Paul L. Newman

One of my heroes is Paul Newman. He lived Jan. 26, 1925 to Sep. 26, 2008. I envision a hero being someone who does something in pursuit of the common good; Paul Newman did exactly that. He’s someone everyone should hope to be more like. I hope by reading this, you will be as enlightened as much as I was by his story, his dream, and his accomplishments. Anyone has the chance to be a hero and Paul Newman took that chance.

He was born in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and lived there until he graduated from high school in 1943. He had an interest in theater and studied at Yale University. He was in many films and Broadway shows and was a stage director and film director. He was an American icon and was widely known for his many films. On May 25, 2007, he announced he was retiring from acting.

In 1982 he started Newman’s Own, a food company that donates all its net profits to thousands of different charities. Newman’s Own has donated over 280 million dollars. Their motto is "Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good," and Paul Newman referred to Newman’s Own as a "joke that got out of control." Many of Newman’s Own products are all natural or organic from dog treats to Newman “O”s.

Paul Newman at

Paul Newman later felt the need to make his own charity, he started “Hole In the Wall Camps” in 1988. These camps are for children and their families who are suffering from serious illnesses. There are now camps in over 45 countries and all 50 states. He didn’t receive much recognition for his camps, he did all he did from his heart not just for the publicity.

When I decided to write about Paul Newman all I knew was that he started Newman’s Own and donated a lot to charity. After researching, I find out he had almost all the same views as me. He was a strong advocate for reducing global warming, and gay rights, including marriage. He was against war and was placed nineteenth on Richard Nixon’s enemies list. He claims that being on the list was his greatest accomplishment.

Paul Newman believed in what he thought was right and did something about it. He had fame and used it to his advantage. Writing this I wish he was still living, having the hope to someday meet him. I read many articles written about Paul Newman and almost every one mentioned his great sense of humor, not taking life too seriously, but living it to the fullest. He died after great accomplishments and will be remembered forever. His legacy will be carried on through his charities.