In Memoriam: Paul Newman (1925-2008).

I was about 16 when a friend’s dad made us sit down and watch “The Sting.”

Despite my initial hostility toward a movie that looked completely uninteresting, I fell in love with it, mostly due to Paul Newman’s amazing acting ability.

Newman’s character grifted people mercilessly, yet his performance outlined a very honest man in the world of con.

His portrayal of Henry Gondorff was nothing short of brilliant, and I began seeking out all of Newman’s other movies.

“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Slapshot,” “The Gambler” and “Cool Hand Luke” are all monumental films, and will all go down in history as some of the best genre pictures of all time.

In the ’70s, “Slapshot” glorified hockey in a time when its American popularity was just a little above getting robbed.

We cannot forget “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” possibly one of the greatest and most

universally loved films ever made.

Newman’s ability to carry dialogue was one of the first things I noticed about this great movie.

He defined the phrase “lights up the screen,” as he stole every scene he was in, even while competing with Robert Redford.

The rest of the world must have agreed, as demonstrated by his 10 Oscar nominations in his illustrious career.

In a world where method actors pretend to stalk people to get into character, or stay in character during the entire shoot, it is amazing to see a pure, natural actor outshine every one of his contemporaries.

Paul Newman will forever be remembered for his legendary career in film, and his incredible talent on-screen.

Also, his salad dressing was awesome.