Legendary actor, philanthropist and race car enthusiast Paul Newman succumbed to cancer at the age of 83 on Saturday, according to the Associated Press:
The 10-time Academy Award nominee died Friday at age 83, surrounded by family and close friends at his Westport farmhouse following a long battle with cancer, publicist Jeff Sanderson said Saturday.
Newman worked with some of the greatest directors of the past half century, from Alfred Hitchcock and John Huston to Robert Altman, Martin Scorsese and the Coen brothers. His co-stars included Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and, most famously, Robert Redford, his sidekick in “Butch Cassidy” and “The Sting.”
“There is a point where feelings go beyond words,” Redford said Saturday. “I have lost a real friend. My life — and this country — is better for his being in it.”
Rare Soapbox Moment: I almost feel wrong writing about Paul Newman on this blog. The guy wasn’t a celebrity; he was a fucking ICON. Working his way up from a small Ohio town, Paul was renown for his acting chops as well as his disdain for Hollywood “rubbish.” After he grew weary of the movie business, Paul spent the latter part of his life giving literally millions of dollars to sick kids which puts him light years beyond the spoiled assclowns I cover on a daily basis. You know, the ones who pop out of their mothers’ hedge-fund vaginas and expect the world to be served to them on a silver platter – along with a reality show. Paul Newman forged his own path with PERSEVERANCE and TALENT then selflessly gave back ten-fold. They simply don’t make badasses like that anymore, and hats off to the handful of celebrities who’ve been inspired by his generosity. The rest of you, I hope a zebra shits on your foot.
Paul Newman, my coffee mug is raised to you, sir. Rest in Peace.
rachelraquel | September 29, 2008 at 12:07 am
Thanks captain obvious.
rachelraquel | September 29, 2008 at 12:07 am
Thanks captain obvious.
c45j | September 29, 2008 at 12:07 am
indeed.
rachelraquel | September 29, 2008 at 12:08 am
Whoops. Totally trigger happy.
Jonathan | September 29, 2008 at 12:24 am
Heartbreaking.
Binky | September 29, 2008 at 12:24 am
RIP Paul
(And – let’s face it – I always appreciated the ‘charity thing ‘ especially when I could pick up a few dozen of that salad sauce at Costco.)
tagomago | September 29, 2008 at 12:27 am
Right on. Paul Newman was not one of the fucking morons who I read about daily on this blog (and who subsequently make me feel better about myself / laugh my ass off). Paul Newman was a fucking hero. Ten-fold props and respect to such a badass.
anne | September 29, 2008 at 12:31 am
i loved this entry. paul newman is a legend, and rightfully so.
dbc21991 | September 29, 2008 at 12:32 am
He was truly a class act, and will be missed. Nice write-up, Superficial Writer.
br617 | September 29, 2008 at 12:39 am
Totally, man. He was just an incredible person and it’s sad to see the good go and the bad remain behind.
needAnAlias | September 29, 2008 at 12:42 am
Last autumn, as a first assigment in my introduction to journalism class, we were told to write a fictional obituary on a well-known person off of a list. Among the 25, were Bill Gates, Pamela Anderson, and Britney Spears. I opted for the generous legendary actor and philanthropist, Mr. Paul Newman.
The obituary, of course did not even come close to the one I read yesterday in the NY Times.
Still, I can’t help to wonder (because curriculum hardly ever changes) which student this year picked him, unknowing of his forthcoming death. Either said student is now feeling really bad about writing the obit or completely terrified about how much more power his or her words have.
I know I’d be tramautized it had been me writing the obit this year, because the cause of death was exact to the one i wrote down.
obaday | September 29, 2008 at 12:44 am
His food is actually pretty good too. Can you imagine the taste of a Paris Hilton salad dressing? It’d probably taste like her unsold perfume.
Gary B | September 29, 2008 at 1:02 am
It is always tragic when ICONS like Newman pass on, because they came from a time when CELEBRITY status was EARNED through hard work and perservance. He had to pay his dues to get where he was. He was not some teen pop creation with an entitlement complex.
darkmorcel | September 29, 2008 at 1:16 am
He also said that his talent was smaller than his ambitions and that’s what I call an icon quote. When i’m Thinkin’ about the number of movies legends still alive, I can’t fill my first finger’s hand :(
Jerk | September 29, 2008 at 1:22 am
Well said SF
Ben Linus | September 29, 2008 at 1:29 am
RIP buddy. See you at the racetrack upstairs.
