Really enjoyable reminiscences. Susan Mulcahy's describing how much Newman loathed the New York Post rings true: that paper's website gave his passing only the tiniest, obscure link today.

Meanwhile, the BBC had it at the top of their website all day yesterday, and the thousands of tributes that poured in from all over the world was astonishing to see. And moving to read- he truly was a global honest-to-God movie star.

The Obituary- in the Wa/Po, was kind. There was another "nice read"... Appreciation, by Stephen Hunter in today's front page of the, Wa/Po.

Paul Newman was a philanthropist. I enjoy his salad dressing as much as, `Organic, Annie's.

I enjoyed the Dan Cook read and comments. The comment by Helen Caldicot was particularly `real nice. I remember a few remarks the physician made at anti-war, and peaceful rallies in Wash., DC.

It's not the place or time to go there. `Thanks.

Paul Newman, `May he rest in blessed peace.

Newman made an early impression on me with "Cool Hand Luke," the first movie with lines that stuck in my adolescent brain (probably because of the way they captured the contradictions of life). I just realized that, in some kind of cosmic synchrony, I fell back to quoting "What we have here is a failure to communicate" late last week.

I figure that ending up in the public spotlight ups the intensity of challenges in our life, pushes us to the next level. Can we keep our balance, our perspective, and our integrity while the world is watching?

In my eyes, Newman passed that test with flying colors. He used his celebrity as a way to promote his philanthropy, as a way to give even further to others: I loved watching the fun he and Nell had marketing his food products and then giving away the profits...and I hope she continues that good work.

Wherever you are now, Paul, I'm sure you are reaping the rewards of living with an open heart and walking among others as a wise yet humble soul.

It was the mid-80s, as I recall, that he consented to be interviewed by Barbara Walters. Knowing almost nothing about him aside from his movie roles and how much I liked them, I had no idea how unusual it was for him to do such an interview.

Walters, in her inimitable style, asked an incredibly stupid question, followed by one that was even worse but that Newman answered calmly and quietly but with a look on his face that seemed to ask "Lady, are you from fucking MARS??" To wit (verbatim from memory):

WALTERS: I understand you don't give autographs. Why is that?

NEWMAN: I just think it's a bit presumptuous on my part to think that my signature is worth something.

WALTERS: So when someone comes up to and asks for an autograph, what do you say?

NEWMAN (comes the look!): I say, 'I'm sorry but I don't give autographs.'

In the modern idiom, Walters was owned, and by one of the smartest, funniest, warmest persons ever to grace the screen. I will miss him.

I've heard several people refer to Cool Hand Luke as Christian allegory, but I think it's one of the most existential films Hollywood's ever made. Newman's character embraced the absurd world and fought even though he knew he couldn't win. And not only did he eat fifty eggs, the cast also paved a mile and a half of rural road.

Oh, and technically, Ralph Nader is a four-time presidential candidate, but has only made waves with it once.

Any Damn cook is a friend of mine.

Damn dan gadgets.

My son and I were standing quietly next to the pit preparation area of the Newman/Hass racing team at the Long Beach Grand Prix so my son could get a glimpse of driver Nigel Mansell. There, to my absolute delight, suddenly appeared Paul Newman driving into the pit area riding on a small red scooter. Surprisingly small in stature, but gigantic in presence, he spoke graciously to us about his true passion of racing...I knew his great disdain of public adoration so we didn't ask for autographs or photos out of respect, just enjoyed every moment. Nigel arrived almost unnoticed. The true legend had already come.

In my 61 year life of avid movie going, I never saw a Paul Newman movie I didn't like. He gave everyone of his scenes excellence above and beyond ...but nothing he ever did on film will surpass his excellence as the ultimate competitor in racing.. his driving at my age was superb and as methodical as any of his acting ever was.

Thank you, Paul. Thank you for passionate example; your silent devotion to all who appreciated your work on screen, your rejection of the "normal Hollywood insanity" and values, for all your generosity to those less privileged than you, your incredible love and devotion for your wife, your friends, and your never-ending search for excellence in racing. You always finished first in my book. May you race comfortably in peace.

Respectfully,

E.R.Gilliatt

Kiev, Ukraine