Books

Newly discovered Paul Newman memoir tells Hollywood legend’s story

Star told friend unapproved biographies ensured ‘record had no bearing on truth at all’

Paul Newman retired from film acting in 2007 and died the following year, age 83. File photograph: Frank Miller/The Irish Times

Wed Nov 3 2021 - 19:42

A newly discovered memoir by late Hollywood legend Paul Newman, in which he talks about fame, marriage and aging gracefully, is to be published next year, publishers Knopf said on Wednesday.

Newman, one of the biggest stars of the 1960s and 1970s, began writing the memoir in the 1980s to counter the relentless media attention on him, said Knopf.

He never published an autobiography prior to his death in 2008.

Knopf said the as yet untitled memoir would cover the thoughts of the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid star on acting, directing, his 50-year marriage to actress Joanne Woodward, motor racing, politics and stardom.

READ MORE

Paul Newman never published an autobiography prior to his death in 2008: ‘I should probably at least make some truthful self-examination.’ File photograph: Frank Miller/The Irish Times

“Because there had been so many unsolicited biographies and examinations of my work and my life, the record now has no bearing on truth at all,” Newman told a friend, screenwriter Stewart Stern, in 1986. “I should probably at least make some truthful self-examination so the unsolicited biographies wouldn’t be considered as gospel.”

The memoir is based on Stern’s conversations with Newman. Stern also spoke with dozens of Newman’s friends and co-stars, many of them on the record.

Knopf said the transcripts for the memoir were recently discovered at the home of Woodward, now 91, and had been approved for publication by the family.

Unseen side of Newman

Peter Gethers, who is editing the book, said it showed a side of Newman that had not been seen before.

“He does not shy away from his demons. And the actor’s candour, is, by turns, stunning, smart, funny, self-critical and tender,” said Gethers.

Newman, known for his piercing blue eyes, won an Oscar for his 1986 movie The Color of Money and was Oscar-nominated nine other times for movies including Cool Hand Luke and The Verdict. He was also a keen race-car driver.

Newman retired from acting in 2007 and died the following year of lung cancer, age 83.

Knopf said the memoir will be published in the autumn of 2022. – Reuters

LATEST STORIES