The Paul Page

Happy Bday Paul...

2012-01-26T14:31:00.000-08:00

Today would have been Paul's 87th birthday...came across this photo today that I had never seen before... Sting-era presumably?

From the way back machine...

2011-12-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

long time away, but still thinking about Paul every day!

2011-11-22T13:58:00.000-08:00

So cool, just found this awesome pic taken by Terry O'Neill of PLN and Clint Eastwood...

How awesome is this photo?

2010-04-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

Grabbed off of: http://theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/when-all-else-fails/

Who owns da Chiefs?

2010-04-05T06:34:00.001-07:00

As they say, art imitates life: the Johnstown Chiefs (of Slapshot fame) are truly moving south to warmer climes this time!

Who owns da Chiefs?

Paul Newman: A Life review

2009-11-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

Paul Newman: A Life

Finally got a chance to read Shawn Levy's bio of PLN released earlier this year. Not too bad, he keeps it pretty polite, he does discuss the affair story from the BC&SK days but doesn't do it sensationally and basically discredits the woman as a tramp anyway. It's a comprehensive look at Paul's life, career(s) and philanthropic pursuits. Overall a nice tribute. Not much new information or revelations, but a few nuggets that I hadn't read or heard of before.

New Look!

2009-10-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

After 12 years, my little site has outgrown the Geocities neighborhood. Well, actually they're tearing down the tenement home we live in here on the internet. So with a fond farewell, and a hearty 'thank you', we bid adieu to Geocities and head on over to Blogger for our blog needs and our own Simplicity Connection site for web hosting. Thanks for the memories Geocities.

Not much else has changed here, got rid of that crappy old font and tried neatening up some of the layouts. I'm still just one gal running a little fan site on my own in my free time and when I come across some new tidbits about PLN I drop them in here. Here's to another fun 12 years!

Entry for May 29, 2009

2009-10-16T10:12:00.001-07:00

Little late on the updates here but ... better late than never!

Reprinted from "Look to the Stars" (a celebrity giving site)

The town of Westport, Connecticut, is to honor the late Paul Newman by creating a 37-acre nature reserve adjacent to his former home.

The new Newman/Poses Preserve will include walking paths, benches, and a ban on development and building. The idea came from Newman’s widow, Joanne Woodward, who wrote to the local council in January.

“The Poses land is a truly beautiful piece of land that Paul, our children, and I have had the privilege of enjoying for many, many years,” she said. “Preserving the Poses property in its natural state is something I very much believe Paul would have loved to see happen. Paul always expressed regret that he was not able to accomplish this himself, so I think if there were to be anything at all done by the town to honor Paul’s memory this would be a very generous and appropriate tribute to him. He would, I believe, be particularly pleased that such a gesture would benefit all of Westport’s residents.”

Westport is not the only group of people honoring the late actor. Julia Roberts and Robert Redford will host a special evening to raise funds for Newman’s Hole In The Wall Camps in New York on June 8.

Entertainment will be provided by Jerry Seinfeld, James Taylor, Harry Connick Jr., Yo Yo Ma, Art Garfunkel and Joshua Bell, and the event will feature a cocktail reception and after party.

Tickets range from $50 to $5,000. The event will take place at the Avery Fisher Hall at the Lincoln Center. More information can be found here

2009-05-30 00:28:08 GMT

"Walk In the Woods" a Go

2009-10-16T10:11:00.001-07:00

Redford has announced that he's going ahead with a film adaptation of Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" (2011) which was originally discussed as a vehicle for him and Newman (though still difficult to see either one of them fitting into the 40ish lead characters shoes...) Stay tuned for production details.

2009-05-25 22:09:44 GMT

Entry for May 4, 2009

2009-10-16T10:10:00.001-07:00

It’s been quiet out there for a few months regarding PLN—have got maybe 2 or 3 Google alerts in the last month or so, until this weekend when I guess the advance copies of a few biographies are making the rounds. “Paul Newman: A Life” by Shawn Levy is the first one to hit stores and by accounts, it’s not very critical of our man Paul. He doesn’t shy away from the generally accepted fact that Paul was an alcoholic and his feelings of failure regarding his first marriage dissolution and his son’s death. Levy never met Newman and didn’t even interview any of his friends for this book, so it comes off as just a compilation of all the other books about him. He does include reference to Paul’s alleged affair with a reporter he met on the set of Butch Cassidy, but Levy did not even speak to her, relying only on her own articles to shoot herself in the foot.

There are also 3 other Newman biographies coming soon:

• "Paul Newman, Updated: A Life," is an updated version of Lawrence Quirk's 1996 book. The updated version, claims to be "deeply probing and, at times, painfully truthful."

• "Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman" is written by Matt Stone and Preston Lerner with foreword by Mario Andretti will focus solely on Newman’s passion for car racing.

• And last, and what surely will be the least of the bunch: “Paul Newman: The Man Behind the Baby Blues: His Secret Life Exposed" which is promising more scandal than an episode of Dynasty.

My thoughts? PLN wasn’t a saint. He was a man that had his own share of problems just like everyone else. Whether or not he cheated on his wife should be of no one’s concern not now or ever. He lived his life selflessly to help others and to try and destroy his character now is just unspeakable.

2009-05-04 22:12:02 GMT

Entry for February 28, 2009

2009-10-16T10:09:00.003-07:00

Happy 79th Birthday to Joanne! We all wish her the best during this year.

2009-02-28 19:40:09 GMT

Entry for February 25, 2009

2009-10-16T10:09:00.001-07:00

House passes resolution to honor actor Paul Newman

6 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Paul Newman, the late actor and 10-time Academy Award nominee, has been honored by lawmakers as a screen legend and humanitarian.

Newman died Sept. 26, 2008, at age 83 after a long battle with cancer. The House on Tuesday night approved a resolution recognizing Newman's achievements on and off screen.

The resolution said Newman's "humanitarian works and incomparable talents have made him an American icon who will never be forgotten."

The Hollywood star won one Oscar and took home two honorary ones, and had major roles in more than 50 motion pictures, including "Cool Hand Luke," "Exodus," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Verdict," "The Sting" and "Absence of Malice."

Newman and his popular food company, Newman's Own, have given more than $250 million to charity over the years. He also helped to start "Hole in the Wall" camps across the world for children with life-threatening illnesses.

The resolution is H.R.18.

2009-02-25 23:15:02 GMT

Entry for February 9, 2009

2009-10-16T10:08:00.001-07:00

5 Paul movies are going to be released on DVD this week: (not the biggest gems in his crown, but each has their merits):

The Silver Chalice (to be watched only for it's ability to incite Mystery Science Theater comments from the viewer)

Rachel Rachel (A pet project of the Newmans, Joanne is fantastic and Paul's directing is very subtle.

When Time Ran Out: a big disaster movie spectacle from the end of the era. Once again Paul plays the voice of reason while everyone else ignores his warnings. Don't forget that all star cast of Ernest Borgnine, Jaqueline Bisset and William Holden though.

The Helen Morgan Story: Another early one from PLN's career, he plays the cad of a boyfriend of the title character.

The Outrage: Probably my favorite of this bunch—the story is a slow burn to reveal whether a Mexican outlaw (yes, PLN) raped a man's wife.

Not many extras on these DVDs... but check out DVDTIMES for the full rundown.

2009-02-09 17:05:40 GMT

Entry for January 26, 2009

2009-10-16T10:07:00.001-07:00

Today would have been Paul's 84th birthday. Lots of love from the Screen Actor's Guild Awards last night, with James Earl Jones using the final moments of his speech for his Life Achievement Award to salute Paul with a twist on the PLN's early role in Somebody Up There Likes Me: "Paul Newman, somebody down here likes you." (Bit of trivia, Paul and Joanne were honored with the same award in 1985 and while Jones and Newman never acted together on screen, [still researching stage roles...] they did both appear in a documentary to Martin Luther King in 1970.)

