The Celebrity Truth

Hollywood leading man Paul Newman passed away on Friday night (September 26) at the age of 83, following a long battle with cancer.

The star of more than 50 movies, Newman passed away at his home in Westport, Connecticut surrounded by family and friends, including his wife of 50 years, Joanne Woodward.

The actor’s five daughters released the following statement:

“Paul Newman played many unforgettable roles. But the ones for which he was proudest never had top billing on the marquee.

Devoted husband. Loving father. Adoring grandfather. Dedicated philanthropist.

Our father was a rare symbol of selfless humility, the last to acknowledge what he was doing was special. Intensely private, he quietly succeeded beyond measure in impacting the lives of so many with his generosity.

Always and to the end, Dad was incredibly grateful for his good fortune. In his own words: “It’s been a privilege to be here.”

He will be profoundly missed by those whose lives he touched, but he leaves us with extraordinary inspiration to draw upon.

During this difficult time, we ask for privacy for our family.”

Close friend Robert Redford, who starred with Newman in movie classic’s ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ and ‘The Sting’, said in a statement, “There is a point where feelings go beyond words. I have lost a real friend. My life – and this country – is better for his being in it.”

Aside from the movies, Newman developed a passion for car racing after becoming bored with Hollywood, driving cars himself before starting Newman/Haas Racing in 1983 with Carl Haas.

“Paul and I have been partners for 26 years and I have come to know his passion, humor and, above all, his generosity,” Haas said of his friend’s passing.

“Not just economic generosity, but generosity of spirit. His support of the team’s drivers, crew and the racing industry is legendary. His pure joy at winning a pole position or winning a race exemplified the spirit he brought to his life and to all those that knew him.”

The 10-time Oscar nominee also had a passion for philanthropy, starting the Newman’s Own range of products in 1982, with the motto “Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good.”

Newman’s Own donates all profits from the sale of products to charity and to date has generated over $250 million in proceeds.

“We will miss Paul,” a statement says on the company’s website.  “But we will honor his vision for the Common Good through dedicated stewardship of his company that will perpetuate his philanthropic legacy. Paul wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox.