Goodnight Handsome...

It's with great sadness that today I wake up to the news that we as a nation have lost another cinematic icon. At age 83, Paul Newman passed away yesterday loosing his battle against cancer.

Aside from his 60 years of legendary performances as an actor, Paul Newman was also recognized as a great humanitarian. His many philanthropic endeavors, which included his Newman's Own line of food products, his camps for terminally ill children (which was first set up in Connecticut and then expanded all over the nation), and the Scott Newman Foundation which finances anti-drug films to educate children (this after his own son's death in 1978 from an overdose), are reported to have currently generated more than $220 Million in charity donations since their inception. Not bad for a man who has never pursued fame, publicity, and recognition.

Paul Newman lived his life with integrity, wisdom and a quiet and steady vision. Unlike the Hollywood of today, he shyed away from the limelight, never giving authographs as he felt the act projected a higher status which he didn't believe he deserved or wanted.

As a child born in the 60's, I grew up discovering Paul Newman and have always experienced him as one of the most handsome actors of his times. Hollywood back then was different; a bit more glamorous and less "fast food". Studios back then always made movies for big screen, not on the chance of an early release to DVD. When Paul Newman starred in a movie, you knew you were in for a great viewing. My earliest recollection of a Paul Newman movie is probably "Cold Hand Luke". From then, that smile hooked me. As my exposure to movies expanded, I discovered "The Long Hot Summer", then the fabulous "The Prize" with another legend Edward G. Robinson, and then my favorite of all "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" with the amazing Elizabeth Taylor.

It's hard to pinpoint which movie really defines Paul Newman as his characters always seemed to suit him perfectly.

Today, I along with baby-boomers mourn the loss of another part of our youth. I hope that the magic of Paul Newman's light will live on. That his name, in addition to bringing up a picture of an amazingly handsome man with unique blue eyes an charming smile, will also bring up the quintessential humanist who lived his life with spirit, with honesty, loyalty, and with passion until the final curtain...