Paul Newman

I have always admired Paul Newman. Through my childhood his movies made an impression on me. When I did my stint in acting school and went to my auditions I thought often about those movies like The Sting, that my young mind and heart remembered. But it was my later impressions and experiences that made me admire him even more. During those 'creative years' in New York City one activity I got engaged with was to volunteer with the kids of Hell's Kitchen at the 52nd Street Project. The 52nd Street Project "...matches the kids (9 to 18) of Hell's Kitchen in New York City with professional theater artists to create original theater." Kids write plays and act them out with and without adults and some amazing moments happen through the process (and not just on the stage).

There are well know actors (unlike me) who participate in helping the kids write the plays, act the plays, direct and generally help pull the productions together. I was fortunate to work on playwriting, backstage and as an actor in some of the plays. The kids were incredible every time and it was one of the most rewarding things I did while living in New York (certainly better than some of those auditions!).

So, why all this about the 52nd Street Project? Because Paul Newman and his Newman's Own Foundation support the work of the 52nd Street Project, like so many other important contributions that they make. That's where the impression on me comes from. Paul Newman's generousity is legendary and something I grew to admire more and more over time, in particular because of my direct connection with the 52nd Street Project during that period. Even better, Mr. Newman would sometimes come to the shows with Joanne Woodward to watch the kids (and those of us that felt like kids in his presence). He seemed to really enjoy every show and feeling a part of the production. On one occasion he came backstage and started visiting with all of us for quite a while and Joanne had to come back and get him. I remember him winking at me and saying "hold on, hold on, I want to just hang out back here with these boys for awhile." She finally came back in and took him back up to the seats. I watched him watch the show as he laughed as hard or harder than anyone in the crowd along with Joanne. I will never forget those moments.

I mourn his passing in my own special way and only want to add to the feeling of loss that many may feel. Paul Newman was a great actor, but he was far more than that. He gave of himself on screen and in so many other ways. His giving changed so many lives for the better, including those kids of the 52nd Street Project. He will be missed.