Paul also was the final celebrity in the yearly "In Memorium" segment, with brief clips of him in Cool Hand Luke and Road to Perdition, among others.

2009-01-26 23:01:03 GMT

Entry for January 16, 2009

2009-10-16T10:05:00.003-07:00

Still doing a little sort through the old email clean up, and found this kinda cool link that allows you to download (for free!) the November issue of Inside Pool Magazine. I mean, I admit that I'm not an avid reader of billiard publications, but they dedicated their full issue to Paul's passing.

Couple neat notes in the story: they credit The Color of Money of giving the billiards industry a "well-needed shot in the arm" and mention that in 1987 Paul was awarded the Billiard and Bowling Industry of America's industry service award. (I don't know why but I feel like PLN would have some extra pride over this honor.)

2009-01-16 19:47:41 GMT

Entry for January 14, 2009

2009-10-16T10:05:00.001-07:00

This from BrandWeek (okay, it's about 4 months old now...) announcing that Newman's Own will be testing it's pizza line in several markets (darn it! I just left New England and neglected to check it out!) But others located in these markets can use the NO product locator to find it in their area. Great, now I'm salivating.

Newman's Own has expanded its lineup of organic foods with the launch of four all-natural family-size pizzas in test markets.

The company is currently testing Thin and Crispy frozen pizza in five markets including the New England states, Albany, N.Y., Milwaukee, Wis., Minneapolis, Minn., and Charlotte, N.C. The product is being positioned as a low-calorie pizza that is half the cost of a delivery version. It is priced from $6.49 to $6.99.

Newman's Own, which was co-founded by recently deceased actor Paul Newman, said its goal is to offer consumers a full line of all-natural meal options. (It already offers organic lemonade, pasta sauce and salsa.) The pizza comes in four flavors: Supreme, Four Cheese, Roasted Garlic and Chicken and Uncured Pepperoni.

By adding pizza to its offerings, Newman's Own enters a category traditionally dominated by household favorites like Schwan's Freschetta and Kraft's DiGiorno. Like its competitors, Newman's Own hopes to bridge the gap between frozen and all natural, high-quality foods.

Darren Tristano, evp at Chicago-based market research firm Technomic, said the challenge for pizza marketers like Newman's Own is in proving that a frozen product is both "all natural" and "better for you."

"[But] the quality of frozen pizza has improved dramatically over the past five years," said Tristano, adding that younger generations are most likely the ones to embrace the "organic positioning and social consciousness."

Keeping up with its tradition, Newman's Own said it would donate after-tax net profits from pizza sales to charitable organizations.

"With Paul Newman's recent passing, his name may become less relevant to consumers, so the brand will need to build around what the company stands for and its charitable efforts. This will be a key to their success," Tristano said.

2009-01-14 19:55:47 GMT

Entry for January 12, 2009

2009-10-16T10:04:00.001-07:00

There's been so much written about Paul these past few months, it's hard to find all the new nuggets of information. But while I continue to sort through it all, Noel Jameson in Boone, NC compiled this list of PLN quotes that capture both Paul's wisdom and his winking sense of humor. #12 sums it up very nicely.

1. “If you're playing a poker game and you look around the table and can't tell who the sucker is, it's you.”

2. "I don't like to discuss my marriage, but I will tell you something which may sound corny but which happens to be true. I have steak at home. Why should I go out for hamburger?"

3. “People stay married because they want to, not because the doors are locked.”

4. “You can't be as old as I am without waking up with a surprised look on your face every morning: 'Holy Christ, whaddya know - I'm still around!' It's absolutely amazing that I survived all the booze and smoking and the cars and the career.”

5. “If you don't have enemies, you don't have character.”

6. “Show me a good loser, and I will show you a loser.”

7. “Newman's first law: It is useless to put on your brakes when you're upside down.”

8. "I don't think there's anything exceptional or noble in being philanthropic. It's the other attitude that confuses me."

9. "The embarrassing thing is that the salad dressing is out grossing my films."

10. "When I realized I was going to have to be a whore, to put my face on the label, I decided that the only way I could do it was to give away all the money we make."

11. "Building weapons that we don’t need, don’t work, and aren’t necessary, and have no mission—that’s not bad politics, that’s robbery."

12. "I have taken roads that I wished I had not traveled on. And I'm traveling on some pretty exciting ones, too. Just hope when you get to that great racetrack in the sky, that the balance will tip slightly into those things that you'd be proud of."

2009-01-12 19:23:46 GMT

Entry for October 27, 2008

2009-10-16T10:03:00.001-07:00

Great blog posting by Dick Cavett on NYTIMES.com... (will probably be lost to the archives shortly...) but check it out there's a great old clip from Dick Cavett's show in 1970, where he gets Paul to recount the story of his running the student laundry at Kenyon College.

I'll reprint posting here, with the hopes the NYT doesn't hunt me down and make me cease and desist.

October 3, 2008, 11:40 pm— Updated: 5:54 pm

’Tis but a Man Gone … but What a Man

I hate having to say goodbye to Paul Newman.

He was one of the last of the giants. It’s as if a Sequoia has fallen.

And, corny as it sounds, he was on that shortest of short lists: real good guys.

His good deeds, charities and availability for worthy causes should get him into anybody’s heaven.

If his artistic talents were short of Brando’s — and whose weren’t? — he was a hell of a lot better steward of his acting gifts than the man Jack Nicholson always called “The Man on the Hill.” And he, Brando, never once returned to the stage, where those lucky enough to see him there make you envious. saying, “If you think Marlon was powerful in the movies . . . ” Mr. Newman delighted theater-goers by repeatedly returning to Broadway.

He and I first met on my old daytime show, which he had discovered early and lent support to when people of his caliber didn’t yet. He kept coming on through the years and was the ideal guest. He would be funny, Even silly. And, as easily, dead serious and even profound.

Video

It was fun to watch the faces in the audience when he stepped onto the stage. It was as if they were seeing a deity. Once I saw (and heard) an astonished woman down front say, “Oh, my God! There he is!” (I almost asked her, “Did you think I was kidding?”)

(I lied a moment ago. I just remembered that, in fact, we had briefly met before in New Haven. I was a “freshie” at Yale and had just seen him onstage at the venerable Shubert Theater in the Broadway-bound “The Desperate Hours.” Three times at $1.20 each — mid-’50s prices. Front row, second balcony.)

Those startling good looks could take most of your breath away. I found that out when I all but smacked into him on the street. About a decade later I asked him, one the air, if he remembered a flustered freshman type who blurted, ” Great performance, Mr. Noonan!”

“Was that you?” he jested.

I wince a bit, remembering how much I kidded him once on the show about sweating. He had just come from the gym and perspired like a lemonade pitcher in August, apologetically daubing his face with his handkerchief. I remember playfully calling attention to it, saying, “I only allow my guests to sweat backstage.”

I sweat now, recalling this. But such impertinence seemed O.K. because his complex, congenial charm made you feel like an old friend, even a buddy. right from the start.

Once he came into my dressing room before the show and put some kind of drops in his eyes. I asked if they were the ones Peter O’Toole used that supposedly enhanced the blue in his eyes. He denied this and then, stepping back and looking at his reflection — and feigning sudden discovery — said, “My God! No wonder everybody wants me.”

He wasn’t kidding. When the young Brando came to New York, bipeds of every known sex hungered for him. “You must get that too,” Paul said once, with a smirk. I admitted it was true, but probably to a lesser degree. “Because you’re half a foot taller than I am,” I suggested — as if that were the only difference.

“Gays, too?” he asked.

“Especially,” I said.

Wickedly, he had a bright idea: “Hey, why don’t you and I date each other a few times in public and maybe they’ll all leave us alone.”

