Meet Paul Newman, our Founder.

Irreverent. Innovative. Radical. The salad dressing philanthropist.

Paul Newman was a rare breed – a “multi-hyphenate” ahead of his time. An Oscar-winning actor – think Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, or The Color of Money. An accomplished race car driver, winning four national championships. A groundbreaking activist, social entrepreneur, and philanthropist, starting Newman’s Own at the young age of 57.

Paul Newman and campers at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, part of SeriousFun Children's Network.

“Let’s give it all away”

The Original “Hell-Raiser”

“When the idea came up, I said, ‘Are you crazy? Stick my face on the label of salad dressing?’ And then, of course, we got the whole idea of exploitation and how circular it is. Why not, really, go to the fullest length, and the silliest length, in exploiting yourself and turn the proceeds back to the community?”

Paul Newman, 1984.

“Those who are most lucky should hold their hands out to those who aren’t.”

Paul Newman and campers in The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp dining hall, part of SeriousFun Children's Network.

“We felt we had to share the good fortune with others. Besides, there is something repugnant about putting my face on the label and money in my pocket.”

“I would like it if people would think … there’s a spirit that takes action, a heart, and a talent that doesn’t come from my blue eyes.”

The Unofficial Story of Paul

A lifetime of radical good

The beginning

Paul Newman was born and raised in Ohio by parents who owned a successful sporting goods store. He enlisted in the Navy and completed his military service as a radioman/gunner in the Pacific during World War II. Seeing his father’s business ethic during the Great Depression and experiencing the war fueled his desire to help others in need.

Career

In 1958, Paul made his acting debut on Broadway in “Picnic,” where he also met his future wife, Joanne Woodward. Paul started a successful race car driving career inspired by training for the film Winning. He went on to win second place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s oldest endurance race event. After years of acting and being recognized for his achievements on screen and stage, he received many accolades including an Oscar for Best Actor in The Color of Money.

Standing up for what’s right

Paul used his fame for good. He was dedicated to civil rights–attending the March on Washington in August 1963–women’s rights, and gay rights. He used his platform to advocate for equal pay for his female co-stars. He was a vocal political advocate committed to ending the nuclear arms race and determined to elect opponents of war and militarism. President Jimmy Carter appointed him to a United Nations General Assembly session on nuclear disarmament.

The start of something good

In 1982, Paul Newman and his friend Hotch founded a food company on a bit of a lark. They turned a profit selling salad dressing that first year, and did something truly radical when they decided to “give it all away” to good causes.

Carrying on the legacy

Paul established Newman’s Own Foundation to ensure the continuation of his philanthropic legacy after his passing. 40+ years since its founding, his first of its kind food company and its innovative business model are still going strong.

Paul and Newman’s Own Foundation have given away over $600M to good causes thanks to the millions of consumers who buy Newman’s Own products which now include salad dressing, salsa, popcorn, lemonade, pizza, dog treats, and more.

Who would have thought that so much good could come from a simple idea?

As Paul said, it has been “a heck of a ride.”

Meet our grantees

Timeline of Newman’s Own

Let’s Give it All Away

1980

The dressing that started it all

On a bit of a lark, Paul Newman and A.E. Hotchner create homemade salad dressing to give as holiday gifts, and their friends want more.

Paul Newman and A.E. Hotchner. Photos by Steve (Stephen) D. Colhoun.

1982

The beginning of Newman’s Own

Newman’s Own salad dressing officially launches, generating over $300K in first-year profits. Paul declares, “Let’s give it all away to those who need it!”

1988

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp opens in Connecticut for children with serious illnesses to “raise a little hell.” The first year, 288 kids attend.

Paul Newman and campers at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, now part of SeriousFun Children’s Network.

1993

Newman’s Own Organics

Nell Newman founded Newman’s Own Organics with her father Paul Newman and business partner Peter Meehan. Paul’s daughter Melissa Newman designed the Award-winning concept for the American Gothic style label featuring Paul posed with Nell.

2005

Newman’s Own Foundation

Paul creates Newman’s Own Foundation to carry on his philanthropic legacy.

2008

Paul Newman’s passing

On September 26th, Paul Newman’s life and legacy are honored upon his passing. Countless people remember the actor, race car driver, and philanthropist who helped make the world a better place.

Paul Newman, 1984 and Paul at Hole in the Wall Camp opening, photo by Karl Schumacher.

2018

The Philanthropic Enterprise Act

Newman’s Own is able to continue Paul’s legacy to give it all away with the passage of the Philanthropic Enterprise Act that allows a for-profit company to be entirely owned by a private foundation and exist solely to give all profits to great causes.

2022

$600M to great causes

Newman’s Own celebrates 40 years and $600M donated to great causes. The Foundation refocuses its mission and efforts on Paul’s early vision to help children who face adversity through three priority areas: joyful experiences for children with serious illnesses through SeriousFun Children’s Network, Nutrition Education & School Food, and Indigenous Food Justice.

Indigenous Food Justice grantee partner Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative, a project of National Wildlife Federation.

2025

100% for Purpose Club Launched

In honor of what would have been Paul’s 100th birthday, we teamed up with other organizations to launch the 100% for Purpose™ Club, with the mission to support and inspire the next generation of organizations dedicating 100% of their profits for purpose.

Photos courtesy of Oregon Farm to School Network and Harlem Grown.

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