Paul Leonard Newman was born on January 26, 1925, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. He was the second son of Theresa (née Fetzer) and Arthur Sigmund Newman, who owned a successful sporting goods store.
Paul developed an interest in theater and acting at a young age and participated in school plays during his high school years. After graduating, he attended Ohio University and later Kenyon College, where he continued to hone his acting skills.
Military Service During World War II
During World War II, Paul Newman served in the United States Navy. Initially, he was enrolled in the V-12 Navy College Training Program at Yale University, which was designed to train officers. However, his hopes of becoming a pilot were dashed due to his colorblindness.
Instead, Newman served as a radioman and rear gunner in torpedo bombers in the Pacific Theater. He was stationed on various aircraft carriers and participated in missions until the end of the war.
Early Career and Breakthrough
After the war, Paul Newman returned to his studies and graduated from Kenyon College in 1949. He then moved to New York City to study at the prestigious Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg. Newman’s early career involved stage performances and television appearances, which eventually led to his film debut in “The Silver Chalice” (1954).
His breakthrough came with the film “Somebody Up There Likes Me” (1956), where he portrayed boxer Rocky Graziano. This role established him as a rising star in Hollywood. He continued to build his reputation with critically acclaimed performances in films like “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958) and “The Long, Hot Summer” (1958).
Stardom and Iconic Roles
The 1960s solidified Paul Newman’s status as a leading man in Hollywood. He starred in several iconic films, including “The Hustler” (1961), “Cool Hand Luke” (1967), and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969). His charismatic screen presence and versatility as an actor garnered him numerous accolades and a loyal fanbase.
Personal Life
Paul Newman married actress Joanne Woodward in 1958, a partnership that became one of Hollywood’s most enduring marriages. The couple had three daughters together and collaborated on several film projects. Newman also had two children from his previous marriage to Jackie Witte.
Philanthropy and Newman’s Own
In 1982, Paul Newman co-founded Newman’s Own, a food company that donates all profits to charity. The company’s products, starting with salad dressing, became immensely popular, and to date, Newman’s Own has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to various charitable causes.
Racing and Other Interests
Aside from acting and philanthropy, Paul Newman had a passion for auto racing. He became a successful professional race car driver, even competing in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Newman also co-owned Newman/Haas Racing, a championship-winning team in the CART series.
Later Career and Legacy
Paul Newman continued to act well into his later years, delivering memorable performances in films like “The Verdict” (1982), “The Color of Money” (1986), for which he won an Academy Award, and “Road to Perdition” (2002). His final film appearance was in “Cars” (2006), where he provided the voice for Doc Hudson.
Paul Newman passed away on September 26, 2008, at the age of 83. His legacy is defined not only by his extraordinary talent and diverse roles but also by his humanitarian efforts and philanthropic achievements. Newman remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and a symbol of integrity, compassion, and excellence.
