Paul Newman

An iconic figure in Hollywood history, Paul Newman was an Academy Award-winning actor, acclaimed director, and noted philanthropist who helped define the male lead in motion pictures from the mid-1950s through the 21st century. His charm, intelligence and strength informed a wide variety of roles, from underdog boxer Rocky Graziano in "Somebody Up There Likes Me" (1955) and the damaged Brick in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1958), to roguish antiheros like "Harper" (1966), "Cool Hand Luke" (1967) and Butch Cassidy in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969) - the latter of which showcased his famed partnership with Robert Redford. The two reprised their onscreen chemistry to great effect with the caper classic "The Sting" (1973). Of course, Newman was also admired for his 50-year marriage to actress Joanne Woodward, a rarity among Hollywood couples for its duration and lack of drama. He earned Oscar nominations for his roles in "Absence of Malice" (1981) and "The Verdict" (1982), finally winning for his turn as pool hall hustler Fast Eddie Felson in "The Color of Money" (1986). Newman's career slowed down following "The Hudsucker Proxy" (1994) and "Nobody's Fool" (1994) in favor of his philanthropic efforts through his Newman's Own brand of foods, which brought $300 million to educational charities. After earning praise for "Road to Perdition" (2002) and an Emmy for "Empire Falls" (HBO, 2005), Newman privately battled cancer until succumbing in 2008, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest screen icons of all time.