Newman began to garner critical acclaim with his next release Somebody Up There Likes Me and indeed, the film's title seemed to serve as a prediction of his fame and fortune to come.
His brilliant portrayal of popular boxer Rocky Graziano in the film earned him the much needed praise and respect of America's critics, which helped secure his place in Hollywood.
The 1950s also saw Newman star in a number of other memorable box office hits, including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and The Young Philadelphians.
Remarkably, in an era when most stars of the previous decade found themselves lost and already in danger of being forgotten, Newman managed to shine through as the sixties rolled in, starring in several major films, most notably Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, in a role that is now legendary. His other notable films include The Exodus, The Prize and Cool Hand Luke.
It is testament to his skill and talent as an actor that Newman was still being offered roles in major movies even though he was nearing his 1970s as the century drew to a close. He was even nominated in 2002 for his supporting role alongside Tom Hanks in The Road to Perdition.
In the picture: With Elizabeth Taylor in a still from Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.
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