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OPINION
Remembering Paul Newman and how he went organic
Pictured: Nell Newman
Paul's daughter Nell remembers the family meal and recipes that helped launch Newman’s Own Organics.
By Lisa Gosselin, Editorial Director, EatingWell
Blue eyes. Butch Cassidy. Salad dressing. That’s the way most people will remember Paul Newman. A Westport neighbor. A great dad. Homemade marshmallows. Those are some of the things that stick in my mind.
In an interview Paul’s daughter Nell Newman did with EatingWell Magazine last fall, she shared her own childhood memories.
“It was crazy with all the traveling for movies but when they were home, my parents each cooked their own specialties,” Nell said. “Mom did all the birthday cakes and made breakfast, Dad did the burgers, steaks, corn and salad, of course. I’ll also never forget Dad making marshmallows from scratch. God knows how he did it, but there’s love for you!”
The interview was done by Kathy Oberman of K2 Catering in Westport, Connecticut, a friend of both Nell and me. Kathy, who often cooks for the Newmans, sat down with Nell to hear the story of the famous all-organic Thanksgiving dinner Nell served her family in 1992 (which helped Nell launch Newman’s Own Organics) and to share recipes, including Nell’s Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and sources for an entirely organic Thansgiving meal.
Nell told this story:
“It’s rare for my parents to let me even toy with our favorite family recipes. But one year I wanted to prove to my family that organic food was not only healthier but delicious. I had wanted to start the organic line of Newman’s Own and needed Dad to understand and like this “new” food. So I brought organic salad greens, veggies and potatoes, ordered an organic turkey and cooked the whole Thanksgiving dinner myself. After we ate it I told him it was all organic! His words were, “You got me, kid!” The really cool thing was that Pop got it. Here is this guy who really didn’t know what organic was and probably had some bad association with something my mom made back in the ’70s. It was a revelation to him that organic food could be so delicious.”
Since then, Newman's Own has brought more than 150 natural foods into the market and helped to bring organic Fair Trade coffee to McDonald’s. They have lived up to their company motto, "Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good” by raising more than $250 million for charities through the Newman’s Own Foundation. Champions of all things local, the family helped start the farmers’ market in Westport, Connecticut, and revived the Westport County Playhouse, where I once had the amazing experience of watching Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward play divorced parents on stage, while sitting in the audience with one of their other daughter's, Clea, and our friend Kathy. After, we had drinks with the family at the restaurant that is now The Dressing Room (another homegrown Newman project) and Paul talked about his other passion, car racing. Yes, even at age 80, the blue eyes were mesmerizing.
Nell’s been a fierce champion of local and organic and when I asked her a few weeks ago if she would write a foreword to our next book, EatingWell in Season, The Farmers’ Market Cookbook, she answered immediately: “Sure I’ll do it, but I have to warn you, I may have to drop the ball and don’t want to leave you in the lurch.” She didn’t: her story arrived last week and the book will be out next spring.
This morning, I read the following post after Nell’s interview on eatingwell.com:
Dear Nell,
Your Dad passed away two days ago and I have been feeling so blue, not because he wasn’t fulfilled in life...but because I miss the idea of not having his positive energy here with us…. Your Dad and Mom have been an inspiration to our family, politically and socially....and this tradition now continues with you. Thank you for bringing your family "up to code" on organics and bringing your excellent products to us all. You truly do well by doing good.
—Pat, Beverly Hills, CA
Amen. Thank you, Paul Newman, for all you gave us.
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| USER COMMENTS — Add Your Comment |
I have never felt compelled to write about the loss of someone I have personally never known. But I am blue over Paul Newman's death. He was an inspiration to us all. A fine actor, a principled businessman, an innovator and someone who really made a difference. I'll miss his spirit in the world.
