The Roles He Played: Paul Newman at 100

Oscar-winning actor Paul Newman (1925–2008) contained multitudes. He was an audacious filmmaker, devoted husband, political activist, race car enthusiast, forward-thinking philanthropist, cookbook author, and one of the most celebrated public figures of the 20th century. Newman started his acting career after a stint in the US Navy. He studied at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg before trying his talents on Broadway and landing his first film role in 1954. Through a string of hits and an Oscar nomination for his performance as “Brick” Pollitt in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), Newman cemented his reputation for embodying world-weary characters—always with a subtle spark of mischief in those baby-blue eyes. His gifts as a performer developed into a distinct sensibility behind the camera as he went on to direct and produce features in the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s. This program showcases eight titles to celebrate Newman, whose centennial birthday falls on the final day of the series.