KEEPING OUR PERSPECTIVE

KEEPING OUR PERSPECTIVE
Family Reunion by Laverne Ross

Monday, September 29, 2008

PAUL NEWMAN 1925-2008


One of the greatest actors that I have had the pleasure of watching for many years (In fact for most of my life) Paul Newman, passed away over the weekend. He was 83 and had been quietly battling cancer for the last few years. His acting triumphs are legendary and his off screen pursuits were as well.
His acting roles ranged from brutal, tragic, heroic and anti-heroic. The films that these characters inhabited endure: "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", "The Hustler", "Hud", "Harper", "Hombre", "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", "The Sting", "Absence of Malice", "The Verdict", "Nobody's Fool" and my personal favorite "Cool Hand Luke". Classics all and should be required viewing for anybody that appreciates or are interested in acting.
He also became a race car driver at the age of 47 and and excelled at it, in the process earning the respect of the driving elite. Marching against the Vietnam War, supporting Civil Rights and starting various camps(from drug addiction to child care) were other passions that he pursued.
Finally he started a non profit business selling his home made salad dressing and other products like lemonade and popcorn. All of the proceeds go to various charities and to this date the company has given over $170 million.
A great husband, father and human being. Paul Newman lived all of his 83 to the fullest. He most definetely will be missed.

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