Monday, September 29, 2008
Paul Newman Dies After Battle With Cancer
Hollywood legend Paul Newman passed away at his Westport, CT home Friday. The actor and humanitarian was 83 years old and his spokesperson said that the actor died after a battle with cancer. The actor was nominated for 10 Oscars and won one for his role in "The Color of Money". He also started several charities which have donated around $250 million to several causes. The actor leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Joanne Woodward, five children and two grandchildren. The Newman Foundation issued this statement after his passing:
"Paul Newman's craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all. Paul had an abiding belief in the role that luck plays in one's life, and its randomness. He was quick to acknowledge the good fortune he had in his own life, beginning with being born in America, and was acutely aware of how unlucky so many others were. True to his character, he quietly devoted himself to helping offset this imbalance. An exceptional example is the legacy of Newman's Own. What started as something of a joke in the basement of his home, turned into a highly-respected, multi-million dollar a year food company. And true to form, he shared this good fortune by donating all the profits and royalties he earned to thousands of charities around the world, a total which now exceeds $250 million. While his philanthropic interests and donations were wide-ranging, he was especially committed to the thousands of children with life-threatening conditions served by the Hole in the Wall Camps, which he helped start over 20 years ago. He saw the Camps as places where kids could escape the fear, pain and isolation of their conditions, kick back, and raise a little hell. Today, there are 11 Camps around the world, with additional programs in Africa and Vietnam. Through the Camps, well over 135,000 children have had the chance to experience what childhood was meant to be. We will miss our friend Paul Newman, but are lucky ourselves to have known such a remarkable person."
Several Hollywood stars issued statements in light of Paul Newman's passing, here are a couple:
"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." — Robert Redford
"I was blessed to have known him. The world is better because of him. Sometimes God makes perfect people and Paul Newman was one of them." - Sally Field
"Paul was a very fine actor and a really good race driver. But mostly, he personified humanity -- always taking care of those who were less fortunate. For me, this will be his legacy." - David Letterman
"He was my hero." - Julia Roberts
"He set the bar too high for the rest of us. Not just actors, but all of us." - George Clooney
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