We got to laughing ourselves silly over the idea.

Paul: Will you be embarrassed if I call before we go out and ask what you’re going to wear?

D.C.: Not at all. I’ll probably say, “I’m wearing something mauve and clingy . . . and a simple veil.”

By that time we had all but convulsed ourselves over our saucy, alleged humor. I said that we must have looked “like two Deke frat boys, howling with laughter over belching, up-chucking and the passage of gas.”

“You just described a former me,” he said. “Just a different frat.”

* * *

Paul’s fondness for elaborate pranks and practical jokes lasted, some felt, a bit too long. A famous friend who might prefer not to be ID’d said that while Paul was a responsible and mature adult, “his sense of humor froze at about seventh grade level.”

He and Robert Redford had become friends with “Butch Cassidy.” And Redford had a beloved sports car. In a move that few real seventh graders could afford, Newman managed to have it towed away — under cover of darkness — and compacted. The heavy and massive block that resulted was returned to Redford’s front lawn.

Nobody needed to guess who had done it, least of all Bob “Rarely Anyone’s Fool” Redford. The following morning the ugly monolith of glass and steel was gone from the Redford lawn. Dawn revealed it: it had suddenly and mysteriously found its way to the Newman residence, where it could be plainly seen . . . on the roof.

[Robert Redford responds.]

Paul’s ire was kindled by lots of things, ranging from autograph hounds to Richard Nixon. Despite having been draped with awards, he convincingly maintained that his appearance on The Great Unindicted Co-Conspirator’s “Enemies List” was his favorite honor. As one similarly honored, I believe that.

He refused to ratify the oft-assumed showbiz rule that celebrities are honor-bound to gratify every pest who feels entitled to a chunk of any celebrity’s time, whether the bothered and famous one is strolling, eating or, um, attending to nature’s demands. Paul was hilarious in describing how once in an NBC men’s room an astonished fan realized whom he was standing next to, turned 90 degrees while still in midstream and said, “Wow, Paul Newman.”

Newman: “I was ashamed of what they were going to think at the cleaners.”

* * *

For way too long, our paths failed to cross. The last time I saw him was at a party here in the city for some noble cause. It was at the Johnson apartment (as in Johnson & Johnson) on Park Avenue. As usual on such occasions, Paul stood apart, his back to a wall, observing.

We chatted. Years earlier he had confessed to the practice of dunking that famous face in ice water each day, “for preservation purposes.”

It must have worked because there was no doubt who — at just short of 80 — he was, But, standing with him, I felt something was wrong with the picture.

Then I realized what it was. And how many years had gone by. And how time is nobody’s friend.

Paul Newman and I were, for the first time, the same height.

2008-10-27 22:25:23 GMT

Tribute and more Tributes...

2009-10-16T10:02:00.001-07:00

Some great and unique tributes coming across the wire:

The Simpsons ran a "Dedicated to Paul Newman" card at the end of Sunday's episode with the cel from Paul's episode from a few years ago (he played himself on a bottle of salad dressing and tells Homer who's looking for a spokes-model to ogle after he catches Marge fantasizing about the paper towel man: PLN responds "Homer, like I told Redford, it ain't gonna happen.")

Turner Classic Movies will run an eleven film festival of Paul's movies on Sunday October 12th featuring:

6:00 AM The Rack

8:00 AM Until They Sail

10:00 AM Torn Curtain

12:15 PM Exodus
3:45 PM Sweet Bird of Youth

6:00 PM Hud

8:00 PM Somebody Up There Likes Me

10:00 PM Cool Hand Luke

12:15 AM Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

2:15 AM Rachel, Rachel

4:00 AM The Outrage

Meanwhile, over on AMC, they'll be showing The Hustler and The Sting a bunch of times on Tuesday and Wednesday.

And by far the coolest tribute is that on Saturday, the American Hockey League team, The Syracuse Crunch will be retiring the number 7—Reg Dunlop's number from Slap Shot because much of the movie was shot in their arena.

2008-10-08 17:44:00 GMT

Entry for October 4, 2008

2009-10-16T10:01:00.001-07:00

The tributes keep on coming. Read this nice story from Sam Mendes, the director of Road to Perdition. I like to think his theory of PLN being "at peace with death because he knew how fortunate he had been" is true. Makes it all a little easier to process.

Another nice tribute from Entertainment Weekly, who is more known for slapping the latest CW show flash-in-the-pan starlet on their cover than anyone of any discernable talent. I had myself a good cry when I opened my mailbox late last night and found their entire issue of the week dedicated to Paul. Beautiful photos (most likely from the Time Warner archives)—the cover showed him from 1968, on the set of Winning, argruably one of the happiest times of his life—a new passion emerging, creatively on the verge of some of his best work. He is serene and beautiful in this little seen photo.

2008-10-05 02:14:31 GMT

Entry for September 29, 2008

2009-10-16T10:00:00.001-07:00

The tributes keep pouring in... it is refreshing and wonderful to read what people thought of PLN. It seems that he was respected and admired by everyone.

Roger Ebert put up this tribute on his blog today. (With that great George Kennedy quote from Cool Hand Luke as it's title. Who wouldn't want that as their epitaph?)

And the LA Times posted the official obituary.

And because we all need to know what celebrities are feeling here's a list of the celebrity tributes pouring in, in remembrance of Paul.

2008-09-29 16:08:19 GMT

Paul L. Newman 1925 - 2008

2009-10-16T09:59:00.001-07:00

A sad morning over here, as the news starts posting word of Paul's passing yesterday. I hope he is at peace now and I hope he truly knew how much the world loved him. I know my life is better because of him—because of his self-lessness, his philanthropy and for his love. He was a true hero. His movies became just the tip of the iceberg in his career. His racing showed he was a man who could acknowledge a true passion and follow it to the core of his soul. A silly little idea to make salad dressing with a friend became a way to enrich the lives of thousands of sick children and their friends. His life was grace and dignity and a role model for anyone. I am I proud to call myself one of his biggest fans.

Thank you Paul, just for being you. You will be missed.

-CBD

2008-09-27 16:15:06 GMT

Entry for August 14, 2008

2009-10-16T09:58:00.001-07:00

Can't believe it's taken me so long to post this link to an amazing Vanity Fair article about PL.

http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2008/09/newman200809

It's pretty detailed (8 pages!) and treats his life and career with dignity. Very proud that the press is respecting him so.

2008-08-14 21:52:34 GMT

Entry for August 11, 2008

2009-10-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

So the rumor mill is churning away again, with a much more feverish pace than it was even at the beginning of the summer. The latest is that a "source" has said that Paul has completed chemotherapy for lung cancer and told his family that he does not want to spend his last days in a hospital and wants to be at home.

It saddens me to have all this circulating but for the most part it seems that most outlets are keeping a respectable distance (most updates I get from Google news hits are all quoting the same thing and most of the outlets reporting are foreign-based.)

I hope that Paul is doing well and that if speculation is even somewhat accurate that he is ignoring them all. I hope his family is with him and supporting him in his decisions. For a man who has given so much, to so many, so self-lessly, for so long, the least we can all do is to respect his wishes.

We love you Paul, stay strong.

2008-08-11 23:50:42 GMT

2009-10-16T09:55:00.002-07:00

Entry for July 21, 2008

Yes, I have been neglecting the Paul blog this summer, but it my defense, there is quality time that needs to be spent poolside while it's 95 degrees outside. Also I'm trying not to spread all the rumors that are floating around out there about PLN's health and taking the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy. And all the news hits that come through each day all relate to the same rumors. So we'll just sit over here and wait until this whole brouhaha dies down. But! Came across this tidbit today: (can't wait to see a picture of the helmet!)

NEWMAN'S OWN: To honour legendary actor, philanthropist and IndyCar Series team co-owner Paul Newman, driver Graham Rahal came up with a special helmet paint scheme.

