Following experiences on stage and in television, including appearances in Playhouse 90, Newman was presented with the leading role in The Silver Chalice (1954), a film depicting a Greek slave responsible for crafting the cup used during the Last Supper. While the $1000 weekly salary was appreciated, the film itself received unfavorable reviews. Newman went so far as to dub it the worst film ever made, even inviting friends to endure it with him.

However, Newman’s fortunes improved two years later when he portrayed boxer Rocky Graziano in Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956). The turning point came in 1958 when Newman received his initial Academy Award nomination, the first of 10, for his role in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

During the early stages of their careers, people frequently mistook Newman for Marlon Brando. Instead of correcting them, Newman good-naturedly accommodated their confusion by fulfilling autograph requests with the signature, “Best Wishes, Marlon Brando.”

Despite being described by most who knew him as an amiable individual, Newman possessed a playful and mischievous side that often manifested in practical jokes aimed at his directors. One frequent target of his pranks was George Roy Hill, the director of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973), and Slap Shot (1977). During the filming of the first two films, Newman famously cut Hill’s desk and car in half. In the making of Slap Shot, he once crawled behind the wheel of a wrecked car, feigning a serious accident to the shock and horror of Hill.

In another instance, while filming Exodus in 1960, Newman pulled a prank on director Otto Preminger by tossing a dummy off a building, fully aware that Preminger would mistake it for him. The director’s shock was evident as he collapsed in response. Newman repeated a similar joke during the shooting of The MacKintosh Man (1973), tossing another dummy off a 60-foot building in front of director John Huston.

Starring in the 1969 racing film Winning marked the beginning of Paul Newman’s journey into competitive racing in his personal life. In 1972, he ventured into amateur racing before achieving his first professional victory in 1982. Remarkably, at the age of 70, Newman was part of the triumphant team in the 1995 Daytona 24-Hours sports car endurance race, and he continued to actively participate in racing until 2005. This avocation served as one of the rare avenues for Newman, known for being reserved with the media, to openly share. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’ll always talk about racing because the people are interesting and fun, the sport is a lot more exciting than anything else I do, and nobody cares that I’m an actor. I wish I could spend all my time at the racetrack.”

President Richard Nixon, known for his involvement in controversy, maintained a watchful eye on individuals he perceived as volatile or opposed to his political views. While this typically encompassed political figures, Paul Newman found himself on Nixon’s infamous “enemies list.” Newman earned this distinction by supporting 1968 presidential candidate Hubert Humphrey and vocalizing his opposition to the Vietnam War. Interestingly, there was a personal connection between Newman and Nixon as both men shared the use of a Jaguar on loan from an automobile dealer. Upon learning that Nixon was driving the car during part of the week, Newman left a note suggesting that Nixon should have no trouble handling a car with a “tricky clutch,” alluding to Nixon’s “Tricky Dick” nickname. When Nixon compiled his list of adversaries in 1971, Newman’s name made the cut. The actor later obtained a copy of the list and had it framed.

In the early 1980s, it was uncommon for major actors to associate their images with food and alcoholic beverages, but Paul Newman broke this trend with a unique focus—salad dressing. Newman’s foray into the culinary world began when he started blending an oil and vinegar mixture, which he generously shared with friends and family during the holidays. Collaborating with his friend A.E. Hotchner, Newman decided to bottle a batch and distribute it during the 1980 Christmas season.

Martha Stewart, a caterer residing in Newman’s neighborhood at the time, organized a blind taste test that favored Newman’s dressing. Encouraged by the positive feedback, Newman agreed to feature his face on the bottle and named it Newman’s Own. This venture expanded to include various foods, such as spaghetti sauce, and all the profits generated were donated entirely to charity. Remarkably, by 2015, the company had contributed an estimated $430 million to charitable causes.

During the production of the 1998 film Twilight, featuring Gene Hackman, Susan Sarandon, and Paul Newman with equal billing, Newman was taken aback when he learned that both he and Hackman were earning significantly more than Sarandon. Upon discovering this discrepancy, Sarandon shared in a 2018 interview with the BBC that Newman, in a gesture of fairness, offered to relinquish a portion of his salary to rectify the imbalance and ensure equitable compensation among the cast members.

Paul Newman’s passion for race cars led to his inclusion in the animated film Cars, where he voiced the character Doc Hudson, a retired race car. This animated role marked his final non-documentary contribution to film. Nine years after his passing, his voice was still used for the character in Cars 3.

