Dad Paul Newman Was a 'Rare Symbol of Selfless Humility'

Originally posted Saturday September 27, 2008 02:25 PM EDT

Newman, with daughters Lissy and Clea in 1995 Photo by: Nick Elgar / LFI

His characters onscreen were monumental, but it's at home where Paul Newman’s death may leave the biggest void.

"Paul Newman played many unforgettable roles. But the ones for which he was proudest never had top billing on the marquee," his daughters said in a statement following their father's death.

Calling Newman a "devoted husband,” “loving father," "adoring grandfather” and a “dedicated philanthropist," the women paid tribute to the head of their family.

The statement continued, "Our father was a rare symbol of selfless humility, the last to acknowledge what he was doing was special. Intensely private, he quietly succeeded beyond measure in impacting the lives of so many with his generosity."

At home in Hollywood with Lissy and Nell, in 1965 Photo by: David Sutton / MPTV

Newman leaves behind five adult children: Stephanie and Susan with his first wife, Jacqueline Witte, and Clea, Nell, and Lissy with his wife of 50 years, Joanne Woodward. Nell runs Newman's Own Organics, a spinoff of her father's Newman's Own products. A son, Scott, died of a drug overdose in 1978.

"Always and to the end, Dad was incredibly grateful for his good fortune," they said. "In his own words: 'It's been a privilege to be here.’ "

They concluded, "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."