The helmet, created by helmet designer Troy Lee, features playing-card size renditions of the movie posters from some of Newman's most famous films, including "The Sting," "The Hustler," "Cool Hand Luke" and "Slap Shot."

Rahal said the artwork was something, "You'll never see again."

Someone also had the bright idea to put the helmet up for auction on eBay, with proceeds going to the Hole in the Wall Camps that Newman created and which are supported by the Newman's Own line of food products.

"My mom is involved in the Hole in the Wall Camps," said Rahal, son of Indy 500-winning driver and team co-owner Bobby Rahal. "We can auction it (the helmet) off and see how much it goes for."

2008-07-21 13:36:08 GMT

Later that Day

2009-10-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

Few new posts floating around about the interweb today:

First according to Reuters, Newman's spokesman Jeff Sanderson emailed out a statement that says: Newman says he's doing nicely," his spokesman, Jeff Sanderson, said in a message e-mailed to Reuters and other media outlets in answer to queries about the cancer reports. "This is what I got from him. He says he's doing nicely, and this is the statement I wanted to share with you, and that's what I have," Sanderson said. "I spoke to his office. ... this is the statement that came directly from him."

Celebrity News Service posts this bit:

"His agent, Toni Howard, tells E! News that the gossips, which started last month when his client backed out as director of a play, are simply "not true."

And finally, what really stoked the flames of this media fire were the pictures that Martha Stewart posted on her blog last Friday that people claim make PLN look like he's dying, to me he just looks 83 (and not thrilled to be standing next to Martha!)

Judge for yourself by peeking here: Martha's Blog.

Whatever the truth, I sure hope the media backs off soon.

2008-06-11 04:53:57 GMT

2009-10-16T09:53:00.002-07:00

So the rumor mill is in full effect today and it seems everyone is reporting on the fact that Paul has terminal lung cancer. And boy does lung cancer suck. A lot. It's so sad but I know that Paul is a tough guy. The general consensus among the press is that it is a very sad situation and everyone is just heartbroken at the implications.

Still thinking positive thoughts and praying for Paul,

-cbd

2008-06-10 18:28:55 GMT

Entry for June 9, 2008

2009-10-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Seeing a lot of stuff floating around the interwebs about PLN being super sick. I'm not sure how much I believe of it. I pray it is untrue and hope that the press backs off and just lets him be for a while.

Stay strong Paul, stay strong.

2008-06-10 04:49:16 GMT

Entry for May 7, 2008

2009-10-16T09:52:00.001-07:00

Big marathon this Friday on Turner Classic Movies:

Sweet Bird of Youth

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Somebody Up There Likes Me

Torn Curtain

The Rack

Until They Sail

Lady L

12 solid hours of PLN action!

2008-05-07 21:27:43 GMT

Happy Earth Day!: FLN's "It's Easy Being Green"

2009-10-16T09:51:00.004-07:00

Fine Living Network's eco-series "It's Easy Being Green" is airing its celebrity themed episode on Tuesday, April 22nd at 6pm, featuring Paul! Haven't viewed if there's any recent first hand accounts from the man, the myth, the legend, but will tune in to find out!

2008-04-22 00:06:35 GMT

TEN YEARS!?...er ELEVEN YEARS??

2009-10-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I missed the TEN YEAR anniversary of The Paul Page last July. Wow. Ten years of this little website here on Geocities (UPDATE, death knell to Geocities 10/26/09... here's hoping 10 years of Blogger good times!) Here's to 10 more!

2008-04-14 23:35:30 GMT

Entry for March 14, 2008

2009-10-16T09:50:00.000-07:00

Rumors are swirling about Paul's health after he was unable to attend a Hole In the Wall fundraiser this weekend for what his reps call a bad back that is keeping him off his feet for a few weeks. (UPI has the story here.) Whatever the story is, we all wish Paul a speedy recovery and pray it isn't something more serious.

2008-03-14 17:39:34 GMT

Entry for February 18, 2008

2009-10-16T09:49:00.001-07:00

It has been announced that Paul will be directing the Westport (CT) Playhouse's fall 2008 production of Of Mice and Men... believe it or not, this is the first time Paul has directed for the stage!

From Broadwayworld.com:

The enduring masterpiece, Of Mice and Men, will be directed by Paul Newman. The play is based on John Steinbeck's 1937 tale of two traveling companions, George and Lennie, who wander the country during the Depression, dreaming of a better life for themselves. George wants to own land and be his own boss. His mentally challenged partner, Lennie, simply wants rabbits to play with. When it seems that their dreams might be attainable, something goes terribly wrong. Multi-Tony Award-winning designer Michael Yeargan will be scenic designer, with the legendary Jane Greenwood as costume designer. Of Mice and Men will run October 7 through October 25. Due to the caliber of artists attached to this production, the Playhouse has added a fourth week of performances for Of Mice and Men, Thursday, Friday and two Saturday performances, October 30 – November 1.

Roy Scheider, R.I.P.

2009-10-16T09:48:00.001-07:00

Came across this article published after Roy Scheider's death was announced, that the author recounts a meeting with Paul Newman after All That Jazz was released in 1980. It seems that PLN was up for the part of Gideon (Bob Fosse's alter-ego) and regrets not taking the role. Newman initially thought the character "irredeemable" but when asked of his opinion after seeing Scheiders's performance:

"Newman answered with a gesture, raising his right hand to his head, forming a pistol and pulling the imaginary trigger."

I'm not sure why writer Jack Mathews took the opportunity (?) of Roy Scheider's death to recount this story, which seems bananas at best (PLN is an amazing actor, but I highly doubt he could have carried off the performance better than Scheider, who seemed to struggle as well), this was the most fitting tribute to Scheider's career? Recounting for 250 words how some other actor wishes he got one of his parts?

2008-02-13 19:28:41 GMT

PLN Weighs in on the Superbowl...

2009-10-16T09:47:00.002-07:00

Here's Paul's prediction of this year's Superbowl outcome as part of the 19th annual Scripps Howard Celebrity Super Bowl Poll. For the complete list of predictions from 100 celebrities, go to scrippsnews.com.

"As an Easterner, it's delicious having two great "local" teams. I wish it were the days before overtime. Then, I'd root for a tie."

2008-02-02 21:12:17 GMT

Political Paul

2009-10-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here's an item from Paul back in December from a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee email:

It was one of my life's proudest achievements.

More than the films, more than the awards - finding out that I was on Nixon's Enemies List meant that I was doing something right.

Nixon didn't like my campaigning for Democratic presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy. But then again, he didn't much care for debate, dissent, or the Constitution either.

I was proud to stand with Democrats against an imperial president back then. And I am proud now to stand with a new generation of Democrats against a president who poses what I believe to be the biggest internal threat to American democracy in my lifetime.

2008-01-30 01:31:55 GMT

Happy Birthday & Anniversary!

2009-10-16T09:46:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday Paul! January 26th marks Paul’s 83rd birthday but even more amazing, next Tuesday the 29th marks Paul and Joanne’s 50th wedding anniversary! Newman and Woodward married on January 29th, 1958 in Las Vegas, 3 days after Newman's 33rd birthday. Most reports say they honeymooned in Paris, but the video "Life: Great Romances" claims they honeymooned at the Connaught Hotel in London. Congrats you crazy kids!

Not sure if this is real or not but found this wedding vow text attributed to the Newmans on www.ourultimatewedding.com:

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the Art of Marriage: The little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say 'I love you' at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.

No confirmation whether or not Paul actually underwent surgery recently as a response to the cancer rumor. Only source that cites this event is The National Enquirer. We all hope Paul is doing well, regardless of truth of this rumor and hope the vultures in the press leave him in peace in his golden years.

My Two Favorite Things: Paul and Vino, together at last!

