Paul Newman Passes Away At 83

Paul Newman, legendary actor and racing driver—among other pursuits—passed away this weekend after a long fight with cancer.  He was surrounded by family and friends at the moment of his passing.

Newman’s colourful career as an actor began in the 1950s in The Silver Chalice and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ; rising to mega-star for his roles in 60s and 70s classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, Cool Hand Luke, The Verdict, and an oscar-winning performance in 1987’s The Colour of Money.  In 2007, he voiced the role of Doc Hudson in the animated movie Cars.

More than most, Newman was a favourite with car enthusiasts, due to his love for car racing—a love he took to a professional level in the 1970s driving for Bob Sharp Racing after becoming “bored” with acting.

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

Newman and his team won massive respect on the circuit, winning a number of Sports Car Club of America championships; his track achievements included a fifth place finish in 1997 at Daytona, and second place in the 1979 Le Mans.

Rest in Peace, Paul.  You were an inspiration to everyone eager to make the most of their time on Earth, to squeeze every last drop out of opportunity and desire, and you always will be.

[Paul Newman on Wikipedia]