Mary, Boston, MA |
I have been so sad since hearing about Paul Newman's passing. I have loved his acting so much, as well as Joanne's, for many years. I am so glad that they chose and were able to have a private family life away from the glare of Hollywood. Newman's Own first Caesar salad dressing was as close as I have ever found to my own home recipe that used to get great reviews from my friends and family. These days I almost always use Newman's Own dressings instead, as well as many other products of theirs, because they taste wonderful, and I know the profits are going to help all kinds of people and causes in need. What a great humanitarian Paul was, and I know his company and foundation plan to continue his wishes to give all of the profits from Newman's Own to worthy causes, especially the Hole in the Wall Gang camps. Paul Newman was an exceptional actor and director and brought us all so much pleasure for such a long time. However, may God bless him especially for his decision to share his good fortune and become such an inspired and inspiring philanthropist. My thoughts and prayers are with Joanne and their daughters and all the rest of the Newman and Newman's Own family. Paul, we will miss you!
Suzanne Holden, Fort Worth, TX |
Thanks Nell for everything, your dad was a fantastic person. I have to tell you this My moms name is Nell as well and she has alzeheimers. I am my moms caretaker, I wouldnt have it any other way. Family Rules
Thanks
Cherie
cherie, Reynoldsburg, OH |
I love him so much, I watch all he's movies and those blue eyes, he was a very handsome man, we'll miss him.
Linda, Dumas, TX |
I only knew Paul Newman from the movies he starred in, but, we feel your pain. May God have a special place for him in heaven.
Helen Gladgo, Cabo San Lucas, BCS, BC |
Paul Newman was my first "love" as a young girl, and he never let me down. That incredibly handsome face of his was only outdone by his inner self. I hope other people, whether famous or not, will take a good look at this man's life and learn. He was a shining example of how to enjoy life to the fullest and live it with integrity, joy and generosity. Deepest sympathy to his family.
ML, Roanoke, TX |
What I will always remember about Paul Newman is how his beautiful blue eyes seemed to smille when he smiled. God bless the Newman family, I wil be praying for all of you.
Merriel, Flemington, NJ |
I know we as a family will sure miss your dad, we've all loved his movies for years. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Janet Ballew, Marietta, GA |
Great man....in so many ways. His movie "Butch Cassiday" was the only movie my husband and I ever saw more than once...five times!
marge, Edmonds, WA |
Lisa, you mention about "blue eyes, Butch Cassidy, salad dressing" as a memory of Paul Newman. What is missing is NASCAR. He was an intregal part of racing as well. I will miss him dearly.
Lucille Marie, Sonora, CA |
I am a miitary wife and mother, I just love Paul Newman, he was a great man and humanitarian,, he will be sorely missed, but heaven now has a great guy. God bless his family,
caroline cavagna, Heidelberg, GE |
Dear family, I am so saddened to hear of Paul's passing. I am honered to have been able to attend the Double H Ranch for 10 years with my family. What an incredible gift for us. Without Paul's generosity, we would never have had that opportunity. I am also an organic advocated and vegetarian, so y buying the products your family creates, I was actually helping my immediate family as well as countless others. The costume from "Butch Cassidy..." was always a thrill to see at camp, along with the replica barn.....I am grateful to know that your family does so much to help others, in so many ways. He will be missed but his legacy lives on. Blessings to you all. Wendy
Wendy, Rochester, NY |
Mr. Newman was such a wonderful fellow. I'm 60 years old and I have enjoyed all the movies he was a part of. But I most remember him for this wonderful food undertaking he did. I always buy his products because I know how the money is used and that is just the best. God bless all his family, you are so lucky to have had him in your life.
Jenene Dodd, Spotsylvania, VA |
My prayers are with Paul Newman's wonderful family.
I was saddened to hear about Paul Newman's passing. I have always loved him in that starry-eyed way, but, when I heard about Newman's Own I was proud that there was more to him than just a good looking hunk. He was one of the first stars that started giving back before it became "popular".
HHendrix, Sallisaw, OK |
I was so sad when I heard of your Father Paul Newman's Passing. I have so enjoyed all of his movies. He was a great man and had such a big heart. And he shared his wealth with those less fortunate. That makes his a very special guy. I will miss him terribly. I will pray for your comfort in this hour of great loss. God Bless!
Marcia Reynolds, Belgrade, MT |
Thoughts and Prayers for the Newman family. Paul was every womans dream man. Oh, God--I loved those blue eyes. But I grew to love the man for what he did. He helped others in ways we will never know. For that---he will always be remembered.
Sandie, Charleston, WV |
I remember Paul Newman from all his fantastic roles! My ex-husband and he went to the same HS in Shaker Hts, Ohio. I was, also, very impressed when he opened Newman's Own and knowing that all the profits were for charitable causes. There are so few who follow through - caring for the less advantaged.
