Paul newman memoir goodreads

The raw, candid, unvarnished memoir of an American icon.

In 2008, Paul Newman tasked his best friend with interviewing the people who had shaped his life, in order to create an oral history of it. After hearing and reading what they had to say, Newman dictated his own version. Now, this long-lost memoir will be published. Full of wonderful stories and recollections by his family, friends, and such luminaries as Elia Kazan, Tom Cruise, George Roy Hill and Martin Ritt, this book will surprise and shock readers as it reveals Newman's previously unknown sides.

In this extraordinary memoir, Newman details his fascinating story: from troubled beginnings, marked by fraught relationships with both his mother and father, to the iconic film roles (both good and bad) that cemented his status as a Hollywood icon and heartthrob, and the complicated relationships that were formed along the way.

Eye-popping...Astonishing naked honesty

Newman at his best...Twice the book one could have dared to hope for, a narrative that is astute, introspective and surprisingly graceful.

Paul Newman

American actor and film director (1925–2008)

This article is about the American actor. For other people named Paul Newman, see Paul Newman (disambiguation).

Paul Newman

Newman in 1958

Born

Paul Leonard Newman


(1925-01-26)January 26, 1925

Cleveland Heights, Ohio, U.S.

DiedSeptember 26, 2008(2008-09-26) (aged 83)

Westport, Connecticut, U.S.

EducationKenyon College (BA)
Occupations
  • Actor
  • Film director
  • Race car driver
  • Philanthropist
  • Entrepreneur
Years active1949–2008
OrganizationsSeriousFun Children's Network, Safe Water Network
WorksOn screen and stage
Political partyDemocratic
Spouses
  • Jackie Witte

    (m. 1949; div. 1958)​
Children6, including Scott, Nell, and Melissa
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Navy
Years of service1943–1946
RankPetty Officer Third Class
Battles / wars
AwardsNavy Good Conduct Medal

Paul Leonard Newman (January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008)

This is as close we will ever get to an autobiography of the legendary actor-director-race car driver and humanitarian, Paul Newman (1925-2008). He of the spectacular blue eyes. Awarded four stars on Goodreads, but that might be a bit generous. I’m a lifelong fan too.

But THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF AN ORDINARY MAN isn’t exactly an autobiography. It’s close. Here’s how it came about. 

About 20 years before he died at the age of 83, Paul Newman partnered up with friend and screenwriter Stewart Stern (writer of Rebel Without A Cause), intending to write an autobiography. Newman was extensively interviewed by Stern and those interviews were transcribed. Stern also interviewed many friends, colleagues, and family members. Altogether, this research phase lasted five years. Then both Newman and Stern stopped. 

Were they overwhelmed by the amount of material? Did Newman lose his urge to publish? Did someone close to him object? Who knows? But the project was not finished. 

Then, about ten years AFTER Newman died in 2008, in an old family storage u

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