Yes he was the real deal. Hated the celebrity aspect of his vocation. always wanting to be known as a 'working actor'..
He had it all - talent, looks, opportunity, yet he said he believed it was all luck..and he felt it necessary to share it with those who were not so lucky. He had it all..and most of all he had humility..something so many who are blessed with 'luck' these days don't have..they talk the talk but don't walk the walk..Newman did and so many are better for it.
One little guy who attended one of the first "Hole in the Wall' camps for sick kids told his dad when they left that he was so glad he had cancer cuz it meant he could come back every year..
omigoodness..what an impact Newman made in all aspects of his life..
memories from a counselor at the camp:
http://www.slate.com/id/2201116/?GT1=38002