Stars Speak Out About Paul Newman

Sept. 28, 2008 — -- They don't make 'em like Paul Newman anymore.

That's why Hollywood's not hesitating to shower praise on the Oscar-winning actor/pioneering philanthropist/American arts legend, who died late Friday at the age of 83. Below, a round-up of what Newman's contemporaries and admirers are saying:

Elizabeth Taylor

"[I] loved that man with all my heart. He was goodness and kindness and pure integrity. I know he loved his family, his wife, the world and mankind. He was purity of heart. Working with him was such a joy. Knowing him, being his friend, was as golden as the sunset and a privilege I'll never forget. I thank God and feel so honored for that privilege. May he be in God's embrace forever." -- statement to reporters, 9/27/08.

Robert Redford

"There is a point where feelings go beyond words. I have lost a real friend. My life -- and this country -- is better for his being in it." -- statement to reporters, 9/27/08.

Martin Scorsese

"It's a great loss, in so many ways. The history of movies without Paul Newman? It's unthinkable. His presence, his beauty, his physical eloquence, the emotional complexity he could conjure up and transmit through his acting in so many movies -- where would we be without him? 'In From the Terrace' or 'The Hustler' or 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' or 'The Verdict' or 'Nobody's Fool,' to name just a few pictures that come to mind, he's more than just iconic. In those movies and in many, many others, he created characters that are lasting and durable."

"His powerful eloquence, his consummate sense of craft, so consummate that you didn't see any sense of effort up there on the screen, set a new standard. My own experience working with him on 'The Color of Money' was a joy, and my memories of our time together are precious. But in addition to being a great actor, one of the greatest really, he was also such a fine, caring man. I will miss him greatly." -- statement to reporters, 9/27/08.

George Clooney

"He set the bar too high for the rest of us -- not just actors, but all of us. He will be greatly missed." -- statement to reporters, 9/27/08.

Sally Field

"I was blessed to have known him. The world is better because of him. Sometimes God makes perfect people and Paul Newman was one of them." -- statement to reporters, 9/27/08.

Julia Roberts

"He was my hero." -- statement to reporters, 9/27/08.

Sidney Poitier

"His was an important life lived in ways that exemplified what good, caring human values look like in a truly decent human being. In his life and in his work, he was a giver -- and never a taker." -- statement to reporters, 9/27/08.

Susan Sarandon

"Paul Newman was a class act; smart, sexy, generous and kind. He was committed equally to justice and pranks. He was something you don't hear mentioned often these days; a good man. He taught me to appreciate the homegrown tomato, championship badminton and chamber music. He will be missed." -- statement to reporters, 9/27/08.

David Letterman

"Paul was a very fine actor and a really good race driver. But mostly, he personified humanity - always taking care of those who were less fortunate. For me, this will be his legacy." -- statement to reporters, 9/27/08.