A Humble Confession

Paul Newman, even at the height of his success, made a startling admission. In his 60s, after starring in classics like “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “Cool Hand Luke,” he confessed, “I am faced with the appalling fact that I don’t know anything.”

The Iconic Actor and Philanthropist

Newman was more than a Hollywood star. He was known for his calm demeanor, piercing blue eyes, and his marriage to Joanne Woodward. He raised a family, supported liberal causes, drove racecars, and engaged in philanthropy. Despite his fame, Newman was troubled by self-doubt and haunted by past mistakes.

A Life of Insecurity

Newman’s insecurity is a major theme in his posthumous memoir, “The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man.” This book reveals his lifelong struggles, from a difficult childhood to the loss of his son, Scott. Newman’s vulnerability is surprising even to those who knew him well.

The Memoir’s Creation

The memoir is compiled from interviews Newman gave between 1986 and 1991 to Stewart Stern, a close friend and screenwriter. Stern also interviewed Newman’s family and collaborators, creating a comprehensive picture of the actor. These interviews were only recently recovered, offering a raw and honest look at Newman’s life.

Family Perspectives

Newman’s daughters, Melissa and Clea, were deeply affected by reading the transcripts. Melissa described her father’s inner conflict, saying he was fascinated by the difference between how people saw him and how he felt about himself. Clea added that the heaviness of his sadness was difficult to process.

Newman’s Early Life and Career

Newman’s early years in Shaker Heights, Ohio, were marked by his father’s indifference and his mother’s overwhelming affection. He faced antisemitism in school and the Navy. After the war, he attended Kenyon College, where he pursued acting and married his first wife, Jackie Witte, with whom he had three children.

Meeting Joanne Woodward

Newman’s life changed when he met Joanne Woodward in 1953. Their affair led to his divorce from Witte and marriage to Woodward. This relationship awakened a new side of Newman, as he described Woodward bringing out his more experimental and passionate self.

Struggles and Triumphs

Despite his success, Newman battled with alcohol and the tragic loss of his son, Scott, who died from an accidental overdose. He reflected on his failings as a father and his ongoing struggle with self-doubt.

The Final Interviews

Newman’s interviews with Stern ended without a clear reason. The tapes were presumed destroyed, but his daughters felt that publishing the memoir was crucial to preserving his legacy and providing an honest account of his life.

A Lasting Legacy

Newman’s family hopes the memoir and a recent documentary, “The Last Movie Stars,” will help the world understand the real Paul Newman. The memoir delves into his inner life, showing a man who, despite his fame, remained deeply introspective and often uncomfortable in his own skin.

Newman’s story is one of incredible achievement and profound personal struggle, offering a nuanced portrait of a Hollywood legend whose real self was often hidden behind his on-screen personas.