Diane Scharf-Landers, Miami, FL |
I somehow cannot imagine the world without Paul Newman. He always struck me as a man of integrity and honor. He lived his beliefs and took care of those that needed care with a generous open heart and hand. I admired the man as much as I appreciated the actor. His movies are some of my favorites and can be enjoyed time and again.He was a wonderful role model for what a man should be. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Judy Chun, Concord, CA |
To the Newman Family/My husband and I have enjoyed your father and mother's movies for years. We also love all of your organic products. Your Dad will be surely missed. I think he is smiling down on all of you with love.
Donna Andersen, Boulder Creek, CA |
I loved Paul Newman because he was a beautiful man inside, as well as outside, and I routinely purchase many of his organic products. I was just wondering, if Paul ate all those healthy, organic foods, how did he end up with cancer? In no way am I trying to be disrespectful, I just thought those foods were supposed to keep us healthy and prevent diseases. I have been buying everything organic for the past 2-3 years and don't even eat at restaurants anymore. This is a food website, are we wasting our money?
Sharon, W. Palm Beach, FL |
As a young girl Paul Newman was also my first love. He seem to be a quiet man. Sorry to lose him.
Debra Duronslet, LaPlace, LA |
A great loss to the WORLD!!! A true HUMANitarian!!! Prayers sent!~NVWADOHIYIDA~PEACE~
C D Allen, Franklin, KY |
I'll never forget the comment I heard him make on one of the talk shows many moons ago. When asked about infidelity, he replied "Why go out for hamburger when you have steak at home". My family will miss Mr. Newman and the contributions he has made to help make this world a better place.
Mary, Phoenix, AZ |
Paul Newman was my most favorite actor of all time. He and Joan never felled you on screen nor off. He has one heck of a legacy!!!
, , NM |
To the daughter and wife of paul newman-- may God be with you, paul was one of my very favorite actors of all time. hope you can continue his food company(s).
karen white, Springfield, MO |
Deepest regards to Paul's family and friends in the loss of a man that words can never be enough to capture his essence. A true legend that will live in hearts forever. We are blessed with his pay it forward goodness in the world.
Debi, Merced, CA |
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. He was one of Connecticut's favorite residents. We'll miss him and his generous spirit but we're grateful that it lives on in your gracious undertaking of the foundation work. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Andrea R., West Hartford, CT |
Deepest sympathies to Paul's family on their loss. I do hope it is something of a comfort to realize just how much he was admired as an actor and especially as a member of the human family. The world is diminished by his passing.
Judy Korcz, Brooklyn, NY |
The one thing that I really admired about your Dad was his love for you mother. Very few actors have a deep family commitment. He was a great person.
Helene, Pittsburgh, PA |
Paul Newman was one of my mom's favorite actors. She loved all his movies and his handsomeness. I admire his charity work, I never brought his products bec it's a little pricey, am reading all his comments about his products all the people said is good so i am eager to try it now. God bless u and ur mom and ur whole family.
Margaret Profeta, Oakland, CA |
Iam deeply saddened by your Dad's death and send my thoughts and prayers to your family. He was such a dedicated man to so many worthy causes and his legend will live on. Thank you Paul for giving us all inspiration, imagination, and excitement. I also love your parent's love story...it is beautiful and I can just imagine how romantic it was for them. When I think of this my heart skips a beat.. He will be missed so much. Thank you for this web-site which gives us all an opportunity to share in the grief.. we loved him so much.
Marilyn, Wilmington, NC |
He was one of my first infatuations after I saw Butch Cassady and the Sundance Kid at the age of 13. I so thoroughly enjoyed him as an actor and then as a humanitarian. I believe he would be embarrassed by all this attention and all these comments. God Bless and keep his family at this time of sorrow.
Judy Cassady, Milner, GA |
Earth lost a good man when Paul Newman passed away! I shall greatly miss his movies, and wit&charm. My oldest brother was alot like him in looks, and character. He even had those blue eyes. He too passed away in late 90's. I have been saddened in both the passings, Kathy Johnson, Suffolk, Va.
Kathy, Suffolk, VA |
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