Paul Newman

by Lawrence J. Quirk

A racy leading man, a devoted husband and father, an American icon. Any of these would describe Hollywood legend Paul Newman. Almost everyone the world over knows the public story of America's heartthrob, but few know what really went on beyond the silver screen—until now. Quirk's book chronicles how Newman, armed with his astonishing good looks and what his acting teacher called "magnetic presence," rushed into acting and marriage to get away from his father's disapproving eye. As Quirk deftly unveils, however, Newman was unprepared to settle down, and the vows of marriage only served to ward off rumors of his suspected homosexuality. Quirk details Newman's rocky marriage, the joyful birth of his first child, and his first acting breaks on Broadway where he met his second wife, Joanne Woodward.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History

384 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1996

Reviews

[Maureen Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is occasional decent insight here but the absolutely gleeful misogyny, particularly as directed to Joanne Woodward, invalidates anything this has to offer. And it’s far too interested in salacious gossip, like the absurd rumor Newman was closeted. Quirk very bizarrely seems to have a vendetta against Newman, and I can’t for the life of me figure out why he wanted to write a biography of a man he so clearly disdains.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved Paul Newman, so this book didn't sit all that well with me. He wasn't a perfect man, a perfect actor or a perfect husband and father. The book was well written and a terrific read.

[John P · Rating 3 out of 5]

This bio is well-written and reads smoothly. Note that it does not cover the last 10 years or so of Newman's life. There are a few editing misses, but they do not detract much from the enjoyment.

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've read a lot of biographies and this is the biggest hatchet job I've ever had the displeasure to read. Quirk had nothing good or constructive to say about anything Newman has ever done or said or filmed and the book is not well-researched or even well-written. Quirk clearly had an agenda when he set out to write it, but instead of undermining Newman's credibility he only undermined his own. Don't waste your time on his bile. I know I won't bother to read anything else Quirk has ever written.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book a high rating not because it was a "really, really great book" but because it was a fast and interesting (I might even say unusual) read. The book is surprisingly disapproving of Newman and Woodward. It provoked a lot of thought about fame and life and a general approach to creativity and success...or maybe that was just my experience. If you're interested at all in Newman, I definitely recommend it.

[Judy Wyndham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Paul Newman and I just couldn't enjoy the light in which he was painted in this book. It may have been accurate but that I want him to be the good guy.

[Carmelina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book I felt that the author really didn't like Paul Newman all that much.