Paul Newman will be leaving us soon.
- Thread starter Bishop
- Start date
jay helfert said:
Paul Newman as Fast Eddie did ?ignited pool!? as Jay said but I personally think his finest role was a LUKE in Cool Hand Luke.
He unlike many in the Hollywood community lives a very private, almost boring life. Marred to the same woman for years, and not being the subject of the Tabloids for he shall we saw was low profile, and normal compared to other who are the weekly cover stories in the Tabloids.
I may not agree with much of Newman political causes, causes, or beliefs but when all is said and done he is one is a greatest actor alive showing his ability to play almost any role he chose to play.
To me, Paul Newman, who has always been one of my favorite actors, should not be in the Hall of Fame. He can not logically be viewed as having contributed something to pool. Having starred in two movies dealing with pool doesn't constitute a contribution.
In contrast, Gleason did a lot for our game, including it in his variety shows and comic acts, fraternizing with the pro pool community, and speaking of pool in public often. He clearly raised the game's profile.
To induct a Paul Newman or a Tom Cruise might be good business for the BCA, as the induction ceremony would draw media attention if the inductee attended, but it's too late in the case of Newman. I'd support the induction of Tom Cruise, except that, as an actor whose appearance fee is likely over $100,000, he would be most unlikely to attend his induction ceremony unless paid.
Our sport's hall of fame is a virtual one, not a real one with a real location that people can visit, so having celebrities in the Hall of Fame makes little difference, at least in my opinion.
These points aside, Paul Newman is awesome, and I'll always enjoy his movies, most of all "The Sting" and "Cool Hand Luke."
In contrast, Gleason did a lot for our game, including it in his variety shows and comic acts, fraternizing with the pro pool community, and speaking of pool in public often. He clearly raised the game's profile.
To induct a Paul Newman or a Tom Cruise might be good business for the BCA, as the induction ceremony would draw media attention if the inductee attended, but it's too late in the case of Newman. I'd support the induction of Tom Cruise, except that, as an actor whose appearance fee is likely over $100,000, he would be most unlikely to attend his induction ceremony unless paid.
Our sport's hall of fame is a virtual one, not a real one with a real location that people can visit, so having celebrities in the Hall of Fame makes little difference, at least in my opinion.
These points aside, Paul Newman is awesome, and I'll always enjoy his movies, most of all "The Sting" and "Cool Hand Luke."
Paul Newman was one nice guy and a real gentelman. He stopped in our pool room after qualifying day at PIR in Phoenix. He asked who played good pool because he needed a partner.
The short story is we played partners against two of his friends. During that time We talked about his Indy cars and about The Hustler. Had a great conversation, he bought beers for several people and we won the cheese playing pool. I still have some video footage of his visit taken by a friend.
What an easy calm guy to talk to, it made my night. He will be missed but hopefully not to soon. Definately one of the greats. BTW he did call Joanne while he was there.
Rod
The short story is we played partners against two of his friends. During that time We talked about his Indy cars and about The Hustler. Had a great conversation, he bought beers for several people and we won the cheese playing pool. I still have some video footage of his visit taken by a friend.
What an easy calm guy to talk to, it made my night. He will be missed but hopefully not to soon. Definately one of the greats. BTW he did call Joanne while he was there.
Rod
"When I'm really going, I feel like a jockey must feel with all that speed and power underneath him. He's coming into the stretch, the pressure's on him, and he just feels when to let it go and how much, 'cause he's got everything working...timing, touch. It's a real great feeling when you're right and you know you're right. It's like I got oil in my arm. The pool cue's part of me. It's got nerves in it. You feel the roll of those balls. You don't have to look. You just know. You make shots that nobody's ever made, and you play that game the way nobody's ever played."
Fast Eddie
This will be a great loss. September of last year a picture was sent to him to sign and it was received back about 2 months ago. I heard he has not signed many things lately and was in bad health but did not realize like this. This is a classic shot from the Hustler which will always be the best pool movie, imo.
This will be a great loss. September of last year a picture was sent to him to sign and it was received back about 2 months ago. I heard he has not signed many things lately and was in bad health but did not realize like this. This is a classic shot from the Hustler which will always be the best pool movie, imo.
