Biography: Paul Newman: birth name: Paul Leonard Newman who died of lung cancer on Friday, September 26 in his home in Westport, Connecticut. Newman was not only a legend, he was a great philanthropist. His charitable donations and social responsibilities have totalled more than 220 million over the last 25 years.

photos of young Paul Newman after the jump…

Newman was born January 26, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio. He made his acting debut at the age of 7 as the court jester in a school production of Robin Hood. As an actor, he won many awards including an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Cannes Film Festival Award, an Emmy award, and many honorary awards.

Paul Newman had a passion for car racing and won many national championships as a race car driver. Newman was a co-founder of Newman’s Own, a food company from which Newman donated ALL post-tax profits and royalties to charity. As of May 2007, these donations had exceeded US$220 million.

In August, 2008 Newman reportedly had finished chemotherapy and told his family he wished to die at home. He did so on September 26, 2008 at the age of 83. He was surrounded by his family and close friends. His daughter Nell Newman is poised to take over Newman’s Own.

Newman was married twice. His first marriage to Jackie Witte lasted from 1949 to 1958. Together they had a son, Scott, and two daughters, Susan Kendall and Stephanie.  His son, Scott Newman died in November 1978 from an accidental drug overdose.

Newman married Joanne Woodward in 1958.They had three daughters: Elinor “Nell” Teresa, Melissa “Lissy” Stewart, and Claire “Clea” Olivia.

Newman lived away from the Hollywood spotlight as much as he could. He was devoted to his wife and family.

When asked about infidelity, Newman said: ”Why go out for hamburger when you have steak at home?”

Paul Newman, a legend and a great philanthropist – he will be missed greatly!

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