9/27/08

A legend passes the finishing line

Paul Newman passed away yesterday, after a long battle with cancer.

He was a man of many public faces; a master craftsman of acting, a passionate and highly skilled racer, business entrepreneur and loving committed family man.

This Oscar winner left us with many memorable movie moments; The Hustler, Color of Money, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in particular.

He was married to Joanne happily for decades, there was never any of the usual scandal surrounding his private life. He was simply a gentleman, family man and always showed class.

He started making salad dressings in the basement of his home and grew a hobby into a multi-million dollar, worldwide successful brand - 'Newman's Own'. All the profits from this business were given to charity. He was quite the philanthropist, in 2005-06 he gave away $120 million.

And if all that wasn't enough, he then followed his true passion for motor-racing and built one of the all time great racing teams under his leadership. But he was also the fastest man on the planet of his age, we watched a race last year, where this 82yr old won by a mile with ease!

I will always smile at the thought of him wearing a hat and circling the yard on an old bike to 'Raindrops keep falling on my head'.

Rest in peace Paul.


12 comments:

Sherri said...

Sarah, I was greatly sadden by the passing of Paul Newman also. What a legend! He will be greatly missed by many, many people!

Mary (Bookfan) said...

Sarah, very sad. I posted about him too.

Tess Kincaid said...

I was so very sad to hear this news today. He was a wonderful humanitarian, as well as a wonderful actor. One of my favorites. Nice tribute.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

One of the good guys.

Daryl said...

Another great talent lost .. so sad .. I hope he passed peacefully in his sleep ... he was a true gentleman and philanthropist ....

Nice tribute, Sarah

:-Daryl

A Colorful World said...

You know, I hadn't heard the news of his death, so this was a surprise....and so sad. My most memorable Paul Newman film is Cool Hand Luke. This was a moving tribute, and I am glad you posted it.

The Factory said...

I've posted along these lines too. Very sad indeed.

Pam said...

He was hot as fire in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and I think my favorite scene was when he and Robert Redford jumped off the cliff in Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid. A total class act.

Anonymous said...

He also founded and ran a camp for children. He really was a rare kind of person and gave a lot back. As my dad said today, it is the end of an era.

Bella Foxx said...

Kid, the next time I say, ‘Let’s go someplace like Bolivia,’ let’s go someplace like Bolivia

Why, you crazy - the fall'll probably kill ya!

Joanna said...

Hi Sarah. This post of yours is well written about the passing of a much admired person. Thank you.

Veronika Lenz said...

Excellent tribute. I like his line as he rides off with Katharine Ross on the handlebars:

“Don’t ever hit your mother with a shovel, it leaves a dull impression on her mind.”

There’ll never be another.