2009-10-16T09:45:00.001-07:00

It was announced today that Newman's Own is now going to be distributing their own wine... starting in March 2008. Ad Age has the story here.

2007-11-06 21:41:49 GMT

Paul is the Ultimate Hottie!

2009-10-16T09:44:00.003-07:00

Help vote for Paul to be the "Ultimate Pre-1970 Male Hottie" on Entertainment Weekly.com. Paul's currently leading the race with a whopping 31% of the vote, miles ahead of #2 Cary Grant with only 10%. Vote Here!

2007-10-12 18:18:46 GMT

"The Price of Sugar"

2009-10-16T09:44:00.001-07:00

Just noticed this little tidbit: apparantly PLN has narrated a documentary called THE PRICE OF SUGAR—What you don’t know and probably should about the lives of sugar cane workers in Haiti and the Dominican Republic directed by Bill Haney. The trailer can be found here.

I watched it, and have to say, the audio needs work—Paul's voice over sounds like it was recorded out on the deck. The rest of the trailer seems cobbled together and I'm not sure the effect works. I'm sure the story is one that needs to be told, but this trailer doesn't give it enough levity or explain enough why we should care.

Dale: The Movie

2009-10-16T09:43:00.001-07:00

Well I have surely dropped the ball here, just learning that PLN has narrated the documentary "DALE: THE MOVIE" about the life of race car driver Dale Earnhardt. It's playing on CMT all this week at 8p Eastern, 7p Central (note that's 5p Pacific). I'm not what you'd call the demographic for this program, but I'm gonna give it a try for the good of the site. Stay tuned, I'll be back with a review later in the week.

2007-09-05 18:45:50 GMT

Tales of ... SUSPENSE!

2009-10-16T09:42:00.003-07:00



			Well dear readers, I am here to tell you I sucessfully tracked down PLN's episode of "Suspense" (it was getting doubtful at the end after scrolling through 25 episodes and hitting the last disc with little confirmation that any of the celebs listed on the outside of the box had been in any of the episodes provided) but lo and behold, disc 4 episode 1 of collection 1 of Suspense, the episode entitled: "Woman in Love" does in fact contain a very young Newman (so young that he doesn't even warrant billing at the top of the show). "And now 'Suspense' sponsored by Auto-Lite and it's 90,000 dealers everywhere..." This episode of Suspense takes us to Budapest, 1952 where Alexia, a young woman who wants to travel to Sweden to be with her fiance but her mother (?) and some sort of underground leader want her to carry information to the resistance (at least I think that's what's happening here... so very difficult to tell). Alexia is also the only character that speaks with a Hungarian accent (which makes her absolutely ridiculous, because it is, in fact, the worst accent ever.) Alexia is sent to the passport office to get her papers in order, and it is here where we catch our first glimpse of Communist Captain Radefski (PLN). His eyes dart up to Alexia, and maybe it's just me, but you can see the star he is destined to become in that flash. Sadly, as the play progresses and Radefski opens his mouth, we can see that PLN does not quite have the acting chops that won him so many Oscar nominations. There seems to be no point to this episode, it ends abruptly and provides little satisfaction other than PN's chiseled cheekbones. 2007-08-01 19:09:00 GMT

New DVD Release: "Suspense: The Lost Episodes"

2009-10-16T09:41:00.001-07:00

New DVD out today: "Suspense: The Lost Episodes" is an anthology series from the early 1950's that starred some legendary stars, including horror maestro Boris Karloff, Charlton Heston, Paul Newman, Rod Steiger, Anne Bancroft, Jack Lemmon, John Forsythe, Hume Cronyn, Peter Lorre, Leslie Nielsen, Eva Gabor, Lloyd Bridges, Jack Palance, Jack Klugman, George Reeves, Lee Marvin, Eva Marie Saint, Jackie Cooper, Stella Adler, Joan Blondell, Cloris Leachman, Brian Keith and many others.

What's so unique about this new set is that it is probably one of Newman's first television appearances (depending on which one he stars in) and that it is a little publicized role (this is the first time I've seen the name of this anthology series in all my research).

Chris Kaltenbach of the Baltimore Sun says: "Some 90 episodes of the series, unseen by the public since their original broadcast, turned up in kinescopes recently, and this collection presents 30 of them, complete with vintage commercials. Though marred by dime-store sets (mostly made of cardboard, they tend to move in ways they shouldn't) and the occasional actor who doesn't realize the camera's on him, this collection is an invaluable relic from television's earliest days, when almost everything about the medium was new and untried."

Fear not dear readers, I'm off to Netflix to figure out which ep belongs to Newman so you don't have to!

Episodes include:

Disc #1: A Night at the Inn (1949), Dead Ernest (1949), Help Wanted (1949), The Comic Strip Murder (1949), Dr. Violet (1949), The Murderer (1949), Black Passage (1949) and The Man in the House (1949).

Disc #2: The Suicide Club (1950), The Parcel (1950), My Old Man’s Badge (1950), Photo Finish (1950), Edge of Panic (1950), The Brush-Off (1950), Dead Fall (1951) and Double Entry (1951).

Disc #3: On a Country Road (1951), Summer Storm (1952), Wisteria Cottage (1951), The Black Panther (1952), Alibi Me (1952), The Debt (1952), The Crooked Frame (1952) and Remember Me? (1952).

Disc #4: Woman in Love (1952), The Invisible Killer (1952), Vacancy for Death (1953), The Kiss-Off (1953), Kiss Me Again Stranger (1953) and The Duel (1953).

2007-07-24 19:42:58 GMT

Cars 2?

2009-10-16T09:40:00.002-07:00

Rumors this weekend: well, speculation that when PLN announced his retirement in May, that he mentioned a Cars 2 in interviews. Could he have already recorded his voice over work ? Or does will this signal an end to retirement in the future?

2007-07-16 18:41:48 GMT

The Factory

2009-10-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

The Factory

I'm not sure what triggered this note on my to-do list "research club PLN co-owned in 60s" and didn't hold out much hope for finding info based on that tidbit, but God bless Google because it led me to this Time Magazine from 1968 that covered The Factory: an exclusive membership only club co-owned by Peter Lawford, Sammy Davis Jr. Newman and a few others. No photos seem to be available, but the article is written in such fluent 60s-ese that one can taste the cigarette smoke and martinis. Oh to have a peek at that men's room graffiti! I love how "industrial-chic" is seems like a novel concept at this time. PLN, trendy before his time.

2007-07-03 00:46:15 GMT

Newest "Hole in the Wall" Announced

2009-10-16T09:39:00.001-07:00

Newman visits site of new camp for ill kids

Hole in the Wall comes to state

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CARNATION -- Actor Paul Newman, who says his film achievements can't compare with the work his Hole in the Wall Gang camps are doing for seriously ill children, on Thursday visited a historic Snoqualmie Valley farm that will be the site of another such camp.

"If I'm going leave a legacy, it's not going to be my films or anything I did politically -- it's going to be these camps," the Oscar-winning actor said.

Newman was on hand as Seattle businessmen Tim Rose and Jim Hebert announced that their non-profit organization, Camp Korey, is buying the 818-acre Carnation Farm from Nestle to host a camp for sick children.

Camp Korey became a Hole in the Wall camp in May, which means it receives logistical support from the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps and a nominal amount of money.

Hole in the Wall camps have welcomed 100,000 seriously ill children since Newman started the original camp in 1988 in Connecticut with profits from his Newman's Own food products. This year 16,000 campers are expected to attend the 10 active camps all around the world.

Camp Korey is named for Rose's son Korey, who died at 18 of bone cancer. Expected to open next summer, the camp will offer free weeklong sessions for children 6 to 16 years old during the summer as well as programming throughout the year for families and caregivers of sick children.

Rose, a senior vice president for Costco Wholesale Corp., said the camp will try to accommodate children of all conditions and offer supervised medical care.