Despite his retirement from acting, Newman returned to lend his voice for the narration of the 2007 documentary Dale, which explores the life of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt. Additionally, in 2008, he recorded his last film role by providing narration for another documentary titled The Meerkats. This marked the conclusion of his cinematic contributions.

Color blindness dashed his dreams of becoming a pilot during his enrollment in Yale University’s Navy V-12 Pilot training program. His blue eyes, later coveted in the film industry, led to the discovery of his color blindness. Undeterred, he shifted to training as a radioman and rear gunner, eventually qualifying in torpedo bombers and being stationed in Hawaii.

During his Navy service, he served as a radioman gunner stationed on the aircraft carrier Bunker Hill. A stroke of luck occurred when the pilot of his aircraft developed an unexpected ear infection, resulting in Newman and the crew being grounded while the rest of their squad proceeded to Bunker Hill.

Tragically, days later, Bunker Hill fell victim to a kamikaze attack, resulting in the loss of several hundred crewmen and airmen, including members of his unit. The fortunate turn of events for Newman and his crew highlighted the unpredictable nature of fate during the wartime experiences of that generation.

Paul Newman had two marriages in his lifetime. His first marriage was to Jackie Witte, with whom he had a son, Scott, and two daughters.

During the Broadway production of Picnic, Newman met actress Joanne Woodward, who was an understudy at the time. Subsequently, he divorced Witte and married Woodward. The couple established their family in Westport, Connecticut, becoming pioneers among Hollywood movie star couples by choosing to raise their children outside California.

Renowned for his unwavering commitment to his wife and family, Newman and Woodward remained married for an impressive 50 years until his passing in 2008. This enduring and drama-free 50-year marriage is a rarity in Hollywood, emphasizing the exceptional nature of their relationship.

After establishing themselves in Hollywood, many successful actors receive offers for roles without the need for auditions. Paul Newman was offered the role of Quincy in the iconic film Jaws, but he declined. As a result, the role went to Robert Shaw, and Jaws became a major blockbuster.

Although Jaws achieved tremendous success, Paul Newman never regretted turning down the part. The decision shaped the film differently, and Newman stood by his choice despite the film’s massive popularity.

Despite the frequent need for celebrities to dress up for various events in Hollywood, Paul Newman was known to be among those who disliked formal attire. Even on his 75th birthday, he took his aversion to dressing up to a new level by reportedly discarding his suit, expressing that he was “done with formality.” Despite his apparent distaste for dressing up, Newman, who always appeared dapper in a tux or suit, managed to maintain a polished and timeless look throughout his public appearances.

Paul Newman was not only a vocal advocate for people’s rights but also actively demonstrated his support by participating in various civil rights events. One of the most notable occasions was his attendance at the 1963 Martin Luther King Jr. March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in Washington, D.C., where King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Newman’s involvement, alongside others, played a role in fostering the growth of equality and promoting it as a societal norm. His commitment to equal rights reflected his values and beliefs.

When Paul Newman and his collaborator, the writer A. E. Hotchner, established Newman’s Own, their immediate decision was to make it a charitable organization. According to Mental Floss, since its introduction in 1982, Newman’s Own has donated a staggering $460 million to charities worldwide, contributing 100% of its income. The significant impact of Newman’s Own on the world is evident through its substantial charitable contributions, reflecting the founders’ commitment to making a positive difference.

While Paul Newman’s role as an auto racer in the 1969 film Winning may not be considered among his top screen performances, it played a pivotal role in igniting his enduring passion for racing. Beginning a part-time racing career in 1972, Newman achieved significant success, securing four national amateur titles by 1976 and finishing second in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1979.

Beyond being a talented driver, Newman invested his substantial resources into auto racing ownership, establishing a team that amassed over 100 wins from 1983 to 2008. Demonstrating an unyielding need for speed, Newman, at the age of 70, became the oldest driver to contribute to a winning team in a sanctioned race by triumphing in the 1995 24 Hours of Daytona. Remarkably, he continued racing professionally well into his 80s.

Paul Newman is part of a select group of six actors who have received Academy Award nominations for portraying the same character in two separate films. His first nomination was for his role as ambitious pool shark “Fast” Eddie Felson in The Hustler (1961), and he clinched his first competitive Oscar for reprising the character as an aging Eddie in The Color of Money (1986). The other actors sharing this distinction include Bing Crosby, Peter O’Toole, Al Pacino, Cate Blanchett, and Sylvester Stallone, each recognized for their performances in two distinct films featuring the same character.