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A stellar career in more ways than one
By Nestor Torre
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:07:00 10/09/2008
Filed Under: Entertainment (general), Cinema, Celebrities
MANILA, Philippines—Talk about stars who set a good example for viewers, Paul Newman practically wrote the book on that subject. That’s why, when he passed away last month at age 83, many people went out of their way to extol him for a life well lived, and a career that was stellar in more ways than one.
Yes, Newman was more than just a movie luminary, he was a guiding star by which Hollywood took stock of itself and the way that it served its public, beyond mere entertainment.
Newman set the bar for happy marriages in the maritally dysfunctional movie industry. His and Joanne Woodward’s union assured the public that celebrity did not mean profligacy when it came to love and fealty.
Yes, Hollywood was rife with distractions and seductions, but if such a big catch as Paul Newman could choose to be faithful to his wife, there was hope for everybody!
For his part, Newman explained his “loyalty” to his wife in this characteristically tart yet cheesy way: “Why settle for hamburger when you can get steak at home?” Why, indeed…
Newman’s other inspiring contributions include his many fine big-screen portrayals, his work as a film industry leader, and his donations to many charitable endeavors, including a camp for sick children.
The way that Newman raised many millions of dollars for charity was quite unique, and showed his penchant for thinking out of the box: He whipped up a variety of salad dressings, and sold them throughout the United States, with all of the profits going to charity.
For these and other selfless initiatives, Paul Newman will be long remembered— with respect, appreciation and gratitude.
Some months ago, we were fortunate to have watched an installment of the “Iconoclasts” TV show, which focused on the unique partnership and friendship between Newman and his screen “sidekick,” Robert Redford.
Both stars had a lot to say about each other, and we found most instructive Redford’s observation that Newman was a great man because he had discovered the all-important psychic link between setting high standards for himself, working for others—and having a fun time all the while!
Speaking of Redford, he’s similarly set a great example with his pioneering and unstinting support for indie movies by way of his Sundance Film Festival.
He’s also come up with a number of significant films, the relevance of which has belied the dated cliché that his “golden boy” looks have become.
Now that Newman has passed on, we look to Redford to carry on his mission to prove that movie stars possess, not just art, but a whole lot of heart—a winning combination for all film seasons!
‘HSM 3’
FIL-AM talent Vanessa Hudgens played the brainy and beautiful Gabriella Montez in the 2006 Disney Channel movie, “High School Musical,” and its sequel. Now, Gabriella is back, along with Troy, Chad and Sharpay, for Disney’s big screen feature, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”
Vanessa recalls that she was only 16 when she first auditioned for “HSM.” Does she have a favorite song in the musical series? “Yes,” she grins, “in fact, I have three! In the first ‘HSM,’ it was ‘Breaking Free.’ In the second, I liked ‘Gotto Go My Own Way.’ And, in ‘HSM 3,’ it’s ‘Just Wanna Be With You’—it sort of reminds me of the Beatles song, ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand.’”
The Fil-Am beauty is now a big earner, but swears that her success hasn’t gone to her head. As for the pressures of stardom, “I always try and keep in mind that people like what we’re doing and we bring a certain joy to them—that’s why there’s this interest in what we’re doing off-screen.”
What makes “HSM 3” different from the first two productions? “I think they were leading up to this movie, because we’re now dealing with adult issues, like getting into college, and leaving loved ones behind. And, because it’s a film for cinemas this time, we’ve taken our dancing and singing up a notch. I hope the fans are going to love it!”
‘Sleeping Beauty’
GANTIMPALA Theater has transformed the well-loved fairy tale, “Sleeping Beauty,” into an original Filipino musical, written by J. Dennis Teodosio with music by Jesse Lucas, under the direction of Tony Espejo. Lead players include Aiza Marquez, Noel Rayos and Tosea Puno. Performances run from Oct. 15 to 18 at the AFP Theater. Call 899-5745 or 474-5198.
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