Hebert would not discuss the farm's purchase price but said camp operation costs would exceed $3 million a year.

2007-06-29 21:22:58 GMT

Entry for June 13, 2007

2009-10-16T09:38:00.001-07:00

Two new Newman Collector's Edition DVDs out

this week, The Hustler (1961) and The Verdict (1982).

The Hustler contains these extras:

Commentary by Paul Newman, Carol Rossen (Robert Rossen's Daughter), Dede Allen (Editor), Stefan Gierasch (Actor), Ulu Grosbard (Assistant Director), Richard Schickel (Film Critic, Time Magazine) and Jeff Young (Film Historian)
Disc 2:
Life in the Fast Lane: Fast Eddie Felson and The Search for Greatness
Milestones in Cinema History: The Making of The Hustler
Swimming with Sharks: The Art of the Hustle
The Hustler: The Inside Story
Paul Newman: Hollywood's Cool Hand
HOW TO MAKE THE SHOT
Opening Scene Demonstration
Six in the Corner
Eddie Makes A Cross Corner Combo Shot
Fast Eddie One Ball in Corner Pocket
Massey Shot
Still Gallery (9 stills)
Theatrical Trailer
Spanish Theatrical Trailer

The Verdict contains:

Audio
	Dolby Digital (unspecified) English
	Disc 1: THE VERDICT Theatrical Presentation
Additional Release Material
	Audio Commentaries Paul Newman Star; Sidney Lumet Director
Interactive Features
	Interactive Menus
	Scene Selection
	Disc 2: THE VERDICT Supplemental Material
Additional Release Material
	Behind the Scenes Making of Featurette
	Documentaries 1. "Paul Newman: The Craft of Acting"
	2. "Sidney Lumet: The Craft of Directing"

2007-06-13 22:01:59 GMT

The End of a Fantastic Career

2009-10-16T09:37:00.001-07:00

So PLN announced on "Good Morning America" last week that he would be "closing the book" on his acting career. To quote the man, the myth, the legend: "I'm not able to work anymore as an actor and still at the level that I would want to. I'm just, you know, you start to lose your memory, you start to lose your confidence, you start to lose your invention. So I think that's pretty much a closed book for me."

While I'm very sad to see him end his movie career, I am thankful for the wonderful films he's provided us with and the fact that he will continue to devote his time to his charitable and environmental pursuits. It is a blessing that he chose to finish his career after the delightful Cars, and spared us all the pain of having to watch him in made-for-tv movies (ahem, Katharine Hepburn) or as a charicature of his own persona (ahem, Marlon Brando). Stay tuned for the next chapter in a most exciting life.

2007-05-28 21:49:34 GMT

Entry for April 23, 2007

2009-10-16T09:36:00.002-07:00

Review of the new PLN box set on Entertainment Weekly on-line. Lotsa love for Lee Marvin's performance in Pocket Money.

2007-04-23 14:46:15 GMT

Hubba Hubba

2009-10-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Big long article about PLN in Oxford American Magazine. Great photo (haven't seen that one before! is he holding a pepper shaker in his hand? Why? I LOVE IT!) and commentaries on all of Paul's movies set in the South. No plot point cleaned up for the screen is safe in this scathing article, but the author commends Paul's performances even if he had to work with scripts that were less than true to the author's original intention. And while the article's author tries to do a "what if" Newman and Woodward were cast in Bonnie and Clyde, I'm not sure I'm following the logic of it here.

2007-04-17 19:58:27 GMT

Have a bite with Paul!

2009-10-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

Just behind The Westport Playhouse in Westport, CT (a theater near and dear to the Newman's hearts) is "The Dressing Room", a "homegrown" restaurant that focuses on healthy eating and local ingredients!

2007-03-13 22:56:14 GMT

January 22nd, 2007

2009-10-16T09:34:00.002-07:00

Paul's getting around... PLN sits down and chats with longtime pal David Letterman last Wednesday. Check out the clip on YouTube.

Also gearing up for PLN's EIGHTY-SECOND birthday on Friday, TCM will be airing a "Paulapolooza" all day on Friday featuring movies such as The Rack, Message in A Bottle, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Drowning Pool, and The Prize. I may just have to take the day off from work.

2007-03-13 22:55:42 GMT

November 15th, 2006

2009-10-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

Paul can be heard as the voice of the new Ronald McDonald House holiday charity commercials.

2007-03-13 22:55:16 GMT

June 1st, 2006

2009-10-16T09:33:00.001-07:00

The (Mostly) True Story Of The West's Most Charming Outlaws

CENTURY CITY, Calif. As outlaws, Butch is a man of vision, but the rest of the world wears bifocals, and Sundance is man of action, except, of course, for swimming. Making the most of this irresistible charm and playful patter, the Old West's most notorious outlaws work together relieving banks and trains of cumbersome payrolls in Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid Collector's Edition, riding back into town as an all-new, two-disc set on June 6 from Fox Home Entertainment. Featuring the undeniable chemistry of silver screen icons Paul Newman (The Hustler, Cool Hand Luke) and Robert Redford (All The President's Men, The Natural), Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid earned Academy Awards� for Best Cinematography (by the legendary Conrad Hall), Best Score and Best Original Song (Hal David and Burt Bacharach's lilting Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head), as well as Best Original Screenplay for William Goldman's fast and fanciful script. Featuring unforgettable supporting performances by Katharine Ross (The Graduate) and Strother Martin (Cool Hand Luke), the film's lively exuberance is as infectious today as it was in 1969. The two-disc Ultimate Collector's Edition DVD features exclusive new interviews with Paul Newman and Robert Redford, includes director and producer commentaries, production notes, an alternate credit roll, a 2005 documentary entitled All Of What Follows Is True: The Making of Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid, and more.

Synopsis: Experience this Academy Award-winning masterpiece as never before! Featuring exclusive new interviews with Paul Newman and Robert Redford and over two hours of never-before-seen footage, this two-disc collector's set is the definitive edition of one of the most legendary and iconic films of all time! Notorious outlaws Butch Cassidy (Newman) and the Sundance Kid (Redford) once ruled the dusty towns and breathtaking vistas of the Old West. But when a relentless �superposse� picks up their trail, they realize their days are numbered. With Sundance's girlfriend, Etta (Katharine Ross), they flee to Bolivia. But old habits die hard, and when their thieving ways continue, Butch and Sundance find themselves outgunned, outnumbered and in for the fight of their lives.

DVD Special Features: The Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid Collector's Edition DVD is presented in widescreen and features English Stereo and Mono Sound as well as French Mono. Bonus materials include:

Disc One:

Widescreen Feature

Commentary By Director George Roy Hill, Lyricist Hal David, Associate Producer Robert Crawford And Cinematographer Conrad Hall

Commentary By Screenwriter William Goldman

Disc Two:

2005 Documentary All Of What Follows Is True: The Making Of Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid

The Wild Bunch: The True Tale Of Butch And Sundance

History Through The Lens: Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid : Outlaws Of Time

1994 Documentary "The Making Of Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid"

1994 Interviews

Alternate Credit Roll

Theatrical Trailer #1

Theatrical Trailer #2

Theatrical Trailer #3

The Films Of Paul Newman

Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid Collector's Edition

DVD Price: $26.98 U.S./$37.98 Canada

Street Date: June 6, 2006

Total Running Time: 110 minutes

U.S. Rating PG

Canadian Rating: PG

Closed Captioned: Yes

2007-03-13 22:52:07 GMT

January 16, 2006

2009-10-16T09:32:00.003-07:00

Paul wins a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (say that ten times fast). And as expected, he did not attend the ceremony at Merv Griffin's Beverly Hilton. Believe it or not, it's Paul's first Golden Globe win as an actor. He won for Best Director for Rachel, Rachel in 1969, and he won for the ambiguous "World Film Favorite" in 1964, 1966, and 1968 and the equally ambiguous Most Promising Newcomer - Male in 1957 an award he shared with John Kerr and Anthony Perkins. He was also awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1984.

