Paul Newman dies at the age of 83

America has lost a great actor and man. I enjoyed seeing Paul Newman in so many films, especially Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid with Robert Redford. I also liked Cool Hand Luke. Anything he acted in was good. I just think he was a fine actor an a very likable man.

Paul Newman also took up auto racing in his later years.

In the 1970s, Newman, admittedly bored with acting, became fascinated with auto racing, a sport he studied when he starred in the 1972 film, "Winning." After turning professional in 1977, Newman and his driving team made strong showings in several major races, including fifth place in Daytona in 1977 and second place in the Le Mans in 1979.

"Racing is the best way I know to get away from all the rubbish of Hollywood," he told People magazine in 1979.

Among his other accomplishments was his company Newman's Own and his camp for cancer-stricken children.

In 1982, Newman and his Westport neighbor, writer A.E. Hotchner, started a company to market Newman's original oil-and-vinegar dressing. Newman's Own, which began as a joke, grew into a multimillion-dollar business selling popcorn, salad dressing, spaghetti sauce and other foods. All of the company's profits are donated to charities. By 2007, the company had donated more than $175 million, according to its Web site.

In 1988, Newman founded a camp in northeastern Connecticut for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. He went on to establish similar camps in several other states and in Europe.

Paul Newman has been married to his wife, JoAnn Woodward since 1958. They are one of the longest-lasting married couples in Hollywood.

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