Of course, Newman was much more than an actor. He was an avid race-car driver and fan of the sport. As well, he was active in progressive politics and social causes. Years ago, starting a food packaging label called Newman’s Own, he put his own money behind an effort to build a socially conscious brand, eventually putting his name behind hundreds of organic products in the line, including popcorn, salad dressings, snack food—and even pet foods. Newman’s Own and the foundation created by Newman donates “all profits from the Newman’s Own brand, and royalties after taxes for educational and charitable purposes.” According to the brand’s website, “Paul Newman and the Newman’s Own Foundation have given over $250 million to thousands of charities worldwide since l982.” He will be missed by his fans and friends, and all who have been touched by his film career and his philanthropy - from 85-year old ladies like my mom to the children whose lives his generosity has helped to improve.
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
Article comments
1 - T. Michael Testi
Nice and touching memorial!
T.
2 - Barbara Barnett
Thanks T. Can't wait to read it to my mom.
3 - Mary Dagmar
When you read this to your mother, please let her know that your readers are thinking of her and wish her the best. Anyone reading this heartwarming article would appreciate the influence of your mother on your talent and interests. Best wishes to your mother from Australia. I hope she is better soon.
4 - Ruvy
Barabara,
Refuá shlemá! May your mother have a full recovery from pneumonia.
Finally, someone old enough to remember the role the movie "Exodus" played in Paul Newman's career. The movie stunk (and has more inaccuracies than a Christian translation of the Hebrew Bible) but it confirmed Paul Newman's star status to millions of kids in the States. After that we trooped off to the theaters every time we saw his name lited in a movie ad.
And when I was 11, I thought "Exodus" was a fantastic movie.... We all grow up eventually.
5 - Barbara Barnett
Ruvy, Mary, thank you for your well-wishes for my mother. She is on the mend and should be home in the next couple of days. It has turned out not to be pneumonia, but a different infection that has affected her lungs and breathing.
Ruvy, shanah tovah um'tukah. A good and sweet year to you and your family.
6 - Joanne Huspek
Sorry to hear about your mother, Barbara.
I loved Paul Newman in his first pictures, the ones that aren't usually mentioned, like "From the Terrace" and "The Sweet Bird of Youth." He was certainly a great actor, and a great man.