Many have tried to copy the cool, sexy, witty charm of Paul Newman and failed. He was unique for his looks, his talent, the fact that he loved his wife, for his opinions and works on unpopular causes and for his charity.
There will never be another Paul Newman no matter how many wannabes are put up for the roll of Cool Hand. There is a reason people are called legends in their field and in life and he's an example.
Mr. Newman was the only crush I every hand on a fair-haired man. I challenge anyone to find a sexier guy in any role than his Ben Quick in The Long Hot Summer.
Hell even his later roles could make a woman's heart beat faster just by looking in the camera with those eyes and that smile that had just the right touch of smartass charm.
I remember reading his comment about his marriage "Why go out for hamburger when you have steak at home?" and thinking that that's how I want my marriage to be or else why get married?
I respected him as an actor, as a activist and as a man of means who spread his wealth to better the lives of others. It goes without saying that I thank him for his talent and for making my heart sigh anytime he gave his legendary stare.
Sadly the likes of this type of actor and gentleman may not pass our way again.
To Joan Woodward, his daughters and grandchildren my sorrow at the loss of your husband, your best friend and your father.