Sept 27, 2008 - Oscar-winning screen legend Paul Newman has passed away at the age of 83. With his wife of 50 years, actress Joanne Woodward, and family present at his home in Connecticut, Newman succumbed to his lengthy battle with cancer on September 26, 2008.
Newman's acting career spanned 50 years, with the handsome blue-eyed actor winning an Oscar in 1987 for his performance as pool shark Fast Eddie Felsen in The Color of Money. Newman earned a total of 10 Oscar nominations over the years and received two honorary Oscars - one in 1986 recognizing his "many and memorable and compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft" and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1994. The Jean Hersholt award is not given out every year and is awarded to an "individual in the motion picture industry whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry."
Newman's filmography is impressive by any standards and includes starring roles in such classic films as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), The Young Philadelphians (1959), The Hustler (1961), Hud, Cool Hand Luke (1967), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973), [iu]Fort Apache the Bronx (1981), and The Color of Money (1986).
In recent years Newman had taken longer breaks between films, yet still managed to earn two Oscar nominations in the past two decades. In 1994 Newman was nominated for his performance in Nobody's Fool and in 2003 he picked up a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his work in Sam Mendes' Road to Perdition.
Newman put his fame to good use when in 1982 he created Newman's Own, a line of food products that included salad dressing, spaghetti sauces, and even popcorn. Newman used the proceeds from the product line to fund charitable work through his Newman's Own Foundation. He also established the Scott Newman Center to help with the prevention of drug abuse after the death of his son to substance abuse.
The iconic actor and philanthropist also sought to help children with serious illnesses by creating Hole in the Wall Camps, a place for sick kids to just relax and enjoy themselves. In response to Newman's passing, The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps issued the following statement about the organizations founder:
"While greatly saddened by Paul's passing, the family of Hole in the Wall Camps celebrates the life of Paul Newman and the legacy he has left us and the world."
"Paul's commitment to the welfare of children suffering from serious illnesses and life-threatening diseases was never-ending. His infinite passion to provide kids who are sick with a place 'to kick back and raise a little hell' has touched the lives of children everywhere."
Newman founded the non-profit organization in 1988. Since their creation, the camps have helped over 135,000 children with serious medical needs. Newman not only established the charity, but also supported the cause by volunteering.
Newman's passions outside of acting included a 40 year love affair with professional racing. His connection with the sport prompted Pixar's John Lasseter to approach him to voice the role of Doc Hudson in the animated movie Cars.
Newman is survived by Joanne Woodward, five daughters (three by Woodward, two by his first wife, Jackie Witte), two grandchildren, and his brother, Arthur.