2007-03-13 22:50:57 GMT

October 2005: Photos from the Past

2009-10-16T09:32:00.001-07:00

Someone forwarded me this link to some fantastic old photos of Paul taken by Leo Fuchs back in the 60s. Click here.

2007-03-13 22:50:27 GMT

September 2005: Emmy-Award Winner Paul Newman!

2009-10-16T09:31:00.002-07:00

Paul wins an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for his role as Max Roby in HBO's "Empire Falls". It is his 4th nomination (2 for acting, 1 for producing, 1 for directing) and his first win.

2007-03-13 22:49:49 GMT

April 2005: Newman's Outfitters

2009-10-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

After many years (and many cross-country trips), I finally decided to stop as I sped through Ohio in Shaker Heights to see the site of Newman's Outfitters, the Newman family sporting goods store. I diligently located 20180 Van Aken Blvd and the strip mall that occupies it... only to find that nothing was listed with that name. Never one to be easily deterred, I got out of the car as it started to sprinkle and peered in the window of 20180. There on the floor was the sign that previously was on the outside of the now empty building. Newman's Outfitters it once was, but now, no longer. I have yet to find any info on the web about the closing (or relocation) of the Newman family business. Anyone in Ohio have any?
2007-03-13 22:47:36 GMT

November 2004: Celebrity Businesses

2009-10-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Celebrities often lend their fame to countless products and causes, but many are also entrepreneurs. Which are the most successful in the business world? Inc. magazine developed a list for its December issue. Sitting at the top is Magic Johnson, the former pro basketball star, who has built a commercial empire worth an estimated $700 million in the past 12 years by bringing retail developments into ignored urban areas. Sean Combs, the hip-hop star, has moved into fashion and restaurants for his wealth. Actor Paul Newman, of the ubiquitous food brand, was No. 3, followed by film director Francis Ford Coppola who has built a prosperous company on wine, food, art and travel. Former swimsuit model Kathy Ireland has built a $1 billion clothing and home furnishings company, and was ranked No. 5. Chicago talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, developer Merv Griffin, musician Moby, actress Suzanne Somers and model Christy Turlington Burns rounded out the top 10.
2007-03-13 22:46:47 GMT

April 22nd, 2004

2009-10-16T09:29:00.001-07:00

Paul urges Princeton University to stop "Newman's Day" Click here.
2007-03-13 22:46:06 GMT

February 25th, 2004

2009-10-16T09:28:00.001-07:00

The show, "Red Carpet Week" will be featuring Paul Newman, airing on Thursday, February 26th at 9pm ET / 10pm PT on the Biography Channel. This show will profile the legendary actor and philanthropist. From early days on Broadway, in live TV drama during its Golden Age, and most notably in Hollywood blockbuster films, Newman's striking good looks and passionate intensity came to define the American leading man. Interviewees include Robert Redford and Katharine Ross. Also, The Biography Channel is running an amazing sweepstakes where the winner will be whisked away to Hollywood during Oscar week and experience the "Star Treatment" first hand! Prizes include: Airfare and Limousine transportation for 2, Five days/four nights all-expenses paid stay at the exclusive Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood $1,000 in "Mondrian Hotel Credit" to cover incidentals, Nightly admission to the Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel, $3000 shopping spree and day with a stylist and celebrity makeover, Oscar viewing party and gift bag. For more info: click to the Biography Channel.
2007-03-13 22:45:28 GMT

December 16th, 2003

2009-10-16T09:27:00.003-07:00

The Library of Congress names Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to the National Film Registry. Click here to read the seemingly random list of the other 2003 inductees.
2007-03-13 22:44:43 GMT

December 2003: Michael Moore's Shout Out

2009-10-16T09:27:00.001-07:00

Finished reading Moore's latest "Dude, Where's My Country?" and noticed a plea from Moore to PLN for a presidential bid. See page 209 for: "Or what about Paul Newman? He'd beat Bush too. If Reagan could do it at his age, just think of how cool it would be to have the elder statesman Paul Newman calling the shots. Free salad dressing for everyone! And Joanne Woodward as first lady! No wait - Joanne Woodward for president!" c. 2003 Warner Books
2007-03-13 22:44:08 GMT

November 19th, 2003: High on Yourself???

2009-10-16T09:26:00.002-07:00

Just finished watching the DVD rental The Kid Stays In the Picture, the documentary of movie maker Robert Evans' rise and fall from fame. From bad B-actor to taking 9th place Paramount Studios to 1st in the early 1970s, Evans was responsible for creating such favorites as Love Story, Rosemary's Baby, and The Godfather. What's this all got to do with PLN you may ask? After a drug bust in the early 1980s, Evans' lawyer Robert Shapiro was able to plea bargain his sentence to community service related punishment. What Evans created from this drug debacle is nothing short of hillarious. A weekly special called "Get High on Yourself" where he enlisted the services of celebrities like Bob Hope, Carol Burnett, Herve Villachez, Scott Baio, Donny Osmond, and yes, PLN in a "We Are the World" type sing-along. This DVD was well worth the rental for the sight of seeing PLN singing his heart out (next to what looks like the kid who played Rusty in the 2nd National Lampoon's Vacation movie). Evans deadpanly describes this experience as "the Woodstock of the 80s". Though I can understand PLN's connection to the cause, seeing this footage 20 years later, is just kinda... well, surreal.
2007-03-13 22:43:26 GMT

June 3rd, 2003: AFI Lists Top 100 Movie Heroes and Villains

2009-10-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

Paul was listed twice under the heroes list: #20 for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and #30 for Lucas Jackson in Cool Hand Luke. BC&SK was also listed at #54 on AFI's 100 Greatest Thrills and #50 on their Greatest Movies of All Time.
2007-03-13 22:41:36 GMT

March 10th, 2003: Has Paul Sold Out???

2009-10-16T09:25:00.003-07:00

McDonald's announces their partnership with Newman's Own for their new line of salad dressings. What could be a bigger symbol of conspicuous consumption than McDonalds? I have my doubts about this one, granted, bringing Newman's Own products to the masses will do great things for the charities involved. Paul said at the press announcement: �We are delighted that McDonald's has chosen Newman's Own to be the exclusive supplier of salad dressings for their premium salads � the only all-natural dressings in the quick service restaurant industry, McDonald's tosses the greens � we toss in the dressings � and what a delicious reciprocal trade agreement. More profits for us and --VOILA --charity will be the great beneficiary.� And then he helped serve up Big Macs and Quarter Pounders with Ronald.
2007-03-13 22:39:54 GMT

March 31st, 2003

2009-10-16T09:25:00.001-07:00

Well, Paul didn't win the Academy Award this year, but there's a way to still vote for him. Hello Magazine (the European tabloid) is running an online poll of Oscar's Leading Man. (click here.) Please, for the love of god, don't let Paul lose to Nicolas Cage.
2007-03-13 22:39:09 GMT

February 11th, 2003

2009-10-16T09:24:00.001-07:00

Paul receives his 10th Academy Award nomination, this time for Supporting Actor for his role in Road to Perdition. Competition this year is Chris Cooper in Adaptation, John C. Reilly in Chicago, Christopher Walken in Catch Me If You Can, and Ed Harris in The Hours. Without a doubt, a list of the finest actors working today, and only Newman has already received an Oscar already. Which way will the Academy vote this year? It's tough to say, since Newman is pretty much separated himself from the Hollywood scene and related award hoopla. Chances are about 100% that he won't even attend the ceremony. All of the actors nominated with him (except for Christopher Walken) were nominated for the Golden Globe, which Chris Cooper won. I'm off to the multiplex to catch the cheap matinees in hopes of formulating an educated guess for the Oscar pool!
2007-03-13 22:38:16 GMT

