Todays New York Times notes the publication of a new book tracing the history of the founding of the highly successful profit-for-charity food company NewmanҒs Own by Westporters Paul Newman and A. E. Hotchner (see WestportNow Oct. 26, 2003).
The lengthy business section piece covers familiar ground but also includes a few nuggets from both about their decades-long friendship, politics, Westport, and a public encounter with fellow Westporter Martha Stewart.
Hotcher relates that he has at times been pushed to the cusp of despair by Newman’s whims and high jinks.
“Oh, I’m beyond complaining,Ғ Mr. Hotchner says with a theatrical flourish. But he complains anyway, the report said.
The Times quotes Hotchner as saying the idea of watching Newman’s Own double in size over the next few years is particularly appealing. “Think of what we could do with the money,” he says.
Newman adds, ԓI just want to be able to give away more than Dick Cheney got in tax relief. That’s what I want.” The newspaper said after a slight dramatic pause, he and Hotchner burst out laughing.
The Times reporter was there as Hotchner, Newman, and his wife, Joanne Woodward, attended last months charity benefit and auction in Greenwich for the Westport Country Playhouse where Woodward is artistic director.
ғAt the auction, the two stars make their entrance before a pack of photographers, the newspaper said.
ԓMr. Hotchner arrives later and immediately announces that he is ready for a gin and tonic. He takes a look around and pronounces the crowd the other side of Westport, the money side, the WASP-y side. I don’t know anyone here.ђ
Just then, a woman runs up to give him a bear hug. It is Martha Stewart, who, as a caterer in Westport years ago, organized a successful taste testing for Newman’s Own salad dressing before it went on the market.
ӓThe founders credit her with a pivotal role in giving them the confidence to go forward.
They chat for a few minutes and make tentative plans for dinner. Perhaps, Ms. Stewart tells him, she could have the two men on her television show to talk about their book and their business.Ӕ
Paul Newman & A E Hotchner