Paul Newman: May You Rest in Peace

Paul Leonard Newman was born on January 26, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio and he passed away yesterday, September 26, 2008 at his home surrounded by his family in Westport, Connecticut. The world had come to know, love and respect Paul Newman through his distinguished acting ability, iconic star quality and admirable philanthropic endeavors. The exemplary relationship Newman shared with his widow, Academy Award winning actress Joanne Woodward, will stand forever in time as a testament to all those who would denounce the stability of the Hollywood marriage. Granted Paul Newman was not the average Hollywood actor, neither is Joanne Woodward...but their enduring relationship provides a reflection of the stability that two people can enjoy if they are committed to doing the work it takes to make a powerful two career relationship last.

As I woke up this morning and read the headlines that Paul Newman had died I actually felt a sense of sadness. I don't normally feel personally saddened by the passing of celebrities because I don't actually know these people. However, Paul Newman was a special case because I am indeed one of his biggest fans; I hold a true respect for his altruistic nature and a deep admiration for his commitment to his marriage...and his acting ability, what can I say that has not already been said about his incomparable acting ability? Nothing one more thing. We all know that Paul Newman was an amazing actor. Here is a small list of some of the work where Paul Newman's incredible acting ability is succinctly displayed:

Cool Hand Luke (1967)

Watch Paul Newman's fourth Academy Award nominated performance here on Netflix now: Cool Hand Luke
*Check out this Famous Quote from the film: "What we've got here is failure to communicate."

The Long Hot Summer (1958)

Watch Paul Newman in one of his first starring roles here on Netflix now: The Long, Hot Summer

*viewers will no doubt be more familiar with the TV version of this movie starring Cybil Shepherd and Don Johnson. Newman's version is the original and it was on this set that he met and later married Joanne Woodward. Besides, in the original Newman is cast alongside not only Woodward, but Orson Wells and Lee Remick as well...one can never go wrong with any of these screen legends.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1968)

This was Paul Newman's first Academy and BAFTA Award nomination for best actor. Watch his memorable performance alongside Elizabeth Taylor's here on Netflix: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

Catch Paul Newman together with Robert Redford as the two Hollywood's legends heat up the screen like no other pair can. Paul Newman was nominated for his fourth BAFTA award in this film, put it in your Netflix queue here: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

The Sting (1973)

This one is my absolute favorite. Watch Newman and Redford generate movie magic as they are paired together again. This film won the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 46^th Annual Academy Awards Ceremony. Put this one in your Netflix queue: The Sting

Road to Perdition (2002)

Younger audiences may know Paul Newman a little better from this astonishing performance alongside Tom Hanks in this film. This was Paul Newman's final Academy and BAFTA Award nominations for best actor. If for whatever reason you are not intimately familiar with the talent of Paul Newman put this one in your Netflix queue and you'll understand why his skills are revered by his peers: Road to Perdition

Indeed, Paul Newman was an amazing talent, it can also be said that he was an amazing human being as well. There can be no doubt that Paul Newman's star will shine forever in the annals of Hollywood history. I am just one of a countless many who will never forget the splendor and wonder he brought to the world through his talent, the kindness he showed through his charity, and the example he set through his devotion to his wife. When asked about marital fidelity he was often quoted as stating "Why go out for hamburger when you have steak at home?" Rest in Peace Paul.