Paul Newman

No question that Paul Newman was one of the great actors of our time. I never saw him do a part he didn’t radiate in, even in a silly piece of fluff like “What A Way To Go” or a wacky comedy like “Slap Shot.” It was his seminal role as Rocky Graziano in “Somebody Up There Likes Me” that first turned me (and the rest of the movie loving world) on to his talent. I just loved that film. And though I enjoyed “Butch Cassidy” and “The Sting” it was “The Verdict” that forever solidified Newman in my mind as one of the all-time greats. It was a pleasure to see him in person in “Our Town” and I will stay up late anytime if I can catch a rerun of “Hud” or “The Long Hot Summer” with his wife Joanne Woodward on AMC.

But it wasn’t a movie or play that solidified Paul Newman in my mind as a genuine hero and role model. It was his philanthropy as the founder of Newman’s Own and The Hole In The Wall Gang. My sweet and lovely niece Amanda grew up with severe epilepsy and it was because of the  heart and mind of Paul Newman that she had the great advantage of attending a Hole In The Wall Camp with other epileptic children, all free of charge.

So many kids have benefited from Newman’s generosity and foresight and the whole world has lauded him for his good work. But when a member of your family is touched by that genuine kindness and magnanimity you can’t help to be not only touched but inspired.

So that’s for the memories Paul and thanks for all you’ve done.. for Amanda and for all the kids. You’ll always be our hero.