Losing Paul Newman

With his passing on Friday, Paul Newman leaves behind an inspirational, 83-year legacy of talent, love and compassion. This morning family, friends and colleagues are paying tribute to the prolific film star, racecar aficionado and passionate philanthropist.

"He set the bar too high for the rest of us. Not just actors, but all of us." - George Clooney

"He was my hero." - Julia Roberts

"I was blessed to have known him. The world is better because of him. Sometimes God makes perfect people and Paul Newman was one of them." - Sally Field, his costar in Absence of Malice

"Paul Newman played many unforgettable roles. But the ones for which he was proudest never had top billing on the marquee. Devoted husband. Loving father. Adoring grandfather. Dedicated philanthropist... Always and to the end, Dad was incredibly grateful for his good fortune. In his own words: 'It's been a privilege to be here.' He will be profoundly missed by those whose lives he touched, but he leaves us with extraordinary inspiration to draw upon. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy for our family." - Statement from Newman's three daughters Elinor, Melissa and Claire, whose mother is Oscar-winning actress Joanne Woodward

"He was a master of his craft — an artist respected and emulated by his peers and beloved by movie fans around the world." - Dan Glickman, the chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America

"Paul Newman's craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all." - Robert Forrester, vice-chairman of Newman's Own Foundation, which has donated more than $250 million charities worldwide.

"All who knew him, worked with him and who have been touched by his kindness and generosity are extremely fortunate. It was Paul's dream that the camps continue to thrive and provide laughter to children who need it most, and we will keep that dream alive." - Statement from the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, which Newman founded in 1988 for children with serious medical needs.

Robert Redford says he's "lost a real friend." He's talking about Paul Newman, his co-star in 2 of their best-known movies -- "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting." Redford says it's hard to put into words his feelings about Newman. But he says his own life -- and the nation -- are "better for his being in it."

"[Sam] Mendes, who won an Oscar for the movie, said working with Newman was 'the highlight of my professional life.' 'To say he was an extraordinary man would be an understatement,' he said. 'He saw himself as a working actor, not a movie star, and insisted that everyone else did the same. There was no ego, no entourage, no hangers on. Only Paul, his script and his incredible spirit. 'One can say this about very few people, but he was a truly great man.'"

"[Daniel] Craig, the star of the recent James Bond film, described Newman as 'one of the greatest screen actors of all time and a beautiful man. 'I think an era just ended,' he said."

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