Pat Dollard | Young Americans

But there were a few roles I really enjoyed seeing him in … Cool Hand Luke … Slap Shot … Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (I wanted Emma to end up with him and not that stuffy Redford) … The Long, Hot Summer

But whatever the role, even if Newman wasn’t my all time favorite, those damn sparkling blue eyes ALWAYS jumped off the screen and halted me in my tracks … even if the movie was in black and white. His eyes were that powerful … even late into his life. I think his eyes were his biggest drawing point for women who adored him on the big screen.

For the guys, I think it was that oft times smart-assed, devil-may-care free spirit he seemed to ooze with every role. A measured rebel that chose his moments to strike out without wearing you out.

Another thing that strikes me about Newman is the strength and longevity of his relationship and marriage to Joanne Woodward. Even his first marriage before her lasted nearly 10 years. Sort of tells me the man might just have been a true heart in a land of self-centered prigs …