Nobody’s Fool: Paul Newman

Today is Paul Newman’s birthday.  The legendary Academy Award-winning actor not only made an impact on the screen, but as a leader in corporate responsibility and the environment (among many other causes).

Before it was popular for celebrities to be activists, Newman was making a stand – even as one of the attendees of the first Earth Day celebration in 1970.

He  was committed to helping make the world a better place. To carry on his philanthropic legacy, Newman’s Own Foundation donates all net royalties and profits after taxes it receives from the sale of Newman’s Own products to charity. To date, Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation have given over $300 million to thousands of charities around the world, including many environmental causes.

Newman disputed the widespread idea that the only purpose of a business was to maximize profit.

“If they are very, very fortunate to have a profitable business, why would they object to making an investment in the community? I don’t look at it as philanthropy.I look at those dollars as investments in the community that allows them to function.”

His daughter, Nell, worked with her father to create Newman’s Own Organics in 1992, which supports organic agriculture by actually growing the industry and funds organizations with the profits. She, in turn, also founded her own foundation with a focus on environmental causes and education.

So on what would be his 92 birthday, we also wanted to share some of T4CI staff picks for you to watch:

• The Color of Money
• Slap Shot
• Cars
• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
• The Hustler

What’s your favorite Paul Newman movie, and why? Please share in the comments section.