Paul Newman: 1925-2008

Is it okay if the Stuck in the '80s nation claims Paul Newman as our own -- just for this day?

The legendary actor died Friday after a battle with cancer at his home near Westport, Conn., according to the Associated Press.

Newman had major roles in more than 50 movies and was nominated for an Oscar 10 times. In 1986, he won an honorary Oscar "in recognition of his many and memorable compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft."

And, of course, he left a significant stamp on several '80s classics.

TOP FIVE '80s FILMS BY MR. PAUL NEWMAN:

5. BLAZE (1989): "The three best friends the poor people have ever had are Jesus Christ, Sears & Roebuck and Earl K. Long."

4. FORT APACHE THE BRONX (1981): "It don't make no difference how many guns you got. You only got two hands."

3. ABSENCE OF MALICE (1981): "She picked up a newspaper, for Christ's sake! And there it is, for everybody to see! She must have felt like ... just raped!"

2. THE COLOR OF MONEY (1986): "You gotta have two things to win. You gotta have brains and you gotta have balls. Now, you got too much of one and not enough of the other."

1. THE VERDICT (1982): "If we are to have faith in justice, we need only to believe in ourselves. And ACT with justice. See, I believe there is justice in our hearts."

Comments

[elen]

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never stop

[Al]

"I can eat 50 eggs."

[movie fan]

it's hard not to admire Paul Newman for putting his money to work in such productive ways, such as his Newman's Own line--high quality stuff and the proceeds go to good causes... very smart.

[Michelle]

Even though it's a 1990 film, I loved "Mr. and Mrs. Bridge." The chemistry between Newman and his wife, Joanne Woodward, was touching.

(And dang I missed you guys after being on vacation for a week and a half!)

[Deena]

I was just as shocked by his death but appreciative of his movies, his class, and his social conscious with his food charities. He will be missed.

[Clark]

If he's not the last movie star with whom we can associate the term "class", he's damn close.

The only thing remotely positive about this is the cable channels will probably be showing some fantastic movies for the next few days in tribute.

[Melissa]

He was a beautiful man. We definitely lost a good one.

[ian (in CT)]

Just like Jeff in Cuba, I was shocked. Paul just seemed to be one of those men who would live forever.

We have lost another great man.

[Tonka61]

I'm not sure when it came out, but "Slap Shot" is enough for me. Absolutely hilarious. R.I.P.

[Rick]

Steve, though not someone whom one quickly identifies as an 80s icon, Paul Newman's 80s films were some of the best dramas of our favorite decade.

So, once I digested the news, I clicked on SIT80s to see if you'd blogged about it and was very pleased to see you had.

Wow, it's hard to believe, isn't it?

[Rob Bass from Chicago]

This totally blows. I am not huge into the Hollywood types, but this guy was something special. I, too, loved "Coolhand Luke" Wow, that was an awesome movie! There are a ton of religious references in that movie.

I can also recommend to all of you that you should try some of his food. My favorite snack when I am training for Triathlons is called, "Fig Newmans"...(They're like Fig Newtons, but BETTER!!!) Spears, they are good for you as well!

[Miguel]

It is always a shock to hear news like this.The Blue Eyes is dead,hem?

That man was one of the most important personalities in the second half of the last century.In cinema,from "The Hustler" to "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid",from "Cool Hand Luke" to "The Sting",from"The Verdict" to "Road to Perdition","The Hudssucker Proxy",his voice recently in "Cars",he made history.
Not to forget also his philanthropic work for decades.And even in his marriage he was a rare example in Hollywood.Married with Joanne Woodward since 1958.The prove Steve, that marriage can work for sure.

Thanks for everything Paul! I think i speak for everybody when i say that he will always be in everyone`s hearts.

[Al]

My all-time favourite movies have to include Paul Newman's "The Sting" and "Butch Cassidy". The chemistry between him and Redford was fantastic.

I still do the Sting's nose-tapping with friends and family. I love the film's tagline, because for many things in life it's true: "All it takes is a little confidence". God bless you Paul. Thanks for making me laugh.

[chase]

Wow. This sucks. Rock on Mr. Newman.

Blaze, what a masterpiece, if we're talkin' 80s work. God, I love that movie.

They're probably showing it tonight in the great beyond.

[Jeff in Cuba]

I knew Paul was 83 and terminally ill, but his death still came as a bit of a shock. He was such a stand-up guy, such a pillar of strength, that it seemed he would go on forever. "He can't die, he's Paul friggin' Newman!"

I had the same reaction when Steve McQueen passed.

By the way, one of my favorite pop culture references comes from "Cool Hand Luke". I wheel it out whenever someone is making boastful claims I doubt they can fulfill. Hardly anyone gets it anymore, but it always makes me smile...

"No man can eat 50 eggs!"

[Bassnote]

A true original, he will be missed. Newman's contribution to films is immeasurable. His work in the 60s and 70s also deserves mentioning. We always tell my oldest daughter she has Paul Newman eyes because they are so blue.

I wanted to mention also that Pink Floyd keyboard player and vocalist Richard Wright passed away on the 15th, also after a battle with cancer.