Paul Newman Founded the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp 20 Years After Butch Cassidy

Paul Newman initially became connected with the “Hole in the Wall Gang” through his iconic Western film, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid“. However, this association expanded significantly in the course of the actor’s life. The collaboration between Newman and Robert Redford in this movie marked their first joint venture, resulting in one of the most memorable on-screen duos ever. Their charisma and wit breathed life into these real-life outlaws, making a film that remains among the finest Western movies to this day.

The movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” is based on the real-life tales of these figures from the Old West. Although the cinematic portrayal of their true story isn’t completely accurate, the infamous “Hole in the Wall Gang” – which was actually the name of Butch and Sundance’s criminal group – is a historical event that left an indelible mark. Despite not playing a significant role throughout the film, it has gained additional significance due to Robert Newman’s remarkable work off-camera, which became more prominent years later.

Paul Newman Established The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp In 1988

The Non-Profit Camp Was Established For Chronically Ill Kids

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but admire the legendary Paul Newman for his incredible contributions to Hollywood. However, it’s not just his acting prowess that sets him apart; his philanthropic endeavors are equally remarkable. One such venture is the establishment of the “Hole in the Wall Gang Camp” back in 1988, a name inspired by the gang from his film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid“. This organization, which he founded, serves as a sanctuary for chronically ill children, offering them a space to engage in various activities and create lasting memories with their peers. Located in Ashford, Connecticut, this nonprofit organization spans across 300 acres, providing these young ones with a camp experience they’ll cherish forever.

Every summer, this camp organizes seven one-week sessions for kids between 7 and 15 years old. Activities during these sessions encompass horseback riding, boating, swimming, fishing, craft-making, archery, and multiple sports. During the off-season, the Hole in the Wall Gang Foundation engages in numerous hospital outreach initiatives, claimed to assist more than 200,000 children and their families annually.

Despite being famously linked to one of his outlaw characters, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp serves as a testament to the generous spirit that Paul Newman was renowned for, transcending his acting career. Engaging with the camp until his passing in 2008, Newman frequently welcomed other celebrities to perform for the children there. In essence, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp continues to be a significant part of Newman’s lasting legacy.

Why Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid Remains One Of Paul Newman’s Defining Movies

The Classic Western Stands Out In This Amazing Career

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel that Paul Newman truly embodies the essence of cinematic greatness. He wasn’t just an actor; he was a bona fide movie star who graced our screens with unforgettable performances. Among his numerous iconic roles, there’s one that stands out – “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid.” While Robert Redford was still carving his niche in Hollywood, Newman was already shining brightly, with a string of impressive performances under his belt, including “The Hustler,” “Hud,” and “Cool Hand Luke.

Butch Cassidy presented an opportunity for Paul Newman to truly shine. Prior roles had already set him apart as a rising star alongside Steve McQueen and Clint Eastwood, who were both known for their portrayals of stoic characters. However, Butch Cassidy demonstrated that Newman could break free from this mold. In fact, his character was quite the opposite – talkative, humorous, even goofy at times, and not afraid to look foolish. It appeared as though Newman was having the time of his life on screen during these scenes.

Paul Newman’s Most Iconic Roles

Movie Character
The Hustler (1961) Eddie Felson
Cool Hand Luke (1967) Lucas “Luke” Jackson
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) Butch Cassidy
The Sting (1973) Henry Gondorff
Slap Shot (1977) Reggie “Reg” Dunlop
The Verdict (1982) Frank Galvin
Road to Perdition (2002) John Rooney

The enjoyment of the movie was amplified by his dynamic with Redford, who took on the more serious character that provided a perfect contrast for Newman to act against. This relationship resulted in a legendary film camaraderie, making their characters seem more complex and intriguing.

The film significantly propelled Paul Newman’s acting career to unprecedented heights, transforming him into a highly sought-after star within the Hollywood industry. This breakthrough paved the way for some of his iconic future performances, including “The Sting,” “The Towering Inferno,” “Slap Shot,” and “The Verdict.” Although Newman’s oeuvre encompasses a wealth of excellent films to revisit, it appears that fans frequently rewatch “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” above all others.

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2025-06-01 22:30