There have long been rumors about Paul Newman's sexuality, especially after a quote attributed to him surfaced saying, "I’m a supporter of gay rights. And not a closet supporter either. From the time I was a kid, I have never been able to understand attacks upon the gay community. There are so many qualities that make up a human being … by the time I get through with all the things that I really admire about people, what they do with their private parts is probably so low on the list that it is irrelevant."
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In 2009, the book Paul Newman, the Man Behind the Baby Blues: His Secret Life Exposed written by travel writer Darwin Porter alleged that over the years, Newman had slept with many famous men and women, including Janice Rule, Eartha Kitt, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Judy Garland, Peggy Lee, Susan Hayward, Lana Turner, Natalie Wood, Vivien Leigh, Montgomery Clift, Jack Lord, and Steve McQueen.
The biography also alleges that Paul had affairs with James Dean, Tony Perkins, Sal Mineo, Brandon de Wilde, and John Derek. Many of the rumors of Newman's infidelity are widely exaggerated, but it is entirely possible Paul was bisexual.
Fans can learn more about Paul Newman and his life in the new HBO documentary The Last Great Movie Stars, now streaming.
