Newman remembered

I fancy myself as being an amateur movie critic. I own in the vicinity of 100 films and cherish every single one of them. However, out of all the movies I own, one film has made more of an impact on my life than any other film. This film has gotten me through some of the toughest days that college has thrown at me, and pretty much sums up my attitude about facing adversity. That film is “Cool Hand Luke,” starring Paul Newman, who passed away on Sept. 26. Newman had the perfect demeanor for the role of Lucas Jackson, a rebellious and free-spirited convict who never gives up. Like many of Paul Newman’s roles in Hollywood, it’s almost impossible to envision anyone else playing his role in “Cool Hand Luke.” Newman, being an accomplished actor, had many other roles worth noting as well. Newman also starred in such films as “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Sting” and “The Color of Money,” which afforded him the Oscar for Best Actor in 1986. Some of his more contemporary credits include 2002’s “Road to Perdition” and 2006’s “Cars.” Unlike many actors, however, Paul Newman was as accomplished off the big screen as he was on. Newman was so inspired by motorsports while filming his role in the movie “Winning” that he ultimately ended up getting involved in racing. By 1972, he was competing in numerous Sports Car Club of America events and ultimately won numerous championships while competing on the circuit. While many people remember Newman for his work on the silver screen or the driver’s seat, the most important trait that Newman possessed was his humanity. Over the course of Newman’s life, he sacrificed more for others than probably any other actor in Hollywood. In 1982, Newman started a new business called Newman’s Own, which markets salad dressing and other food items, on the basis that all of the profits would be donated to charitable causes. The effort has resulted in over $200 million dollars worth of donations. In addition to Newman’s Own, Newman is also a cofounder of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Conn., named after the gang in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” It serves as a retreat camp for kids who are seriously ill. While Newman founded the camp, much of the money necessary for running the camp is raised from outside organizations, such as Phi Kappa Tau, Newman’s college fraternity. In my mind, we can all learn from the service of Paul Newman. Sure, we all look and marvel at his storied acting career, but it’s even more impressive to look at Newman’s work off the screen. Give Newman credit as well. He could have gone on and lived a selfish and greed-filled life like many Hollywood actors. But instead, Newman embodies the spirit of American altruism, striving tirelessly to bring happiness to those less fortunate. He lived a life for something more than himself, which in my mind is one of the greatest testaments to a man’s character.