Paul Newman Not a Retiring Type
Paul Newman keeps trying to retire, and he keeps failing miserably.
The film legend, whose new film “Road to Perdition” opens Friday, is still acting and pursuing his other passions, auto racing and philanthropy. Newman raises funds for various charities through the Newman’s Own line spaghetti sauce, salad dressing and popcorn.
“I keep trying to retire from everything and discover that I’ve retired from absolutely nothing,” Newman told reporters.
At 77, Newman’s schedule remains packed, and he said he’s not quite ready for his swan song.
“I just finished the first play that I’d done in 35 years, which is like sticking a rifle in your mouth. So I don’t seem to be able to retire. Maybe you could get me a different swan,” he said.
Newman’s is one of Hollywood’s most storied careers, complete with eight best actor Oscar nominations, for “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958), “The Hustler” (1961), “Hud” (1963), “Cool Hand Luke” (1967), “Absence of Malice” (1981), “The Verdict” (1982), “The Color of Money” (1986) and “Nobody’s Fool” (1994).
Long denied the best actor trophy, Newman won for “The Color of Money,” just one year after receiving an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement.
Newman’s wife of 42 years, Joanne Woodward, has been a frequent collaborator. The two starred together in such films as 1958’s “The Long Hot Summer” and 1990’s “Mr. and Mrs. Bridge,” and Newman directed her in 1968’s “Rachel, Rachel” and a 1987 film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie.”
“I’d love to do a film with Joanne,” he said. “We’re looking at something down the pike. I can’t really discuss it right now. But there’s still a little vinegar left in the old dog yet.”
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