I very seldom write on personal topics here, but I am very saddened to make an exception today.
Paul Newman was a remarkable human being that I have admired as long as I can remember. His wit, charm, kindness and humility are traits that I have always looked up to him for (OK, he was very, very cool too).
In addition to being a fantastic actor, starring in some of my favorite films such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", "Cool Hand Luke" and "The Sting" (if you haven't seen these, I highly recommend you do one day), he was an avid philanthropist, founding The Newman's Own Foundation in 1982. The Newman's Own Foundation oversees the "Newman's Own" product line which donates every dime of profit to charity, with donations in excess of $250 million. He also founded the "Hole in the Wall Camps", which offers a respite for very ill children who can go to camp to forget about their illness and just be kids for a few days.
I remember watching an interview on Letterman a couple of years ago. David was asking him about some of his passions, which included automobile racing and beer. In that interview, Paul referred to beer as "the common man's drink". This is what always impressed me the most about Paul Newman. Despite his tremendous success as an actor in the hay day of Hollywood, he never lost touch with himself, his family or his place on this earth. He had this keen awareness that in addition to very hard work, success can be attributed to luck just as much as one's own efforts.
So today, with great sadness, I raise a pint to celebrate the life and light of Paul Newman who despite being deeply missed, has left a lasting impression in my life and a legacy that will continue to give for years to come.