John McCain | September 29, 2008 at 1:34 am
Jeez, I got my old ass handed to me in the debate. Sarah is going to be obliterated on Thursday. You guys that fell for my lies might as well start jumping ship like the rats that you are. Good luck.
Sarah Palin | September 29, 2008 at 1:38 am
I agree, Pappy. Also, when taking a dump, it is useful to sit upright. This will reduce the chances of making a skid mark in the bowl. Wipe from from to back unless you want a waterhead like mine.
shirleytemple | September 29, 2008 at 1:41 am
you’re awesome, superfish
ds | September 29, 2008 at 1:45 am
Paul Newman was a great man and he will be missed.
J-dizzle | September 29, 2008 at 1:51 am
Superfish has a soul who would’ve thought
and yes I completely agree the man was a classy Act
J-dizzle | September 29, 2008 at 1:51 am
Superfish has a soul who would’ve thought
and yes I completely agree the man was a class Act
Matt | September 29, 2008 at 2:21 am
The best blog you’ve written… Paul Newman was/is a legend.
Simo from Italy | September 29, 2008 at 2:24 am
Dammit, that made me cry.
Talent and soul galore. RIP Mr. Newman, you gave us so many unforgettable moments on screen and you were a true gentleman offscreen. And married to the same woman for more than half his lifetime, wow. A lucky lady to whom my heart sends a heartfelt hug.
Donovan Glass | September 29, 2008 at 3:10 am
We need more men like this in the world. Awesome actor. Awesome man. Made the world better for being here. Thank you Paul, and God Bless your family and friends for knowing you.
Danklin24 | September 29, 2008 at 3:24 am
This is the only time…hopefully…that you’ll see a picture of Paul Newman and Mischa Barton’s tit or Mischa Barton at all for that matter, on the same webpage. It’s like having caviar and pork and beans on the same menu.
RIP Paul.
Starcasm | September 29, 2008 at 3:39 am
It’s nice to see all the beautifully cranky celeb sites paying tribute to Paul Newman. We at starcasm spend all our time poking fun at the VERY poke fun at-able, but we did a little tribute as well. Not only was Paul Newman an unbelievable charismatic, sexy, and talented on screen talent, but he was a wonderful off-screen human being. Thanks for all the great movies and all the good things you did to make the world a better place than you found it.
syn | September 29, 2008 at 3:51 am
So sad. Mr. Newman will be missed. For all of you using this particular post as a political forum: Have some class, people. Give a decent man his time and your respect.
The Superficial Writer | September 29, 2008 at 4:26 am
FIRST!
Costanza | September 29, 2008 at 4:28 am
He was just HIM. Now we will always miss somebody.
tc | September 29, 2008 at 4:44 am
Makes me feel happier about the vitriol I see written about the rest of the talentless celebs on this site.
Vitriol | September 29, 2008 at 4:48 am
Newman was a filthy cunt. May the worms choke on his deflated corpse.
friendlyfires | September 29, 2008 at 5:07 am
1.)Vitriol – I know where you live – and I don’t care – go curl up in your cat-pee infested bedmattress and Spiderman sheets and try working up some Newman’s Own to snort, if your saggy-muscled arm doesn’t get tired and flies off like a fleshy boomerang with your Pop-Secret blind one eyed albino ferret
2.)Super Fish Al – your Pulitzer is ready – we decided early and told that self serving cunt from the Times website to sit on the top of the Chrysler Building, we’d saved ya’ the trouble. Now don’t going running off with Prize and doing something silly, like buying a Times Square Fish Taco franchise.
3.)Watch for Letterman’s tribute to Paul Newman – singing cats on parade!
Avi | September 29, 2008 at 5:44 am
Super Fish
I am compelled to write to you today just because you have just produced your master stroke in the form of this obituary … I am big fan Mr. Newman. He will certainly be missed by those who have any soul.
Hats off to you….
