What the World Needs Now Is More Men Like Paul Newman

The sad news comes that Paul Newman died. Men and women all over this earth mourn for him. It is because we have all looked into his electric blue eyes and seen his humanity -- whether it was in the characters he nailed in his powerful films, or the man who lived and breathed outside them. Whether he was bringing Tennessee Williams's words to sizzling life in Cat on A Hot Tin Roof or Sweet Bird of Youth, whether he was skipping across the screen in Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid or making us face our own compassion in The Verdict. He scorched the screen with his handsome face and brilliant performances. More than that: In presenting these characters, he showed us part of him. Paul Newman was genius enough to let us all in. He made our hearts beat faster. He made our worlds grow wider. He made us feel ourselves.

We have glimpsed the generous understanding of Mr. Newman who did the right thing morally, politically, and philanthropically. We have caught his manly fineness in his relationship with family and actress-wife Joanne Woodward in their decades long marriage, which is not only an example for Hollywood but to us all. We have seen his illustration of a life well lived -- in following his heart and dreams, creating the life he wanted, and enriching the lives of friends, strangers, yes, the entire community.

We all fell in love with Paul Newman because of all these beautiful parts of him. The world will miss him, but his presence will be eternally felt.

Thank you, Mr. Newman, for living in this world with us. We send our wishes of healing and peace to your sweet family and dear friends.

Beth Arnold lives and writes in Paris. To see more of her work, go to www.betharnold.com.

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