eyes, charismatic presence, and remarkable talent made him one of the most beloved and enduring figures in Hollywood history. Beyond his illustrious acting career, Newman was known for his philanthropic efforts and successful food company, Newman’s Own.
Early Life and Background
Paul Newman was born to Arthur Sigmund Newman, who owned a sporting goods store, and Theresa Fetzer Newman. He had a comfortable middle-class upbringing and showed an early interest in theater, participating in school plays from a young age.
After graduating from Shaker Heights High School in 1943, Newman briefly attended Ohio University before enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II. He served as a radio operator and rear gunner in torpedo bombers. After the war, Newman completed his Bachelor’s degree in drama and economics at Kenyon College in 1949.
Early Career and Rise to Stardom
Newman’s acting career began in theater and television in the early 1950s. He made his Broadway debut in William Inge’s “Picnic” in 1953, which led to a contract with Warner Brothers studios.
His film debut came in 1954 with “The Silver Chalice,” which Newman later famously apologized for, considering it a poor start to his career. However, his breakthrough role came in 1956 with “Somebody Up There Likes Me,” where he portrayed boxer Rocky Graziano.
Major Film Career of Paul Newman
Newman’s career spanned over five decades, during which he starred in numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. Some of his most notable roles include:
1. “The Long, Hot Summer” (1958)
2. “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958)
3. “Exodus” (1960)
4. “The Hustler” (1961)
5. “Hud” (1963)
6. “Cool Hand Luke” (1967)
7. “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969)
8. “The Sting” (1973)
9. “The Verdict” (1982)
10. “The Color of Money” (1986)
Throughout his career, Newman often portrayed antiheroes and charismatic rebels, bringing depth and complexity to these characters. His on-screen partnership with Robert Redford in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “The Sting” became legendary, producing two of the most beloved films in American cinema.
Directorial Career of Paul Newman
In addition to acting, Newman directed several films, showcasing his versatility in the film industry. His directorial works include:
1. “Rachel, Rachel” (1968) – starring his wife, Joanne Woodward
2. “Sometimes a Great Notion” (1971)
3. “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds” (1972)
4. “Harry & Son” (1984)
5. “The Glass Menagerie” (1987)
Achievements and Awards Of Paul Newman
Paul Newman’s talent and contributions to cinema were widely recognized throughout his career. Some of his major achievements and awards include:
1. Academy Awards:
- Best Actor Oscar for “The Color of Money” (1986)
- Honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement (1985)
- Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (1993)
2. Golden Globe Awards:
- Best Director for “Rachel, Rachel” (1968)
- Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement (1984)
3. Emmy Awards:
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for “Empire Falls” (2005)
4. BAFTA Awards:
- Best Foreign Actor for “The Long, Hot Summer” (1958)
5. Cannes Film Festival:
- Best Actor for “The Long, Hot Summer” (1958)
6. Screen Actors Guild Awards:
- Life Achievement Award (1986)
Newman received a total of ten Academy Award nominations for acting throughout his career, a testament to his consistent excellence and the respect he commanded in the industry.
Racing Career of Paul Newman
Beyond his accomplishments in Hollywood, Paul Newman was an avid auto racing enthusiast and driver. His passion for racing began while training for the 1969 film “Winning.” Newman’s racing career spanned over 30 years, during which he competed in various events and even won several championships.
Key moments in his racing career include:
1. Four national Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) championships
2. Second place finish in the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans
3. Oldest driver to be part of a winning team in a major sanctioned race (2005 24 Hours of Daytona, at age 70)
Newman co-founded Newman/Haas Racing in 1983, which became one of the most successful teams in IndyCar racing.
Philanthropy and Newman’s Own
In 1982, Paul Newman co-founded Newman’s Own, a food company that donates 100% of its after-tax profits to charitable causes. What began with Newman and his friend A.E. Hotchner bottling salad dressing as Christmas gifts grew into a major food company offering a wide range of products.
Through Newman’s Own, Paul Newman donated over $570 million to thousands of charities worldwide by the time of his death. The company continues to operate under this philanthropic model today.
In 1988, Newman co-founded the SeriousFun Children’s Network (originally known as the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp), a global family of camps and programs for children with serious illnesses. This initiative has served over 1.3 million children and family members from more than 50 countries.
Personal Life of Paul Newman
Paul Newman was married twice. His first marriage to Jackie Witte lasted from 1949 to 1958 and produced three children. In 1958, he married actress Joanne Woodward, and their marriage lasted 50 years until his death. Newman and Woodward had three daughters together.
Newman and Woodward were known for their enduring Hollywood marriage, often viewed as a model of stability in an industry known for short-lived relationships. They frequently collaborated professionally, appearing in several films together and with Woodward starring in some of Newman’s directorial efforts.
Later Career and Retirement of Paul Newman
In his later years, Newman continued to act selectively, taking on roles that interested him. His last on-screen appearance was in the 2002 film “Road to Perdition,” while his final role was as the voice of Doc Hudson in the 2006 animated film “Cars.”
Newman announced his retirement from acting in 2007, stating, “I’m not able to work anymore as an actor at the level I would want to. You start to lose your memory, your confidence, your invention. So that’s pretty much a closed book for me.”
Death and Legacy Of Paul Newman
Paul Newman died on September 26, 2008, at the age of 83, at his home in Westport, Connecticut. The cause of death was reported as lung cancer. His death was mourned by fans, colleagues, and philanthropic communities worldwide.
Newman’s legacy extends far beyond his contributions to cinema. He is remembered not only as a talented actor and filmmaker but also as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and racing enthusiast. The continued success of Newman’s Own and the ongoing work of the SeriousFun Children’s Network ensure that his charitable legacy lives on.
In the world of cinema, Newman is remembered as one of the last great stars of Hollywood’s golden age. His ability to bring depth and nuance to his roles, combined with his undeniable charisma, set a standard for generations of actors to follow.
Paul Newman’s life and career serve as an inspiring example of how talent, passion, and a commitment to giving back can create a lasting positive impact on the world. His famous quote, “I’m not running for sainthood. I just happen to think that in life we need to be a little like the farmer, who puts back into the soil what he takes out,” encapsulates his philosophy of life and his approach to philanthropy.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What was Paul Newman’s most famous role?
While Paul Newman had many iconic roles, he is perhaps most famous for his portrayal of Luke in “Cool Hand Luke” (1967) and as Butch Cassidy in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969). However, his roles in “The Hustler,” “The Sting,” and “The Color of Money” are also widely celebrated.
2. How much money has Newman’s Own donated to charity?
As of 2023, Newman’s Own has donated over $570 million to charitable causes since its inception in 1982. The company continues to donate 100% of its after-tax profits to charity, carrying on Paul Newman’s philanthropic legacy.
3. Did Paul Newman win any Academy Awards?
Yes, Paul Newman won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “The Color of Money” (1986). He also received an Honorary Academy Award in 1985 for his “many and memorable and compelling screen performances” and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1993 for his charitable work.
4. What was Paul Newman’s involvement in auto racing?
Paul Newman was an avid race car driver and team owner. He competed professionally for over 30 years, winning four SCCA national championships. He also co-founded the successful Newman/Haas Racing team, which competed in IndyCar racing.
5. How long was Paul Newman married to Joanne Woodward?
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were married for 50 years, from 1958 until Newman’s death in 2008. Their long-lasting marriage was considered one of Hollywood’s most successful and enduring relationships.