Paul Newman

Paul Newman

(January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008)

If I had to pick my all-time favorite actor, it would be Paul Newman. The only time I ever saw him in person was when Alan and I were flying home from New York in 1977. We were in first class and he was sitting about two rows ahead of us. At one point during the flight, he was standing in front of the restrooms talking to a stewardess. I figured this was my opportunity to get up close and personal. I said, "excuse me" as I moved past him. After mustering up a little more courage (since I had already broken the ice) I waited until he returned to his seat, then went over and asked him for his autograph. He flatly refused saying, "I don't DO that." in a very rude tone.

I understand how stars must hate people bothering them for their autograph. I've never done it before (or since). But it wasn't like I was bothering him in a restaurant. He was just killing time on a plane. We were in FIRST class, so I wasn't some hick. And, I was seven months pregnant (give the lady some pity Paul).

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Bottom line? I've never liked him since. I didn't go to any more of his movies (I showed him). The best part was my retribution: When we got to Los Angeles, his wife (Joanne Woodward - also a movie star) was waiting for him. He didn't see her and walked right on out to the street. After waiting a few moments, I went up to him and said, "your wife was waiting for you upstairs." Gotcha!
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I never went to any of his movies after that incident. He ticked me off. But I still have a lot of respect for his body of work. He was probably one of the best actors of my time and he'll be missed.

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P.S. He was also a great humanitarian. He started a food line called Newman's Own and donated all the post tax profits to charity (at the time of his death this amounted to over $250 million.)