Modern Day Celebrities That Remind Us of Paul Newman

Published: May 9, 2024 by Liam Frady

What modern celebrities remind us of Paul Newman? Paul Newman was an electric presence on the silver screen, lighting up films like The Hustler and Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid. Sadly, no one has quite filled the same pair of shoes as Newman, but these modern actors come close.

Matthew McConaughey

I’ve often heard it said that Matthew McConaughey is the modern Paul Newman to match Brad Pitt’s Robert Redford. However, I don’t necessarily agree with that claim. McConaughey brings an effortless charm to the screen while bringing a smoldering intensity to more dramatic roles. If there is an heir to Newman’s throne, it might be the star of The Dallas Buyer’s Club.

Matt Damon

*Damon gives himself in full to every role, no matter the film.*
©IMDb - Original / License

Note that I’m not going by resemblance in the slightest, as Newman had very distinctive features. However, I’m struggling to think of a film where Matt Damon phoned it in. Much like Paul Newman, Matt Damon brings all of himself to a role. My favorite film starring Damon is The Martian.

Ryan Gosling

I’ve been a fan of Ryan Gosling for decades now, having essentially grown up seeing him on TV as a kid. These days the star of Barbie and The Fall Guy is a worthy contender to fill the void Paul Newman has left. He melts into the screen, especially in roles like Blue Valentine and Lars and the Real Girl.

George Clooney

If you had asked me my thoughts on George Clooney’s career in the 90s, I wouldn’t have much to say. However, he’s proven himself to be a versatile actor who always commands the screen. Like Paul Newman, he also pulls double duty as an actor and director. Good Night, and Good Luck is a personal favorite, which Clooney directed.

Tom Hanks

I already know most folks aren’t going to agree with this one but hear me out. Tom Hanks may have gotten his start in funny films like Splash and Big but he held his own alongside Paul Newman in Road to Perdition. As Hanks has aged, he embodies the grace, subtlety, and screen presence that I so closely associate with Newman roles like The Color of Money.

Brad Pitt

*Pitt has the same way of melting into roles that Paul Newman did, carrying films even in supporting roles.*
©Tinseltown/Shutterstock.com

I’ve often heard Brad Pitt compared to Robert Redford in his prime. However, I saw Spy Game which starred both of them, and couldn’t disagree more. While Pitt certainly resembles Redford in some ways, he has acting chops more akin to Paul Newman. Movies like Seven and Moneyball would have been roles I could easily see Newman inhabiting.

Jake Gyllenhaal

*Gyllenhaal may have had his start in a teen sci-fi cult classic, but he’s proven to be a masterful actor.*
©Courtesy of Focus Features - Original / License

Rounding out our list is a dark horse pick of sorts. Jake Gyllenhaal has no superficial resemblance to Paul Newman aside from a striking pair of eyes. However, what he brings is intensity and sincerity to the screen. Roles like Zodiac and Nightcrawler have cemented Gyllenhaal as one of the best actors of his generation.