Sep 27, 2008 11:55 pm US/Pacific
Hollywood Reacts To Loss Of Paul Newman
LOS ANGELES
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The 1969 film "Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid" starred Robert Redford and Paul Newman.
20th Century Fox
A Hollywood giant's death is triggering reactions in Hollywood, as the Chamber of Commerce prepares to place a funeral wreath on Paul Newman's star on Hollywood Boulevard.
Newman died of lung cancer at his Connecticut home Friday, the family disclosed Saturday. He was 83.
"There is a point where feelings go beyond words," said longtime friend
Robert Redford, who co-starred with Newman in "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid."
"I have lost a real friend. My life -- and this country -- is better for his being in it."
George Clooney said, "He set the bar too high for the rest of us. Not just actors, but all of us."
Dan Glickman, the chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America, praised Newman's career of "portraying scamps, louts and ne'er do wells.
"He was a master of his craft -- an artist respected and emulated by his peers and beloved by movie fans around the world," the MPAA boss said.
"Paul Newman was the ultimate cool guy who men wanted to be like and women adored," said California Gov.
Arnold Schwarzenegger. "He was an American icon, a brilliant actor, a Renaissance man and a generous but modest philanthropist."
The governor also praised Newman's charitable works, funded in part by Newman's hobby-turned-industry, gourmet food.
Newman and his wife, actress
Joanne Woodward, were last seen in public in New York City last month, when he left a hospital after therapy for lung cancer.
Dame
Elizabeth Taylor issued this statement Saturday: "I loved that man with all my heart. He was goodness and kindness and pure integrity. I know he loved his family, his wife, the world and mankind. He was purity of heart. Working with him was such a joy. Knowing him, being his friend, was as golden as the sunset and privilege I'll never forget. I thank God and feel so honored for that privilege. May he be in God's embrace forever."
Newman had reportedly quit smoking 30 years earlier, but like most American men was a heavy smoker in the 1950s and '60s. He was also a race car driver, and walked away from several wrecks.
"It's absolutely amazing that I survived all the booze and the smoking and the cars and the career," he marveled several years ago.
A publicist representing the family put out a statement from Newman's three daughters, which said Newman's roles on the big screen were outdone by other, private jobs, including "devoted husband ... loving father ... adoring grandfather ... (and) dedicated philanthropist.
"Our father was a rare symbol of selfless humility, the last to acknowledge what he was doing was special. Intensely private, he quietly succeeded beyond measure in impacting the lives of so many with his generosity," the daughters said.
"Always and to the end, Dad was incredibly grateful for his good fortune. In his own words, 'it's been a privilege to be here."'
Newman was also a frequent visitor to pit row at the Grand Prix of Long Beach, and made his last appearance there several years ago, riding around on a moped.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
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