The 1949 Sitcom Credited As Paul Newman's First Ever On-Screen Appearance
Of all the big names to embark on the dream of fame in Hollywood, an individual that most assuredly stands out as one of the all-time greats is Paul Newman. The man known for several iconic performances and being the face of a salad dressing was one of the coolest players the film industry has ever seen. But some may not be aware that, just like most, his legend has a humble beginning.
Whether it's going out in a blaze of glory with Robert Redford in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" or bragging about how sometimes nothing is a pretty cool hand in "Cool Hand Luke," Paul Newman's cinematic legacy is filled with so many memorable endeavors. Throughout his successful career, the Tinseltown legend lent his talents to several motion pictures, some better than others. Of the numerous standouts that many would agree are some of his best include "The Hustler," "The Sting," and his Academy Award-winning turn in "The Color of Money." Newman, who started in the late 1940s, continued to make an impact in the industry, closing out a worthwhile journey in 2002 in the Sam Mendes-directed "Road to Perdition" starring Tom Hanks. His final live-action feature film role also netted the prolific Hollywood player an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor, one of ten he had received in his career.
But some may not know before he became a legend, Newman got his first credit on the small screen in a 1949 sitcom.
Paul Newman played Occasional Castmenber on the 1949 sitcom The Aldrich Family
According to IMDb, Paul Newman's first credit was Occasional Cast Member on the sitcom "The Aldrich Family," which ran on NBC from 1949 to 1953. The series was based on the popular radio show of the same name and followed an American middle-class family living on Elm Street in Centerville. The main focus of the program revolved around the antics and adventures of Henry Aldrich, a teenager in high school. Newman was featured on the program in 1952 and 1953. In 1954, the actor would make the jump to the big screen in "The Silver Chalice," as pictured above, and the rest is some pretty impressive history.
His humble beginnings led to a very impactful run both inside and outside of the entertainment industry. His contributions to the world of cinema earned him the coveted Cecil B. DeMille Award, and his charitable endeavors allowed him to become the recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. His intriguing journey is brilliantly on display in the critically acclaimed first season of the docu-series "The Last Movie Stars" (via Rotten Tomatoes), which features eye-opening insights into his personal life and an in-depth look at his journey. Despite his struggles and flaws, he was able to reach heights of stardom most only dream about, and it's safe to say there will never be another Paul Newman.
In the end, Newman cultivated a rewarding career with several memorable performances, and part of it all started with a stint on "The Aldrich Family."