Paul Newman's style was all his own

PAUL NEWMAN, who passed away Friday at 83 after a long battle with cancer, was a humanitarian, a loving husband and a race car driver, but most of all, he was an actor of perceptive intelligence, power and even simplicity.

In his review of Newman's 1994 film "Nobody's Fool," critic Roger Ebert stated that Newman "is an exact contemporary of Marlon Brando, who is said to have invented modern film acting. Yes, and he probably did, stripping it of the mannerisms of the past and creating a hypercharged realism. Like Brando, Newman studied the Method. Like Brando, Newman looked good in an undershirt. Unlike Brando, Newman went on to study life."

Newman transformed himself from a man who would be Brando to a superstar in his own right over his 54-year film career, creating indelible characters that will forever be remembered and treasured. Here's a look at notable work from Newman's acting career:

'The Silver Chalice'

After appearing in several programs on live TV and on Broadway in William Inge's "Picnic," Newman made his feature film debut in this tepid 1954 biblical epic based on the book by Thomas Costain. Newman plays an artist named Basil who makes the silver chalice that will hold the Holy Grail. Newman hated the film, and when the movie premiered on television in the 1960s, he went so far as to take out an ad in a trade publication in which he not only apologized for his wooden performance but urged viewers not to watch. Of course, it was a ratings blockbuster.

'Somebody Up There Likes Me'

Newman followed "The Silver Chalice" with Robert Wise's uncompromising 1956 biopic on legendary boxer Rocky Graziano, a convict who eventually became the middleweight champ. Newman looked nothing like the stocky, bulbous-nosed Graziano, but thanks to makeup, a buff bod and plenty of attitude, the actor scores a knockout. Hollywood Reporter stated: "We have a male actor projected to major stardom on the basis of one performance." James Dean was initially cast in the starring role before he died in a car crash.

'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'

Though Tennessee Williams' hit play had to be watered down for the big screen, this 1958 adaptation written and directed by Richard Brooks is solid, exceptional entertainment. Particularly striking are Newman as the former athlete now unapologetic drunkard Brick and Elizabeth Taylor as his beautiful, frustrated wife, Maggie. Their volatile scenes together are passionate, angry and erotic. Newman received his first Oscar nomination for best actor for his work in this film; Taylor received her second.