In Passing... Paul Newman (1925-2008)

Actor, director, and humanitarian Paul Newman died Friday of complications in regards top lung cancer. He was 83. Born in Cleveland, OH, and growing up, had an affinity for theater. He began studying it before going into World War II, operating as a radioman/gunner. Upon returning to the States he finished his degree at Kenyon College and would later study acting at Yale and the Actor's Studio in New York City. He entered Broadway and did original plays which included "Sweet Bird of Youth," which he would later be in the film version as well. His first role was as Basil in "The Silver Chalice." He would later go on to star in such movies as "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Torn Curtain," "Cool Hand Luke," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting," "Slapshot," "The Color of Money," and "Road to Perdition."

Newman's humanitarian efforts stem from Newman's Own, his signature salad dressing, popcorn, lemonade, salsa, etc. which brings in $200 million a year after taxes, all of which is donated to charity. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is a residential summer camp for seriously ill children, which he set up. And as of 2007 he started a $10 million scholarship at Kenyon College.

For more information, check out his IMDB page at:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000056/

Thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.