Total coincidence (or proof that we share a bond?!), but I looked up the late Paul Newman on IMDb today and found that it was his birthday! I love this man! One of my favorite actors of all time, for sure! Timeless.
I thought I’d share a little story of my one encounter with him…
Carnegie Hall, NYC. I don’t remember what year. Must’ve been maybe around 2002. I was turning pages for Joshua Bell’s recital (I had quite an illustrious career as a professional pageturner at one time). After the concert, I was returning some music to Josh in his dressing room. The backstage was flooded with people and I had gotten my traditional sweaty post-concert hug from him and I was ready to get out of there. I stepped into the elevator – the small one, not the one they use for moving pianos, etc – to find myself alone with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward! I just about passed out right there. Unassuming and elegant, having just paid their respects to the artists, they were on their way out also.
What do you say when you meet your heroes? It’s a terrible situation really. Say nothing and then kick yourself later, or risk embarrassment, or worse: annoying the hell out of them?
I followed them out a set of doors and then could not stand it any longer, “Excuse me? I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m such a big fan of yours…”
It was at this point that Mr. Newman, ever the elegant gentleman, reached out and touched my arm saying, “Thank you. Good job page turning.” His lovely wife smiled at me. We walked out of Carnegie Hall and parted ways.
I think I floated home that night. I will never forget that feeling. The night that Paul Newman recognized me…!
(above) Paul & Joanne in their heyday… and (below) what they looked like that night (sans graduation garb)
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