R.I.P. Paul Newman

[jekylljuice]

I was greatly saddened to learn today that Paul Newman, legendary actor and renowned American icon, lost his battle against lung cancer on Friday at the age of 83. Newman was the star of such cinematic classics as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Cool Hand Luke and The Sting, though to me he was always most familiar as Sidney J. Mussburger, the antagonist of my all-time favourite movie The Hudsucker Proxy. His wonderful performance is one of the key reasons why I've always loved that movie so much, and the news that he is no longer with us is certainly going to take a while to settle in for me.

I suppose, at the very least, we can take some comfort in the knowledge that Paul lived a long, rich and full life, and was able to give so much to the world within that time...in addition to all those awe-inspiring movie performances, and all his extensive work as a philanthropist, he also produced his own line of food products called "Newman's Own". I've tried some of the biscuits and salad dressings from this range, and they are delicious.

I guess there's nothing else I can say right now except, goodbye Paul, and thank you for everything. You were a great man and will be sorely missed.

[koosie]

Aw no. This is the first I've heard, just now. Big shock. Great actor.

Sorry everyone. He even made that 'Road to Perdition' a good film and he's a treat in all those films JJ just mention.

[jekylljuice]

I found that I still had some of that "Newman's Own" salad dressing left in my cupboard, so I had it tonight in his honour. I also plan on watching Cool Hand Luke again at some point this week - it's been a while since I last saw it.

[Cassini90125]

I remember him best from Hombre, a fine movie which I haven't seen inages but enjoyed quite a bit. He'll be missed.

[xxxClaire]

Yeah, I heard about this earlier today...
That's really upsetting. He was a great actor...
RIP.

[Imaginary Light]

Gosh, I knew he's been in bad health lately, but it's still a shame to hear.
R.I.P. Paul.

[taranchula]

One of the all time greats, My favorite movie of his was "The Sting"

Missed, he shall be.

[Lynnie]

The only movies I remember watching of his were Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, yet I've been a big fan of his for his charity work, and he does indeed produce some mighty yummy food. Even dog biscuits! I've also loved his salad dressings, and his chips and salsa. I've also admired him for being happily married for 50 years, and replying to the question "Are you ever tempted to stray?" with "Why would I want to go out for hamburger when I've got prime steak at home?" He had morals, he had compassion, and he had class, on top of his acting talents.

You were a good man Mr. Newman. You've left a great footprint in the heart of the world. And you'll be sorely missed. RIP

[jekylljuice]

It's just occurred to me - I wonder how this is going to affect Pixar's recently-annouced sequel to Cars? Paul Newman's voice and presence as Doc Hudson was easily the strongest thing about the original for me, and now that he's completely out of the picture, I'm left feeling even less enthusiastic about the project than I was previously. A part of me strongly believes that the most respectful thing to do would be retire the character of Doc Hudson altogether, rather than try to find someone to impersonate him (I've seen a lot of similar discussion concerning how Jim Varney's absence will be dealt with the upcoming Toy Story 3). I would certainly miss him, but Paul's beautiful and distinctive vocals succeeded in making the role so uniquely his own that I just can't forsee anybody else being able to pull it off satisfactorily.