Prey for the Hunted

Sept. 26 2008 may mark the death of the last real man. Paul Newman was more than a handsome and talented icon from the silver screen. While many of his roles defined what it was to be a man for an entire generation, it was his off screen life that tells the tale of a man we should all rise to emulate.

Paul Newman served his country as a tail gunner on a naval torpedo bomber in WWII returning from the war to complete his college degree in 1949. After college he headed to Broadway acting in a few major productions before moving to Los Angeles to expand his career as an actor.

As an actor Newman became a world wide icon, appearing in dozens of films and was nominated for 7 academy awards. Even as a prolific actor Paul Newman found the time to pursue his hobbies from car racing to political activism. Newman was known for supporting liberal candidates and causes including gay rights.

As a racer Paul Newman raced in famed races such as 24 hours of LeMans and Dayton, as well as several championships in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Newman went on to own several race teams from cars in the CanAM series to full Nascar cars.

As he retired from acting and racing Paul Newman began a new chapter in his life that is perhaps the most lasting part of his legacy. In 1982 he launched a line of consumer products called Newman’s Own. Starting with salad dressing and Pasta sauce the line grew to include nearly 50 products. The idea behind the Newman’s Own products was to deliver premium products and give all profits from the sale of the goods to charity. As of 2006 Newmans own had raised $250 million for charity.

Paul Newman brave, talented, handsome. He was a lover of life, he loved his work and it showed, he loved his family, he loved racing cars and most of all he was passionate for leaving this world a better place for his having lived in it.

Well done Paul Newman, may you rest in peace.