Paul Newman, actor, director, race car driver and producer, died Friday of cancer.  He will be greatly missed by his Hollywood friends, his family and the theatre going population.

Newman, 83, was the ultimate silver fox -- cunning, cool, and getting better with age.  He used his experience to better mankind, and was a gentleman who always showed that he cared, giving to charities.  In 1982, Newman and his Westport neighbor, writer A.E. Hotchner, started a company to market Newman's original oil-and-vinegar dressing. Newman's Own, which grew into a multimillion-dollar business selling popcorn, salad dressing, spaghetti sauce and other foods. All of the company's profits are donated to charities. By 2007, the company had donated more than $175 million.

In 1988, Newman founded a camp in northeastern Connecticut for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. He went on to establish similar camps in several other states and in Europe.

Nominated for Oscars 10 times, he won one regular award and two honorary ones, and had major roles in more than 50 motion pictures, including "Exodus," ''Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," ''The Verdict," ''The Sting" and "Absence of Malice."

Over the last 50 years, Newman worked with some of the best directors and co-stars. He is survived by his widow, Joanne Woodward, and five children.

Now, here’s to you, Mr. Paul Newman, may you rest in peace.