I've always had a thing for handsome actors from classic films.
Men like James Stewart, Marlon Brando, and James Dean just seemed to ooze charm and charisma from every line of dialogue they uttered.
For me, though, one man always shined just a bit brighter thanks to his gorgeous blue eyes: Paul Newman. There's no denying he had an extra dash of star power. Folks would pack into movie theaters to catch a glimpse of his beautiful smile — and perhaps they'd keep their fingers crossed for a shirtless scene or two.
But he was more than just a pretty face, of course. Take a look below to see some of Paul's most captivating moments through his career and maybe learn a little more about his life off screen… if you can manage to tear your eyes away from the photos.
Did we miss your favorite images of the iconic actor? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
1. U.S. Navy Portrait At 18
Enlisting right out of high school, Paul originally wanted to become a pilot. He was unfortunately denied due to his color blindness.
It's crazy to think those stunning blue eyes could have any flaws at all!
2. Original 1954 Studio Publicity Photo
After getting kicked off his college football team for some rowdy behavior, he switched his focus to theater.
According to Biography, Paul explained in 1998 that his choice stemmed from his determination "not to study very much."
3. Still From "Somebody Up There Likes Me" In 1956
When his father passed away in 1950, he and his first wife, Jacqueline Witte, left their home in Wisconsin to take over the Newman family business: a sporting-goods store in his hometown of Shaker Heights, Ohio.
4. Still From "The Long, Hot Summer" In 1958
Paul briefly attended the Yale School of Drama in 1951, but quickly ran out of money and relocated to New York City to study method acting with Lee Strasberg at the famed Actor's Studio. He was there around the same time as two other dreamboats: Marlon Brando and James Dean.
5. Publicity Photo From "The Long, Hot Summer"
He met his second wife, Joanne Woodward, while making his Broadway debut in 1953's Picnic. They remained chaste friends until his separation from Jacqueline.
6. Portrait From 1958
Like many actors just getting their start in the film industry, Paul's debut appearance in 1954's The Silver Chalice was brutally panned by critics.
7. Still From "The Young Philadelphians" In 1959
His luck changed in 1958 when he co-starred alongside Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He gave a powerful performance that not only earned him an Academy Award nomination, it also proved to those previously skeptical critics that he was more than just a handsome face.
8. Still From "Exodus" In 1960
Paul stepped behind the camera in 1968 to direct Joanne in the critically acclaimed Rachel, Rachel, which was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
9. Still From "Harper" In 1966
He decided to get into the food industry after giving out bottles of his salad-dressing recipe to his friends at Christmas.
To date, proceeds from the Newman's Own line of condiments, snacks, and sauces have provided over $250 million in funds donated to various charities around the world.
10. Still From "Torn Curtain" In 1966
Paul also established The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a reference to his iconic role in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, which lets children who suffer life-threatening ailments enjoy a fun, free holiday in nature.
11. Still From "Once Upon a Wheel" In 1971
While starring as a race car driver in 1969's Winning, Paul found a fondness for the high-speed sport and it became one of his most beloved hobbies outside of filming — something he embraced again as the voice of Doc Hudson in Pixar's Cars.
What's your favorite film featuring the handsome actor? Let us know below, and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
