Paul Newman; 1925 - 2008

When it was announced that Newman had cancer back in June, deep down I really hoped he would beat it. He has always been a fight and never back down from a challenge. Yesterday, the cancer won:

Paul Newman, the legendary actor whose steely blue eyes, good-humored charm and advocacy of worthy causes made him one of the most renowned figures in American arts, has died of cancer at his home in Westport, Connecticut. He was 83.

He died Friday, according to spokeswoman Marni Tomljanovic.

Newman attained stardom in the 1950s and never lost the movie-star aura, appearing in such classic films as "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Exodus," "The Hustler," "Cool Hand Luke," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting" and "The Verdict."

He finally won an Oscar in 1986 -- on his eighth try -- for "The Color of Money," a sequel to "The Hustler." He later received two more Oscar nominations. Among his other awards was the Motion Picture Academy's Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

Newman was a Method-trained actor who blazed his own career trail and didn't shy away from risky roles -- inside and outside films.

The list is extensive, and the aforementioned films barely touch the scope of this great performer.

But he will be remembered by me for his stellar performance in the original The Hustler, taking on Minnesota Fats (played by Jackie Gleason) and the post egg eating belly thumping in Cool Hand Luke.
Other favorites include "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting" and his amazing and stellar performance in "The Verdict."

Rest in Peace Mr. Newman, you will be remembered fondly by those you have left behind. No I need to go find a copy of The Hustler to watch in his honor.

Flash

Closed Circuit to GiGi: I am sending you a hug, I know Paul was one of your favorites!!