Iconic Spotlight : Paul Newman, by Eva Sereny

"I believe I first met Paul Newman on the set of his 1981 film, Absence of Malice, which was directed by Sydney Pollack. I worked with Pollack before, on his last two films, The Electric Horseman and Bobby Deerfield. Probably, the follow-up feature was for The Sunday Times Magazine, and I was asked to take photos of Newman at home. So I went to his beautiful house in Connecticut.

From screen to the race track, philanthropy to business ownership, Paul Newman stood the test of time throughout his long award-winning life and career. Apart from being one of the greatest actors of his generation, one of a handful ever nominated for the Academy award across five decades, his food company, Newman’s Own, has earned his charity well over $400 million dollars since its inception.

As a sportsman, he raced cars for the Sports Car Club of America, and his fifty-year marriage to actress Joanne Woodward made them a formidable acting couple, starring together in The Long, Hot Summer and Mr. & Mrs. Bridge, amongst others. It was an enjoyable shoot. Very relaxed and friendly. He had such a wonderful life in Connecticut, a place where he, Joanne Woodward and their children lived, far away from Hollywood.

I think that was his real secret – he chose to come and go as he pleased, away from the cameras. But for that lovely day, he let me in."

Extract taken from 'Through Her Lens' by Eva Sereny, available to purchase at ACC Art Books, Amazon and all good book stores.

See more from the Eva Sereny archive here

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