Paul Newman (1925-2008)

Paul Newman (1925-2008)

Dallas Morning News: Acting brought Paul Newman fame. But the measure of his remarkable life was how he used that fame to help people in need around the world. Mr. Newman, who died Friday at age 83, converted his name and smiling face into a charitable empire whose donations surpassed $250 million.

Impressive profits from his Newman’s Own food company created a self-sustaining source of philanthropic income that has helped fund colleges, assist refugees and give hope to thousands of seriously ill children.

Mr. Newman’s film career began in 1954 with what he described as a gigantic debacle — “The Silver Chalice” — which so embarrassed him that he once purchased newspaper ads urging viewers not to watch it.

Mr. Newman rallied with a series of subsequent blockbuster hits — “Exodus,” “Somebody Up There Likes Me,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “The Hustler” and “Cool Hand Luke” — that solidified his domination of the young-rebel genre. While his main competition in Hollywood, James Dean and Marlon Brando, seemed unapproachably intense and angry, Mr. Newman sustained decades of box-office appeal with common-man roles that highlighted his trademark blue eyes and a talent for erupting in raucous laughter on cue.

Though he had roles in more than 100 films, his directing talents often went unheralded. In 1971, he marshaled an all-star cast that included Henry Fonda and Lee Remick for the film adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel, “Sometimes a Great Notion.” The film garnered two Oscar nominations, but it is rarely mentioned in his biographies.

Hardly surprising, though. Publishing space rarely accommodates the long list of tributes Mr. Newman richly deserved. He entertained generations. His charitable work will ensure that his life remains appreciated for generations to come.