Paul Newman: Hollywood legend, charity great
By Carly Goodhew
Sadly, American movie legend Paul Newman passed away at age 83 on 26 September, 2008.
As a famous Hollywood actor, Paul received numerous accolades, including three Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award for his performance in The Color of Money (1986). His impressive film career spanned more than five decades with starring roles in more than 50 films.
Paul performed in a number of highly successful films, including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), Exodus (1960) and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969). Paul was also an award winning director and producer, receiving a Golden Globe in 1968 for directing Rachel, Rachel.
Paul Newman was known worldwide for his portrayals of Hollywood rebels and rogues. But perhaps most impressively, Paul was an avid philanthropist.
In 1982, Paul and friend A E Hotchner began the Paul Newman’s Own line of premium salad dressings. The line originated as homemade dressings that the pair had intended to give to family and friends as gifts. However, now Paul Newman’s Own salad dressings are worldwide best sellers.
What is most impressive about Paul Newman’s Own is that 100% of the profits (after tax) are donated to charity. To date, US$200 million has been given to charities worldwide. Australian and New Zealand charities have received $12 million since 1984.
Each year, the Newman’s Own Foundation calls for Australian and New Zealand charities to submit expressions of interest for their charity campaign. Numerous, little known and struggling charities have received substantial contributions from the Newman’s Own Foundation.
Currently, Australia is awaiting the announcement of the 2008 recipients of the Paul Newman’s Own ‘unsung heroes’ charity grants. In 2007, $46 000 was awarded to Boris Struck of Muscular Dystrophy Australia, the leading support service for young men with the degenerative muscular disease, to assist with renovations to their respite holiday home.
Also, $50 000 was awarded to Ron Siddons, founder of The Rainbow Club, which provides swimming tuition for children with disabilities. This money will be used to help establish the 15th Rainbow Club at Goulburn, NSW. In total, 24 charitable organisations received grants from Paul Newman’s Own in 2007, ranging in value from $20 000 to $50 000.
Australia and the rest of the world have benefited significantly from Paul Newman’s generosity. He was an acclaimed actor, producer and director, but many of us will remember him best for his philanthropy and generous contributions to Australian charities.
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