On January 26th of this year, we celebrated the birth centenary of Paul Newman, one of the finest actors of his era. His passing on September 26, 2008, after a prolonged battle with lung cancer, was met with an outpouring of tributes and remembrances from artists across the film industry, all sharing their thoughts and memories of the legendary actor.
Newman’s remarkable talent, his extraordinary and unwavering dedication to charitable causes, his liberal politics and activism against war and racism, his disdain for the excesses of Hollywood, and his enduring relationship with actress Joanne Woodward earned him immense public admiration throughout his decades-long career. His discerning and captivating performances left an indelible mark on Hollywood.
The Artistry of Paul Newman
Paul Newman portrayed a wide spectrum of characters during his illustrious career. His range of expressions and roles was as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. Few Hollywood actors have explored or transcended such emotional depths, displaying sensitivity, intensity, and versatility. His work was characterized by malleability, impeccable timing, and a sense of detachment. In a single film, he could seamlessly shift moods, evoking the sensation of experiencing all four seasons.
Even when delving deeply into a character, Newman had a knack for underplaying his performances. Few actors could embody a role with such precision and perfection. His method of acting often created suspense, encouraging audiences to think for themselves and form their own interpretations. The nuances of his craft were spellbinding. He exemplified balance, rarely indulging in overacting, even in the most intense scenes.
A profound sense of humanism and compassion permeated his performances. His expressions often revealed an inner spiritual energy, producing an almost magical effect. Watching his diverse roles, one could sense an actor speaking from his soul, with every mannerism reflecting his inner self. His acting flowed as naturally as ocean waves, blending creativity with realism and spontaneity with restraint.
Life Sketch
Paul Newman was born on January 26, 1925, in Shaker Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. His father was a successful small-business owner who ran a sporting goods store, where Newman’s mother also worked. Newman enjoyed what might be described as an "all-American" upbringing. He attended Ohio University in the early 1940s, where he joined the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, before leaving to serve in World War II.
After the war, Newman graduated from Kenyon College and went on to study at Yale University’s drama department. He later trained at the famed Actor’s Studio under Lee Strasberg, a pioneer of the Stanislavski method in the United States. Newman began his acting career on Broadway before making his film debut in "The Silver Chalice" (1954).
Newman’s film career emerged in a Hollywood still reeling from the anti-Communist witch-hunts of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and McCarthyism. Many filmmakers who expressed powerful social criticism saw their careers—or even lives—ruined. Left-wing elements were purged from the industry, and those who avoided the blacklist or began their careers afterward operated in an atmosphere of caution. The American public’s skepticism toward left-wing views, fueled by anti-communist hysteria, meant that many penetrating social critiques could not be addressed in new works.
This environment shaped Newman’s artistic persona, limiting the types of films and opportunities available to him. It curtailed his potential to become a supremely confident, iconoclastic artist, and as a result, he had fewer "great films" to his name than one might expect for an actor of his stature. Nevertheless, Newman’s talent and sincerity allowed him to create timeless work that has influenced humanity for decades.
Among his notable early films were "The Left-Handed Gun" (1958), directed by Arthur Penn, and "Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys!" (1958). Newman achieved his first box office hits in the 1960s, including "The Hustler" (1961), directed by Robert Rossen, in which he played Fast Eddie Felson, a billiards hustler and alcoholic.
It is unfortunate that Newman often collaborated with great directors past their prime, such as Alfred Hitchcock in "Torn Curtain" (1966), a modest Cold War spy thriller.
In the 1970s, Newman diversified his interests, developing a passion for car racing, which by the 1980s led him to own his own racing team. In 1982, he founded Newman’s Own, a line of food products whose after-tax profits were donated to charity. The company has raised over $200 million. Later that decade, he established the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, a network of summer camps for sick children, named after Butch Cassidy’s gang in the 1969 film. He also created a foundation to finance anti-drug films in memory of his son.
During this period, Newman worked tirelessly, appearing in notable films such as "Absence of Malice" (1981) and "The Verdict" (1982). He won an Oscar for reprising his role as Fast Eddie Felson in Martin Scorsese’s "The Color of Money" (1986), though the film was considered lesser work for both actor and director. He also appeared in independent films like "The Hudsucker Proxy" (1994) and mainstream works like "Message in a Bottle" (1999). His final feature film role was as a voice actor in the animated film "Cars" (2006).
Newman was nominated for an Oscar 10 times, winning Best Actor in 1987 for "The Color of Money". He received an honorary Oscar in 1986 and a third in 1994, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, for his charitable work.
Great Films of Paul Newman
"Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys!" (1958)
This film explores the military’s efforts to establish a base in a small American town, with the townspeople uniting to resist. Newman’s character, a military officer, tries to build rapport with the community while his wife (Joanne Woodward) opposes the military’s presence. The film avoids action-packed sequences in favor of a psychological portrayal of the conflict, blending humor with bold commentary on the military. Newman’s comedic flair shines in this role.
"Hud" (1963)
Newman played Hud, the irresponsible son of a cattle rancher, whose bad reputation follows him everywhere. In an understated performance, he portrayed a rebellious "bad boy" undergoing a transformation from confidence to spiritual emptiness. Directed by Martin Ritt, the film captures the tension between father and son, with Newman’s nuanced performance bridging the gap between Old Hollywood values and the cynicism of New Hollywood.
"Cool Hand Luke" (1967)
Newman portrayed Luke, a prisoner who defiantly resists the authority of guards and wardens. The film focuses on one man’s struggle against adversity, highlighting themes of rebellion, honor, and resilience. Newman’s portrayal of Luke, a defiant underdog, is unforgettable, particularly in scenes where he embodies the spirit of resistance against oppression.
"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969)
This Western follows two bank robbers, Butch Cassidy (Newman) and the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford), as they attempt to escape their inevitable fate. Newman’s understated and often comedic performance as Butch Cassidy adds depth to the film. Despite their efforts to flee to Bolivia, the duo meets a tragic end, cementing the film’s place as a classic.
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*Freelance journalist
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