Paul Newman, America’s actor, lived a good life

There have been many tears over the death of Paul Newman last weekend.

But mixed with the sadness has come joy over a life well-lived.

We’ve all seen clips from the actor’s films ranging from The Hustler to Empire Falls, performances in which he showed mesmerizing grace, coolness, and, finally, humor, in a way that actors for generations to come will find hard to beat.

The 83-year-old actor appeared in more than 65 films during a span of more than 50 years.

But even more important was the way he lived his life.

In addition to his acting career he gave millions to charities using money from his food line.

He had his fun with his car racing and pranks on friends.

He shunned Hollywood for a more normal life in Connecticut.

That was where he lived a life of cherishing family and friends and trying to make the world just a little bit better through charity and speaking out for causes in which he believed.
His daughters said it best: “Always and to the end, Dad was incredibly grateful for his good fortune.

“In his own words: ‘It’s been a privilege to be here.’”

It’s been our privileged to have “known him” through his films and through his charitable work.