Dear Newman family, My sister and I were talking about how much Paul Newman influenced our lives the day before he died. We were just talking about movies and we got on the subject of Paul Newman. His movies were smart movies. They had meaning. And you had to think about them after you left the theater. And then you wanted to see the movie again. My son who is 23 loves his movies. He loves Paul Newman. My daughter is 19. When I told her about his death she asked immediately if his good charities would continue. I assured her they would. What 83 year old actor has that much impact? I understand his love for seeing excellence. There is such a beauty in hard work and excellence. The carpenter, the artist the way she steps away from the canvas for a perspective, the landscaper... I think this was the most important part of who he was because it made him humble, which leads to the greatest impact he had on me. For the past eight years I have been mailing senators and congressmen, the president, I’ve been blogging….I just won’t shut up because I don’t want my country to disappear. I have felt despair and a little fear. The Bush crowd is pretty powerful and I’m a little tiny person. They could squash me and not even care. But I always thought about Paul Newman and his proudest achievement, being on the Nixon list. Paul had a lot to lose and he knew it, he coming from the McCarthy era, and yet he persevered. He was humble enough to know that the average Joe was, in the long run, far more important than he was. And he knew that whatever importance people placed on him was to be respected. I respected Paul Newman and I trusted the man. He had beautiful eyes but that’s not what I’m going to miss.

Posted by: Jeanne New Brighton, MN   September 28, 2008

One of the best entertainment experiences of my life was attending a showing of "Winning" at Radio City Music Hall in the summer of 1969. Two college friends and myself made a trip from the Midwest (Kansas City, Mo.) to the East Coast. We were thrilled to be able to see that movie in such a place. My prayers are with you all.

Posted by: Merlene Brush Kansas City, MO   September 28, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of Paul Newmans death. But so happy to hear of Paul Newmans new life and new body. I know he bravely suffered in his last days here with us. I have never been so sure of someones afterlife as I am with his. He was one of the most grounded and loving people I have ever know of. His unselfishness and love for others set an example for all of us. My condolences to his wonderful wife and family. I know he is with the Father and as sorry as he might be to leave his loving family I know he will always watch out for them and I know that he has things to do in heaven. God broke the mold when he created this man. I hope to someday be able to love as unconditionally as he did! With the greast of love I send encouragement to all his loved ones and thank them for there generosity over the years when they shared this wonderful spirit with the world.

Posted by: Sherry Woodyard Raleigh, NC   September 28, 2008

To Joanne and Family, My heart goes out to you all on the sad news of the loss of your soul mate. What a wonderful man he was. He set the bar in all aspects from acting to be a caring soul to the needs of the needy. He will never be forgotten. He has left the world a better place for all mankind. We lost our son Scott at 29 years old so we know the pain he endured throughout his life and still continued to always do the right thing. Bless you all. Cindy and Stan Nevins

Posted by: cindy and stan nevins tucson, AZ   September 28, 2008

I grew up watching and always loved Paul Newman's movies. His acting was wonderful, the characters he played seemed so real...BUT THOSE EYES!!!!!! I especially loved the fact that he did so much for so many and never wanted any accolades for it. What a wonderful human being. May God rest his sole and give comfort to his family and friends in this difficult time. We now have a new angel in heaven to look out for the children and the Newman Family.

Posted by: Lenora Meister Houston, TX   September 28, 2008

I knew Paul and his wife fairly well. My mother was a stunt woman in movies and TV for about 15 years. (Glynn Rubin). She was also engaged to Scott Newman for a time (Paul's Son). They broke up, and within a year he committed suicide by overdose. My mother was devastated as was Paul and Joanne. My mother created an ever stronger bond with Paul right after. She did several movies with him before and after. My mother raised me alone from the age of 2, while doing stunts. After Scotts death, I think because she was his last serious relationship, my mother bonded closer with Paul and his wife. We were evicted from our appt, and Paul and his wife let us stay in their Malibu house for 2 weeks. One thing I remember most about Paul was, we were filming a flop of a movie (eventually) called "Under the Volcano" in Hawaii. My mother actually had both stunt parts, and "extra" parts. It's rare I got to see my mothers face in film. Remember Private Benjamin where Goldi is falling all over herself in the obstacle course? That's my mother, but you don't really see her face that whole time. Anyway, we're staying at this hotel in Hawaii. I'm about 10 years old. We're at lunch at the hotel between shooting, and me, my mother, Paul, and Joane are all sitting at a 4 person table eating in the courtyard of the hotel. These two sweet looking girls walk up, about age 5 and 8, both holding paper and pen close to their chest... so nervous, and slowly approaching Paul and asking for an autograph. I paused for a second, Paul had his hand on his head, leaning on the table, and when they walked up he casually glanced at them and waved them off. They of course didn't understand, and thought he didn't hear them. They asked again, he waved them off again placing his face right back in his hand. My mouth dropped open, but I composed myself. I asked my mother later, she said "he doesn't give out autographs... he thinks people value them too much, and that it's what a man does with his life, not his signature, that's important or valuable. I saw Paul only about 20 times between the age of 10 and 25, then never saw him again because I left LA and moved to Louisiana. That memory though will follow me forever. I still to this day understand his admirable quality, and yet the look on the faces of those two girls.. Paul was a step above, and complicated to the last. The world is a smaller place today. Shannon

Posted by: Shannon Rubin Sterling, VA   September 28, 2008

My sincere sympathies to you all at this very very sad time. "May flights of angles sing your darling husband, father, grandfather, to his rest." May you be given strength in the days ahead.

Posted by: ingride lewis Kfar Saba, Israel   September 28, 2008

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward remind me of my parents. Very much in love, admired, and respected one another. Paul was a wonderful actor that put passion into every role he played. To the entire Newman Family, "May God Bless You!" Paul Newman was one of a kind and he will surely be missed.

Posted by: Rose Klamath Falls, OR   September 28, 2008

I have admired Paul Newman since I was eight years old, watching him perform an ever-lasting hero in "Exodus" when it first played on the big screen. He has since been my favorite actor of all time. But more importantly, the greatest human being ever to live on this earth. My prayers go out to Joanne and his daughters and all those who loved him dearly. I have lit a Yurtzeit candle in his honor and memory. May G-d be with you forever. Shalom, Katie Singer Sobol and family.

Posted by: Katie Singer Sobol Stockton, CA   September 28, 2008

Dear Paul.. may your soul fly forever free in bliss & may peace and love comfort your family... Namaste...

Posted by: Joy Hillier Vancouver, Canada   September 28, 2008