January 25, 2003

2009-10-16T09:23:00.003-07:00

Just got back from seeing Paul in his performance on Broadway as the Stage Manager in the Westport Playhouse production of Our Town. C'est manifique!
2007-03-13 22:33:51 GMT

Road to Perdition Soundtrack

2009-10-16T09:23:00.001-07:00

MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE ROAD TO PERDITION

This Season's Most Anticipated Drama Features Original Score

By Oscar-Nominated Composer THOMAS NEWMAN

With A Special On-Screen Piano Duet By Tom Hanks & Paul Newman

CD Released June 25, 2002 From Decca/UMG Soundtracks

(New York, NY -- June 9, 2002) - Two-time Academy Award�-winner Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump, Philadelphia) and Oscar-winning screen legend Paul Newman (The Color of Money) star in this summer's highly anticipated adult drama, Road to Perdition. Stylistically directed by Sam Mendes, whose work on the smash American Beauty earned him an Academy Award and accolades the world over, reunites with American Beauty score composer, Thomas Newman on Road To Perdition, rounding out this cr�me de le cr�me, movie-making collaboration. The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack will be released June 25, 2002 from Decca/UMG Soundtracks.

In Road to Perdition, Tom Hanks is Michael Sullivan, a hit man for an Irish gang in the Midwest during the Depression-era. When his work crosses into his private life, leading to the death of his beloved wife and son, Sullivan and his surviving son set out on a journey of revenge and self-discovery. Along with Hanks and Paul Newman, the film boasts an outstanding case including Oscar� nominee Jude Law (The Talented Mr. Ripley), Golden Globe nominee Jennifer Jason Leigh (Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle), Daniel Craig (Elizabeth), Emmy and Golden Globe winner Stanley Tucci (Winchell, Conspiracy), newcomer Tyler Hoechlin and young actor Liam Aiken (Stepmom).
2007-03-13 22:32:38 GMT

September, 2001

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Paul is set to voice himself on a bottle of salad dressing in an episode of next season's Simpsons.

September 14, 2000

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Paul stands up during the actors' strike. Click here, to read more.

July 2000: Ancestral Voices

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Paul Newman to star on stage in ANCESTRAL VOICES, a gently comic 1940s growing up tale, seen from the perspective of a young boy as he deals with his grandparents' divorce. Also starring Joanne Woodward.

July 18-22, 2000 at the Westport Country Playhouse, in Connecticut, Monday through Saturday evenings, 8:30pm; matinees Wednesday 2pm and Saturday 5pm. Tickets $10-$35. Subscriptions for the full theatre series, offering prime seating, still available. For more information visit the Playhouse web site at westportplayhouse.com or call the Box Office at (203) 227-4177.

Vanity Fair's Hollywood

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Excerpt from Vanity Fair's Hollywood (Book): "Most proud of being number 19 on Nixon's enemies list, he is in some other top 20's and probably doesn't pig out on his signature line of philanthropic food stuffs. Durably handsome and blue eyed from The Hustler and Hud through Cool Hand Luke and obviously intending to stay that way thereafter (Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid, The Sting). He made a brave transition through nine Academy citations and three awards, from Newman to old (most notably in Absence of Malice, The Verdict, The Color of Money and Nobody's Fool). "

April 2000

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Paul graces the cover of this month's Biography magazine. Check it out, it's got quite a spread on the man...the myth...the legend...

January 31, 2000

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People Magazine

"I'm gradually retiring from racing," Paul Newman, then a spry 73, said in 1998. "It's been difficult for me to give it up." How true. Newman turns 75 on January 26, and plans to celebrate by racing a Porsche next month at Daytona, where last year's average speed at the 500 was 161 mph. Although Newman crashed into a tire barrier at a January 6th practice, injuring his ribs, he won't quit. The accident? "I got over confident on a fresh set of tires."

December 14th, 1999

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Okay, it's been there since 1963 but I've finally gotten around to uploading the hands and feet to the site. Take a look.

January 26th, 1999

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Paul turns 74! Please join me in singing.....

January 12th, 1999

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Just caught a glimpse, (very brief, don't blink, you'll miss it) of Paul in the new Hootie and the Blowfish video "Only Lonely" for the upcoming movie "Message In A Bottle". Let's pray PN doesn't spend too much time in that ridiculous hat... For more info on "MIB" click here "MIB" opens on February 12th, 1999.

August 19th, 1998: Paul in the Great White North

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This Paul sighting comes from Debbie and Beemer in Montreal, Quebec, where "Where the Money Is" is currently shooting. Paul apparently plays a patient in an old age home. The film co-stars Linda Fiorentino.

March 26, 1998

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BEAVER, Utah (AP) - Paul Newman wants to renovate the tumbled-down birthplace of Butch Cassidy, with help from the state of Utah. Newman gave one of his most memorable movie roles as the outlaw in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." Cassidy, the alias of Robert LeRoy Parker, was born more than 130 years ago in this southern Utah town of 5,000. Author Aaron Hotchner, a partner in the charitable Newman's Own Foundation, said he saw a picture of the rickety cabin on the Internet and got the idea to run it as a museum with artifacts from the outlaw's life and times. He said the cabin's owner likes the idea. Hotchner said he and Newman want to give a grant to the state for fixing up the place. "We stand ready to try to make it a historic place, if it is feasible," Hotchner said. "But there hasn't seemed to be any response, and in the meantime it's deteriorated more," said the writer known for works including "King of the Hill." Wilson Martin, the associate director of the state historical society, was out of his office Wednesday and unavailable for comment.

ed Note: huh, I've stopped in Beaver several times after this article was printed and never realized the history there!

March 1998

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Paul appears in Vanity Fair magazine's annual "Hollywood Issue" labelled as "The Original" - photographed by Annie Liebowitz on February 8th, 1998 while taking his daily dip in the stream near his Westport CT home. (Connecticut-February-water? Nuff said.)

March 12th, 1998

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CHILMARK, Mass. (AP) - Nature has taken top billing over Paul Newman and Kevin Costner. Chilmark's Conservation Commission turned down a Warner Bros. request to film scenes for "Message in a Bottle" on Martha's Vineyard. The studio had asked to build a temporary 3,000-square-foot house on stilts in the dunes near Chilmark Pond. The request was approved by state environmental officials, but the conservation commission was concerned about the grass on the beach. Filming was to begin by April 1, and commissioners were afraid the trampled grass would not have time to grow before hurricane season. "The actual letter of the law is very strict: There is to be no alteration of a sand dune that would weaken it to storm erosion," Conservation Commission Chairman Richard Steves said. Lisa Rawlins, a Warner Bros. spokeswoman, said the movie likely will be shot elsewhere in Massachusetts. "There are a number of other places that we are looking at in Massachusetts." It's not the first location flap for the movie, which has Newman playing Costner's father. The studio bid Tangier Island, Va., adieu after the Town Council sought script revisions in exchange for shooting provisions. Some members objected to drinking, sex and cursing in the movie.

GOOD MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

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(reprinted from:) Boston Herald Mon, Feb 23 1998

Our hearts have been a-flutter ever since our Martha's Vineyard spies rang in to report that location scouts from the Kevin Costner-Paul Newman flick "Message in a Bottle" were out scoping beaches and docks on the Rock the other day. Word is, production on the Warner Bros. flick,which also stars "She's So Lovely" gal Robin Wright Penn, would start in late spring. But who cares about her? It's Kevin and Paul we're panting over!

REPOSTING THE OLD BLOG POSTS

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In the effort of self-preservation, I've decided to cut and paste all the old blog postings from the geocities blog since it's now shutting down. *Sniff* The end of an era! Here's hoping Google stays afloat long enough for me to figure a way to back up more conveniently.