Can anything good come out of Hollywood?  Evidently, Paul Newman, who died this past weekend, was an exception to the rule that describes the majority of celebrities in the movie industry.  Newman was 83 years old and died at his home in Westport, Conn., choosing to live many miles away from the glamour of Hollywood.

He was married in 1958 to Joanne Woodward and had one of Hollywood’s rare long-term marriages.  He took his marriage vows seriously.  When asked by Playboy magazine if he was tempted to stray, he answered, ‘I have steak at home, why go out for hamburger?’

When he started his career in the 1950’s, he was one of the most handsome actors to hit the big screen.  With all of his success, the lifestyle of the rich and famous was never an attraction to him.  According to the news media, he was reluctant to give interviews and usually refused to sign autographs, because he found the majesty of the act offensive. 

Both he and his wife were Oscar winners.  He was a 10-time Academy Award nominee.

Newman had a soft spot for underdogs in real life, giving tens of millions to charities through his food company and setting up camps for severely ill children. 

Robert Redford, one of his best friends, said that this country is better off because Paul Newman was in it.  When our life is ended, will people have the same thing to say about us?

Yes, he was different and knew that the secret to living is giving and reaching out to the less fortunate.

I don’t know what relationship Newman had with his Creator, but his public life should be an example for all Christians.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.