Paul Newman died Friday at age 83 with dignity, as one of the greatest actors, family men and philanthropist of his generation.

Despite being one of the most handsome men to ever be captured on film, Newman largely passed on the heartthrob roles, instead playing anti-heroes rife with self-destructive flaws, their hearts of tainted gold barely recognizable.

They were real characters to which millions could relate. Newman displayed a gripping combination of charisma and vulnerability — making his on-screen presence consistently endearing.

Newman has been one of my favorite actors ever since my dad sat me down to watch Butch Cassidy, Cool Hand Luke and Slap Shot as a child. Since then, I've probably seen a minimum of three-dozen Newman flicks. Never once did I consider one a waste of time.

Top 10 Paul Newman movies

1. Cool Hand Luke (1967)

Newman plays the ultimate anti-hero, the rebel who refuses to capitulate and pays the ultimate price. The movie is a much a religious study is it is a "prison movie." It's one of those films that proves more rewarding with each viewing.

2. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

Newman and his pal Robert Redford make for a killer pair in this humorous, poignant Western.

3. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)

Newman brilliantly faces off with Liz Taylor in this Tennessee Williams masterpiece.

4. Hud (1963)

With chilling believability, Paul Newman plays an ungrateful, reckless son lacking in scruples.

5. The Sting (1973)

Newman and Redford reunite as a pair of confidence men in this delightful crowd-pleaser.