Sep 28, 2008 7:00 am US/Eastern
Newman Fondly Remembered In Westport
WESTPORT, Conn. (AP) ―
-
-
Paul Newman died at the age of 83 Friday after a bout with cancer, according to a spokeswoman.
CBS
-
-
Newman is seen here with his wife, Joanne Woodward. (File)
AP
Poll
Which of those listed do you consider Paul Newman's most memorable film?
You need the latest Flash player to view our Poll.
Click here to download.
Click here to
bypass this detection if you already
have the latest Flash Player.
John Anastasia was a patrolman in the 1960s in this swanky town when he suddenly spotted a Volkswagen Beetle speeding by.
Anastasia was surprised to see a Beetle going about 45 miles per hour near downtown, but even more shocked to discover that Paul Newman was the driver.
It was actor Paul Newman, who died Friday at age 83.
"We played a little game," Anastasia recalled. "I asked for his license and registration knowing full well it was Paul Newman."
Newman, dressed in white tennis shorts and shirt, didn't have his wallet.
"Then he proceeded to show me he had a Porsche engine in a Volkswagen," Anastasia said.
Newman died at his Westport farmhouse following a long battle with cancer, publicist Jeff Sanderson said.
He was a newcomer in Westport back in the '60s, but he would blend in like a regular resident and went on to become deeply admired for his charitable works and down-to-earth lifestyle in an age of hyper celebrity. Residents would spot him everywhere, at the grocery store, restaurants, even the YMCA. They left him alone, knowing Newman cherished his privacy.
"He's such a great human being," said Frank DeMace, who owns Mario's Place next to the train station where Newman was a regular. "I can't say enough about him."
Newman came to Mario's for decades for a hamburger, typically with pals like actor James Naughton or writer A.E. Hotchner, a business partner and neighbor.
Newman always said Mario's had the best hamburgers and preferred medium-rare with an occasional Heineken beer.
He was not fond of the pickles, though.
"He made me change my pickles to the small crunchy ones," DeMace said. "He used to tease me—'I'll go to Shaw's (supermarket) and get a jar for you."'
One time Newman showed up in a souped-up Volvo with tail pipes on the side.
"It sounded like it was 40 Harley Davidsons outside," said Paul Forte, who also works at Mario's.
Anastasia, who reminisced about Newman at Mario's, said Newman participated in a charity softball fundraiser for the police department. One team was full of celebrities, but Newman played on the police team.
"He was very much into it, very athletic," Anastasia said. "He didn't play the part of a celebrity, he played the part of a ball player. He was not just there for his good looks."
Newman and his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, were heavily involved in local charities, especially the Westport Country Playhouse.
Woodward showed up just a week ago at a local church to buy a cake for a fundraiser, said Brian Cleary, who owns a store downtown. Cleary said his mother and her friends once visited Newman's house when they were Girl Scouts, pretending to sell cookies when they really wanted an autograph.
"I think he came to the door and they freaked out," Cleary said.
Patricia McMahon was equally shocked when a man opened the door for her at the Westport YMCA.
"I see the fabulous blue eyes," McMahon said. "I had the Paul Newman moment. He gave me a little wink."
She also met Woodward when she came into her spa for a foot massage, describing her as "lovely."
"It's a great loss to the world and Westport," McMahon said.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
2009 Celebrity Deaths
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Lawyer: Terror Suspects To 'Explain' 9/11 Attacks 50 mins ago 
Gov. Paterson Wants Lawmakers To Address Deficit 57 mins ago 
Stumble It!
Comments