20 some-odd years ago, I ripped a page out of some magazine which had a photo of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward on it. It’s a photo of them when they were newlyweds. I think I was sitting in a dentist’s waiting office when I saw the photo and I grabbed it then and there. I still have it. It is STILL taped to the inside of my closet door – and has been, in whatever apartment I live in, wherever I have hung my hat over the years … It’s just an image I adore, there is something indefinable about it … calming, logical, comfortable … I just like the two of them so much, too … so this obviously staged yet still somehow natural and breezy morning-at-home shot has a feel of reality to it, of a caught moment.
I am shocked I was able to find it online – it took some digging, but there it was.
I’m working on a larger tribute piece for Paul Newman right now – for this actor who will be sorely missed – not just by me, but – judging from the 50 pages of comments at the BBC site – from fans around the world. He was truly loved.
Rest in peace. And my thoughts go to his wife, his kids, his friends, his colleagues … everyone who knew him.
And so let’s look back at them then … just married … two young actors starting out together.
I have looked at this photo so often and so deeply that I feel I can smell the eggs he is cooking. I want her pants. I love that kitchen. The photo still speaks to me. It’s not static. It’s a world. It’s alive. I can hear the clatter of the pan of the stove. I can feel the affection between them, yet look at how they are separated – doing different things. It’s an atypical kind of shot … rather remarkable. Not just because it’s him who is cooking … but just the attitudes of both of them … their connection and yet their separate-ness.
It’s one of those photos that cajoles you to join it … and then makes you envious that you are not there …
And, for me, it keeps telling a story. Maybe that’s why I like to have it around.
Recently, Paul Newman was asked the secret to his long marriage. He gave what I consider to be the best answer I have ever heard on that particular topic: “Laughter and lust.”
Interesting that the word “love” didn’t show up at all. Laughter and lust. My kind of guy.
Rest in peace.
I love that he’s wearing shorts and a jacket. And I love that the photo is so specific for you that you’ve filled in the fact that he’s making eggs, when we can’t actually see what he’s cooking. (Though, maybe this photo is cropped and your magazine version has eggs in it.) I love them as a couple.
No it’s true – I just imagined the eggs!! It could be flapjacks for all I know!
This is the guy who played Cool Hand Luke. Of course you assumed it was eggs!
Great photo!
Ha!! Of course!
That is adorable! I love the entire thing. Look at his white socks and loafers, along with the shorts and jacket. And her outfit! And the whole kitchen! No wonder you held on to this picture. Thanks for sharing.
When he came to our school I asked him what the secret to his marriage was and he answered, “It was impossible in the beginning, it was impossible in the middle and it’s impossible now.” He was much older then.
David – I loved that moment when you made him laugh – in response to that comment of his. It was great! Truly spontaneous.
He actually said the “laughter and lust” thing in the last 5 or 6 years – so that’s comforting! I guess I also find it comforting (for some odd reason) that in neither of the statements – the “impossible” one or the “lust” one – involve the word “love”. I suppose that just shows that I am a lunatic, but seriously, what else is new.
He was a great actor. I’m gonna miss him a lot.
I know. I was crazy about him. His entire career, my admiration never waned.
Also his salsa is the only salsa I’ll buy.
There was that cockiness about him – yet it remained somehow weirdly friendly – know what I mean? He wasn’t a douche-bag cocky … I don;t know … it was such a great combination and made him soooo fun to watch. But then you see him down and out – like in The Verdict – with his eyedrops and stuff like that – and it’s painful to see.
“Love” is too trite an answer… too easy. It’s like- duhhhhh of course you love each other!!! The love part is the easy part!! But what is the secret? What is the answer?? Such a smart man to not take the easy way out.