Filed under: Motorsports, Celebrities
Paul Newman takes last laps at Lime Rock
In the world of Hollywood where so many people are vacuous prima donnas, Paul Newman is one of the great exceptions. He is considered one of the greatest American actors and one of the classiest human beings. However, after 83 years, the Newman era is drawing to a close. About 18 months ago, Newman was diagnosed with lung cancer and he's not expected to live past the end of September.
Many fans of his acting are not aware of Newman's nearly four-decade long involvement in motorsports. Over the years he has racked up a second place finish at the 24 hours of Le Mans and a GTS class victory at the 1995 Daytona 24 hours... at the age of 74. For the last 25 years he and Carl Haas have owned one of the most successful IndyCar/ChampCar teams of the era, as well. Off the track and sound stage he has also raised over $200 million for charity through the Newman's Own brand of foods.
On August 13, the Lime Rock Park race track near his Connecticut home shut down for a couple hours so that Newman could take a few final laps in his GT1 Corvette. The world will certainly be a poorer place with his passing. If you haven't watched The Hustler, The Sting, or Butch and Sundance recently, now's probably a good time to put them in your NetFlix queue. Thanks for the tip, Luke!
[Source: SpeedTV]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MajorGeek 9:43AM (8/26/2008)
What a life, hope he goes a few more years to prove em wrong.
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Beastage 10:31AM (8/26/2008)
I dont hope for that, cancer is suffering... I hope he dies without months of that.
He had a good life.
MajorGeek 10:36AM (8/26/2008)
What a stupid comment, did I say I hoped he lived years in pain? God.
Beastage 11:03AM (8/26/2008)
I didnt imply anything to what you said, but he has lung cancer and there is no cure.
azzo45 12:18PM (8/26/2008)
Lung cancer? To my knowledge (which of course is not personal...) Paul Newman was not a smoker. Proves smoking isn't the only cause of this form of cancer.
Paul Newman has represented his profession (acting) & his passions (racing & his charity work) with 100% class
All the best as he fights on...
Spiel 12:42PM (8/26/2008)
@azzo45
Unfortunately, he was a chain smoker (according to Wikipedia). You'd think he'll set an example, but I pretty much doubt it.
Great actor, certainly will be missed. It was sad seeing Brando go, and now Newman.
azzo45 3:03PM (8/26/2008)
Well Spiel, Mr. Newman was an actor (he stated he had retired from acting late last year) NOT a Pope, & IMO not paid to be a "role model".
Many people of Paul's generation smoked... but I would say this was confined to the 50s & early 60s? Never saw PLN smoking around the race track & surrounding areas (parties,pit/ paddock area, or post race).
The guy is 83... if his heavy smoking habit was true (it was Wikipedia)... you think it would have KO'd him before his 80s?
savvywebgal 9:26AM (8/27/2008)
I believe it was azzo45 who said Paul Newman was not a smoker. In fact, he was a smoker. It's been reported many times in news articles about him.
That aside, it literally pains me to know he's on the last lap - reminding me of Lime Rock where he loved to race. I saw him there in the 60's. I find myself looking every day for some news. I realize what a private man he is and has every right to be, especially at this time of his life. He's done everything with dignity and grace. He's an outstanding actor and humanitarian.
I only pray that he isn't in a great deal of pain. I've thought of what I might say to him if I had the opportunity and all I could think of was, "Thank you, Paul, for everything you are, everything you've done and for all the pleasure you've given millions of people all over the world."
Godspeed, Paul Newman. You will never be forgotten (sigh)
Epyx 9:44AM (8/26/2008)
You forgot to mention his best film:
Cool Hand Luke - one of my favorite movies of all time!
Sad that he is sick. Also sad that that anything with Paul Newman has to be posted online so closley with anything related to Vin Diesel and The Fast and the Furious.
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Epyx 9:48AM (8/26/2008)
also want to echo Geek above - What a life this guy has lived! He has done more in his life than most people will do in 5 lifetimes.
"He was smiling... That's right. You know, that, that Luke smile of his. He had it on his face right to the very end. Hell, if they didn't know it 'fore, they could tell right then that they weren't a-gonna beat him. That old Luke smile. Oh, Luke. He was some boy. Cool Hand Luke. Hell, he's a natural-born world-shaker."
Hopefully he defies the odds and keeps on going.
Mike 11:21AM (8/26/2008)
I also can't believe that they didn't mention Cool Hand Luke....arguably one of the top 5 movies of all time.
Sam Abuelsamid 8:10PM (8/26/2008)
You're right, Cool Hand Luke slipped my mind as did many others. IMDB lists 82 films that Newman performed in and the vast majority are worth watching. Luke and Slapshot are just two of so many great performances.
john 9:44AM (8/26/2008)
god speed paul.
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kaslings 9:45AM (8/26/2008)
one of the greats.
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john 9:47AM (8/26/2008)
gos speed paul
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IMF 10:00AM (8/26/2008)
I am sorry to hear that, but at the same time feel good for him for being 83 and still doing what he should enjoy the most.
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Timsvtgen1 10:17AM (8/26/2008)
I wonder If he brought any of his Salad Dressings with him.
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tbyron 1:38PM (8/26/2008)
Before you wrote that, did you have any idea that the Newmans Own brand has generated $250 million in profits that have been DONATED?
JD 10:19AM (8/26/2008)
As Autoblog noted, in a world where hollywood is so materialistic and there aren't many celebrities you can like these days, Paul Newman is a great actor, race driver, and possibly most importantly, an intensely generous philanthropist. A true hero of mine. Paul, you're a great guy and have touched many lives. Good luck in whatever happens next. If it's your time, you'll be sorely missed.
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Paul 11:18AM (8/26/2008)
Amen JD...