I thought it was about time I wrote something to give the men out there some retro style inspiration! Paul Newman has to be the epitome of a gentle-man. Like his acting, his style was relaxed but sophisticated.
Newman's style is easily acheivable and looks fashionably retro with a modern edge. From the charcoal suit he wore in 'The Hustler' with a narrow tie slightly loosened at the neck, to his favourite v-neck sweaters in light shades worn with a round neck t-shirt underneath. Newman would dress a well-cut suit down by not wearing a belt or tie, rolling up the sleeves slightly and unbuttoning the top shirt buttons.
Born January 26 1925, Paul developed an early love for the theatre, making his stage debut in a school play aged 7. Paul served in World War II in the United States Navy, qualifying as a radioman and gunner and working on an Avenger bomber. After the war he completed an English degree and studied Drama at Yale University.
Newman quickly became one of the most popular stars in Hollywood after appearing alongside Elizabeth Taylor in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'.
Newman starred in some of the greatest movies of all time including 'The Hustler' (1961) and 'Cool Hand Luke' (1967).
Probably his most memorable role was Butch Cassidy in 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' (1969) starring Robert Redford and Katherine Ross.
In the role of Butch Cassidy, Newman shows his effortless on-screen charisma and fun-loving nature. He also forged a life-long friendship with Robert Redford with whom he worked with again in 'The Sting' (1973).
Privately Newman was devoted to his wife Joanne Woodwood and five daughters. Paul had met Joanne in 1953 on the Broadway production of 'Picnic'. In 1957 they worked together on the film 'The Long, Hot Summer.' They were married in 1958 in Las Vegas.
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| Joanne & Paul with their daughter Nell |
When asked if he ever cheated on his wife, Newman famously replied 'why go out for hamburgers when you have steak at home.'
Paul and Joanne were married for over 50 years. Paul said 'people stay married because they want to, not because the doors are locked.' Joanne declared the secret to their happiness was Paul making her laugh every day.
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Newman starred in 60 films, was nominated for an Oscar 10 times and finally received the Best Actor award for 'The Color of Money' in 1987. He also received an honorary Academy Award ''in recognition of his many and memorable compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft". Newman continued working into his 80's, making his final screen appearance in the highly acclaimed 'Road to Perdition' 2002 film as mob boss John Rooney.
The other passion in Paul's life was racing cars, winning the Sports Car Club of America championships four times. 'You can't be as old as I am without waking up with a surprised look on your face every morning: 'Holy Christ, whaddya know - I'm still around! It's absolutely amazing that I survived all the booze and smoking and the cars and the career.'
In 1994 Newman received a third Oscar - The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Newman's humanity was unending including founding a summer camp for children with life-threatening illnesses. In 1999 he donated $250 thousand to Catholic Relief Services to aid refugees in Kosovo. His most famous act of generosity was co-founding 'Newman's Own' salad dressings & sauces in 1982, all profits from which continue to go entirely to charity. Donations have currently exceeded $300 million. On being asked about the phenomenal success of Newman's Own he said 'the embarrassing thing is that the salad dressing is outgrossing my films'.
Tributes from around the world flooded in when Paul died of cancer in 2008. On hearing of his death Robert Redford said 'there is a point where feelings go beyond words...I have lost a real friend. He lived a life that really meant something and will for some time to come.'
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