Usually I feel that when someone famous dies, it’s no more sad than when someone who was not a household name passes away - family and friends have still lost a loved one. But for some reason I’ve taken Paul Newman’s death a little more seriously. I’m sure he wouldn’t say his life was worth more than anyone else’s yet he contributed so much to the world. I think he’s a truly great example of how those who have much to give can really make a difference.

A Newman spokesman said memorial services for the actor, who died on Friday of cancer at age 83, would be private.

Daughter Lissy Newman encouraged fans wanting to honor Newman’s memory to “Just look out for each other. That’s really what he was all about. He was awesome to the end, and he is an awesome guy and his spirit will be with us forever and ever and ever.”

Underlining Newman’s broad appeal was the global response. Britain’s Independent Sunday newspaper featured his photograph across the whole of page one, relegating the latest news of the country’s banking woes to the inside pages.

Nicolas Sarkozy summed up much of the star’s influence when he said “Actor, author, screenwriter, director, producer and philanthropist, he was also a great friend of France and fans of motor racing will remember his successive appearances at the Le Mans 24-hour race.”
Newman is survived by his wife of 50 years Joanne Woodward, five daughters, two grandsons, and his older brother, Arthur. Newman also had a son Scott, who died in 1978.

*alexis