Avi | September 29, 2008 at 5:44 am
Super Fish
I am compelled to write to you today just because you have just produced your master stroke in the form of this obituary … I am big fan Mr. Newman. He will certainly be missed by those who have any soul.
Hats off to you….
Douchie Mc Bagman | September 29, 2008 at 5:48 am
The guy was all you say, but he;s not really any good for beating off. Gotta get some new meat on here.
http://www.UltrasoundShirts.com | September 29, 2008 at 5:59 am
Well said. Thanks for the man you were Paul Newman! Rest in Peace.
Natalie | September 29, 2008 at 6:09 am
He was an amazing man. He set up a children’s care home in Dublin where I’m from and put his own money into the full running of it every year, helping countless children and families as a result. He fully deserves the title of legend or icon where few other people do. Rest in peace Paul.
Matter of Proportions | September 29, 2008 at 6:50 am
My father served in the army as a master sargeant and was shot twice. He was a fireman for a while. He gave us everything he ever could which was not much as we were poor. But he never kept anything for himself.
Of course my Dad was not handsome and couldn’t smile and read lines but had to work as a mechanic at least 50 hours a week.
I have worked hard my whole life for what little I have too. I doubt I will have anything at all soon while it takes $1.3 Billion to make Forbes now. I sure wish I had millions of dollars so I could go see the world.
Goodbye Paul. Your kind is a rare breed in this modern age and the human world is left with another gaping wound that will leave a horrid scar.
StellaBlue | September 29, 2008 at 7:31 am
He was a legend. I’ve made the statement here before that 95% of entertainers are hedonistic low-life idiots. I still stand by that statement, but Paul Newman was in that 5 percentile that was a gentleman and a class act.
R.I.P. Luke, you world-shaker.
StellaBlue | September 29, 2008 at 7:34 am
He was a legend. I’ve made the statement here before that 95% of entertainers are hedonistic low-life idiots. I still stand by that statement, but Paul Newman was in that 5 percentile that was a gentleman and a class act.
R.I.P. Luke, you world-shaker.
StellaBlue | September 29, 2008 at 7:35 am
He was a legend. I’ve made the statement here before that 95% of entertainers are hedonistic low-life idiots. I still stand by that statement, but Paul Newman was in that 5 percentile that was a gentleman and a class act.
R.I.P. Luke, you world-shaker.
SaraDevil | September 29, 2008 at 7:41 am
Superfish Guy,
You made me cry too. That was fucking eloquent.
Wayne | September 29, 2008 at 7:57 am
The small town of Cleveland?
Chiefbobo | September 29, 2008 at 8:07 am
A gentleman, a truly caring soul, an icon, and my personal hero…
God’s speed Paul…
veggi | September 29, 2008 at 8:08 am
Yeah yeah yeah so the fucking elderly guy croaked, big deal. He died about 10 years ago. This is the time it took for his incontinent body to wind down, like a cheap watched that can’t tell time but refuses to stop ticking.
The point is: WILL FISH HAVE THE COURAGE TO POST THE SARAH PALIN SWIMSUIT VIDEO FROM THE MISS ALASKA CONTEST? Yes, folks, it’s finally online, just google it. Review: like everything with Ms. Palin, the reality falls far, far, far short of the hype. But it does show that she was going to have a future in Republican presidential politics because she clearly supports a strong bush.
FRIST!!! | September 29, 2008 at 8:17 am
“They simply don’t make badasses like that anymore”
???????
George Clooney is 10 times the actor and 10 times the activist that Paul Newman ever was.
ubee0173 | September 29, 2008 at 8:25 am
may the newman-o’s be plentiful and the dressings flow like wine in remembrance of paul
Jess | September 29, 2008 at 8:31 am
Ummm…..No. 47? I love George Clooney….he is a serious class act and gorgeous and a great activist. But to say he is ten times Paul Newman? I’m pretty sure even he would disagree with that. Paul Newman shunned celebrity to give back, and has given $200 million in profits away to help sick children. An activist can mean many things, not just protesting atrocities at Darfur (which is still great, of course!!
Point being…they do make badasses like that, but they come from the mold of Paul Newman!
Rough Daddy | September 29, 2008 at 8:47 am
FRIST? get on your meds quickly….
-Paul Newman never call the press when he did something noble….