There have been rumours of this all night, but it now appears to have been confirmed.
Paul Newman has passed away.
While he will likely be remembered for being a great actor, his politics and philanthropy cannot be forgotten.
His Newman's Own product line has given away over $200 Million to charity since he founded the brand in the 1980's.
He's also worked to raise money for sick children and some other causes.
Never one to shy away from giving his opinions, Newman made it clear he wanted change in the country and worked towards it. He would often help with Democratic fundraising, like in a letter he wrote...I believe...a few years back.
"More than the films, more than the awards — finding out that I was on Nixon's Enemies List meant that I was doing something right.
"Nixon didn't like my campaigning for Democratic presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy. But then again, he didn't much care for debate, dissent, or the Constitution either.
"I was proud to stand with Democrats against an imperial president back then. And I am proud now to stand with a new generation of Democrats against a president who poses what I believe to be the biggest internal threat to American democracy in my lifetime.
Politico
It's a sad, sad day :(
UPDATE: This really and truly is breaking. Not much MSM coverage just yet. But Newman's Own has released a statement.
"Paul took advantage of what life offered him, and while personally reluctant to acknowledge that he was doing anything special, he forever changed the lives of many with his generosity, humor, and humanness. His legacy lives on in the charities he supported and the Hole in the Wall Camps, for which he cared so much.
"We will miss our friend Paul Newman, but are lucky ourselves to have known such a remarkable person."
Newman's Own release
UpDATE II: I'm starting to get worried that this isn't being picked up. It's been hours since the first word was posted at a particular Entertainment website but nothing beyond the MarketWatch post of the Newman's Own ad. If you find any other confirmation of this, please let me know so I can update.
UPDATE III: It's now hitting the press CNN has it, NBC, etc. It's real.
Paul Newman died Friday at age 83 at his long-time home in Westport, Connecticut, and with his passing, more has been lost than just a good and fine man.
Oregon Live