Paul: In the Words of Others
While Paul shunned the spotlight and discounted that he was doing anything special, others disagreed.
“What you did for me and all the other campers was the greatest thing that anybody has ever done.”
— Hole in the Wall Camper Katie Grennen
“His was an important life lived in ways that exemplified what good, caring human values look like in a truly decent human being. In his life and in his work, he was a giver — and never a taker.”
— Sidney Poitier
“History will certainly remember Paul Newman as an icon of modern cinema. But he was far more than just an actor. Paul was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word who embodied the American ideals of extraordinary integrity, a tireless work ethic, a commitment to family, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people who made his success possible.”
— John C. Whitehead and Peter L. Malkin
“Paul Newman was a talented artist whose craft has been a part of our American tapestry for over 50 years and a person who made the world a better place.”
— Congressional support for H.RES.18 “Honoring the Life, Achievements, and Contributions of Paul Newman”
“There is a point where feelings go beyond words. I have lost a real friend. My life — and this country — is better for his being in it.”
— Robert Redford
“In addition to everything else, Newman was the soul of decency. What’s more, this famously generous man brought his world-class creativity to his generosity.”
—Victor Navasky
“The world has lost an angel. Philanthropist, humanitarian, a man of compassion, conviction and courage, an intelligence born of curiosity, an open mind, a beautiful heart, and a wicked sense of humor.”
— Tim Robbins
“The gift of life and living, which you have generously given to each camper fortunate enough to be with you is such a magical gift and will live forever in these children’s dreams.”
— Cindy Wofford, parent of a Hole in the Wall camper
“He set the bar too high for the rest of us-not just actors, but all of us. He will be greatly missed.”
— George Clooney
“We mourn not only the passing of a screen legend, an actor of great depth and charisma who touched generations of fans, but we have lost a true Connecticut treasure in Paul Newman. We were blessed to have him as a friend and neighbor in Connecticut for nearly a half-century.”
— Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell
“I was blessed to have known him. The world is better because of him. Sometimes God makes perfect people and Paul Newman was one of them.”
— Sally Field
“I remember sitting down with Newman and the campers for chicken fingers one day at camp. He relished even the mundane activities. That proved his character right there.”
— Hole in the Wall Camp Counselor Patrick Lynch
“He was my hero.”
— Julia Roberts
“Paul Newman drove others to do more than they set out to do. He was generous and unassuming, but had an ability to persuade people to join him in supporting good causes. Aside from the celebrated Newman’s Own Foundation, he was responsible for establishing the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy – and cajoled more business men and women into increasing their support for charitable causes.”
— GlaxoSmithKline
“Paul Newman was a class act; smart, sexy, generous and kind. He was committed equally to justice and pranks. He was something you don’t hear mentioned often these days; a good man. He taught me to appreciate the home grown tomato, championship badminton and chamber music. He will be missed.”
— Susan Sarandon
“Paul was a very fine actor and a really good race driver. But mostly, he personified humanity - always taking care of those who were less fortunate. For me, this will be his legacy.”
— David Letterman
“Paul was an American icon, philanthropist and champion for children. We will miss our dear friend, whose continued support always meant the world to us.”
— Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Bill Clinton
“He was like a little kid, like all of us, singing ‘Happy Birthday’ at the top of his lungs.”
— Hole in the Wall Camper Aaron Baral
“Paul Newman was the ultimate cool guy who men wanted to be like and women adored. He was an American icon, a brilliant actor, a Renaissance man and a generous but modest philanthropist. He entertained millions in some of Hollywood’s most memorable roles ever, and he brightened the lives of many more, especially seriously ill children, through his charitable works.”
— California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
“Paul was a member of the ensemble more than anything else. He didn’t care about the hierarchy, but he was a guy, quite frankly, who should have won the Nobel Peace Prize.”
— Tom Hanks
”Newman’s legendary acting, steely blue eyes, good humor and passion for helping the less fortunate made him one of the most prominent figures in American arts for 40 years.”
— Congressional support for H.RES.18 “Honoring the Life, Achievements, and Contributions of Paul Newman”
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