RIP: Paul Newman 1925-2008
Photo: prorallypix | License: Creative Commons 2.0
Actor, racer, philanthropist and all-around great human being Paul Newman has died. Newman was 83 years old and is believed to have been diagnosed with cancer in 2007. His acting career spanned more than half a century and included roles such as "Fast" Eddie Felson, Cool Hand Luke, and Louisiana Gov Earl Long among many, many others. His Newman's Own food line has raised more than $200 million for charity. His partnership with Carl Haas owning race teams in Can-Am and Indy Cars lasted over 25 years and Newman himself won countless races in various national and international classes. Last month, Newman, a longtime Connecticut resident, went out to Lime Rock Park to take some final laps in his Corvette. We'll miss you Paul! Thanks to Nick and George for the tips!
Update: Dahlia Lithwick wrote a fabulous obituary over on Slate.
[Various Sources]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Eddie Saenz 12:21PM (9/27/2008)
God bless him, he was an inspiration to many, a mans man, our prayers go to his family, thank you for sharing him with us
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CDN Crockett 10:48AM (9/27/2008)
My thoughts are with his family and friends as they go through this tough time.
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Randy 4:54PM (9/27/2008)
A loss to everyone! He was a diverse and great human being! My condolences to his family and friends!
wasabisuicide 10:49AM (9/27/2008)
a great actor, a great motorist.
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Mike 10:49AM (9/27/2008)
Likewise. A great man, a great actor, and someone who I would consider a personal hero of mine.
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Rick 10:54AM (9/27/2008)
I'm sorry, there are no words for this great man. Thank you, and sleep well.
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TexanCarFan80 10:55AM (9/27/2008)
We'll miss you Paul! My thoughts and prayers to his family. He was an icon in my eyes :(
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Eldiablo 10:55AM (9/27/2008)
RIP Paul, guess we won't get to hear you in Cars 2. But thanks for some movie gold!
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Patrick 11:10AM (9/27/2008)
Had the pleasure of meeting him and shaking his hand at an indycar race at homestead. he was a very gracious and respectful man. he will be missed
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Kevin 11:15AM (9/27/2008)
Goodbye Cool Hand Luke. We will miss miss you. May you rest in peace.
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SilverAero 11:22AM (9/27/2008)
You will be missed Paul.
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tbyron 11:26AM (9/27/2008)
What a sad way to start the day. He will be missed for a very a long time. Classy.
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Seminole 11:40AM (9/27/2008)
The gearhead community loses one of it's best. My condolences to his family.
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Sam Abuelsamid 1:44PM (9/27/2008)
The HUMAN community lost one of its best
zamafir 11:40AM (9/27/2008)
"I'm sorry, there are no words for this great man. Thank you, and sleep well."
x2, such a massive body of creative work, so many people's lives positively changed through his philanthropy, such a significant contribution to motoring, I'm at a complete loss.
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JD 11:41AM (9/27/2008)
Paul, for all that you've given us, from your great movies to your very generous philanthropic activities, you will be greatly missed. You are one of the greatest people who's walked this planet in my eyes, and you'll be missed dearly. May you and your family find peace, it's very well deserved.
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Nicholas 11:59AM (9/27/2008)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=howEAqstkzQ This will always put a smile on my face :o)
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Herbie3Rivers 12:02PM (9/27/2008)
God Speed Paul. We'll see you at that race track in the sky.
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Michael 12:13PM (9/27/2008)
I actually met Paul Newman. What a wonderful person -- he will be truly missed.
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shoe007 8:10PM (9/28/2008)
One of the true greats, you are who I aspire to emulate. You will be missed.
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