In Memoriam 2008

Another year is coming to an end and of course, we’ve lost some iconic names in pop culture. Here are some of the people that passed away in 2008: January 11 – Mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, first man to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, 88 15 – Actor Brad Renfro (The Client, Apt Pupil, 25, of an accidental drug overdose 17 – World Chess Champion Bobby Fischer, 64, of kidney failure 18 – Actress Lois Nettleton (“Crossing Jordan”), 80, of lung cancer 19 – Actress Suzanne Pleshette (“Bob Newhart Show”), 70, of respiratory failure 19 – Singer John Stewart … Continue reading

Longest Celebrity Marriages

People joke about celebrity marriages being between two members of a different species rather than two members of the human race. In other words, one actual year of marriage can be translated into 10 celebrity marriage years, as if these people were dogs or cats. Now granted, I am sure the pressure in a celebrity marriage must be astronomical. Everyone is focused on every little thing celebrities do, and I am sure things get misconstrued, leading to more problems. But every marriage has its weaknesses and its strengths, and celebrity, like anything else, might be able to pull two people … Continue reading

Paul Newman’s Will and Sopranos Actor’s Trial Begins

Paul Newman’s will has been made public. So, who did the great actor who was so philanthropic decide to give his money and stuff to? As might be expected, most of his personal possessions went to his wife, Joanne Woodward including his real estate, musical instruments, and his collection of artwork. Woodward will also be in control of Newman’s production companies and real estate holdings, which includes the couple’s home in Westport, CT. However, he left many awards, including three Oscars (one for Best Actor for 1987’s The Color of Money and two honorary), an Emmy, three Golden Globes, and … Continue reading

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward: A Lesson in Long Marriages Hollywood-Style

I didn’t think I was going to have anything to write about Paul Newman’s death here in the Marriage Blog. I figured that’d be something for the girls who cover the Popular Culture Blog to write about. But as I’ve come across all the different tributes to his life, something’s become glaringly clear: Paul Newman was more than an actor, a race car driver, a camp founder, an activist, and a food line entrepreneur. He was a loving, devoted husband, something he seemed to be just as proud of as he was of any of his other accomplishments. Maybe even … Continue reading

Focus On: Paul Newman—A Big Screen Giant

I doubt even Paul Newman could have predicted that one day his mug would be plastered on the front of salad dressing bottles and popcorn boxes. But such is life as a one of the recognizable movie stars that has ever graced the silver screen. And what a life it has been… Newman was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1925 and raised in the humble Midwest. What most people don’t realize about the legendary movie icon is that he was a hit on Broadway long before he made his first film. Newman’s debut on the big screen didn’t come until … Continue reading

Is Paul Newman Near Death?

Several news organizations seem to think so. A number of published reports claim the 83-year-old Oscar winner is dying. “Paul Newman Gravely Ill with Cancer,” screams one headline. “Newman Knocking on Death’s Door,” reads another. The buzz about the actor’s health has reached epic proportions, yet the only word from Newman’s camp came in the form of a statement released yesterday saying: “Newman says he’s doing nicely.” That’s it. No denial. No confirmation. Just a simple sentence that fails to answer many of the questions Newman’s fans have been posting on his company’s website. The whole Paul-Newman-is-dying brouhaha started when … Continue reading

Iconic Sex Symbols – Part 1

The other day at 6:00 a.m. (I had to wake hubby up for work), I started watching the The Bounty. That is the recount of the HMS Bounty, a British ship that was overthrown by Fletcher Christian. Normally, when I turn the television on at 6:00 a.m., I immediately go back to sleep, but a young Mel Gibson is good enough reason to stay awake! That started me to thinking about iconic sex symbols – the men whose good looks will forever be frozen in time. Here are the ones I think were extremely hot in their heyday. Some died … Continue reading

Jane Arrested, McCartney Divorce Settled and Cancer for Another Beloved Star?

By Jane, I mean of course, The Punisher’s Thomas Jane. He joins the list of many celebrities who have been pulled over for drinking and driving. Jane, who is married to Medium’s Patricia Arquette, was pulled over for speeding in Kern County, California, then charged with DUI because his blood alcohol level was above the .08 percent. On a side note, Jane was excellent in the movie 61*, playing Mickey Mantle opposite to Barry Pepper’s Roger Maris. The McCartney divorce has finally been settled. Heather Mills was awarded $48.6 million, which when converted from Paul McCartney dollars to real people … Continue reading

The Flip Side Of Fame

Much has been made of their pantyless partying and jailhouse antics, but there are a few Hollywood stars that prefer to use their fame to for more honorable purposes. Take for example, Paul Newman. Lately, the award-winning actor has been showing the needy the true color of money. Just ask Ypsilanti High School drama teacher Michelle Peet. On Monday the teacher found a $5,000 check from Newman in her mailbox with a note that read the money was to be used to help defray costs associated with the drama club’s upcoming trip to the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Newman … Continue reading

Seeing Green

Green palms abound as celebrities and celebrity wannabes dig deep for charities, cars, and court appearances: PAUL NEWMAN The charitable actor is donating $10 million to his alma mater to help start a scholarship fund. Paul Newman says Kenyon College is a place he holds near to his heart. The actor graduated from the private liberal arts school located in central Ohio in 1949 with a degree in drama and economics and now wants to help others further their education there. “My days there were among the happiest and most formative of my life,” Newman said last week. “I believe … Continue reading