by PattiM

Created on: August 21, 2009   Last Updated: August 22, 2009

With the passing of Paul Newman last year, I knew that the magic that was once Hollywood had passed away as well. The Golden Era of Hollywood and of the movies, were created and molded by movie executives to form a star that would capture the hearts of America.

The world fell in love with the biggest little star, Shirley Temple. She was everyone's little girl. Women fell in love with Clark Gable and the men wanted to be a hero like John Wayne. Gene Kelley made us want to dance and Abbott and Costello made us laugh. They all had talent. They all had class. They took us away to a magical land ruled by a wonderful wizard or maybe the dark alley behind a diner for a mob shoot out. So, what is missing today? I will tell you what I think.

Jimmy Stewart

Without a doubt one of the most talented actors in Hollywood. He was every man. He could fight city hall, he could co-star with a 6 foot rabbit and he could make us see just how wonderful life could be.

Gregory Peck

A man of few words, but oh, how those words could stop us and make us think. I wil never forget him in To Kill A Mockingbird and I don't think anyone else will either. He was strong, yet tender and a most amazing actor.

Katherine Hepburn

A strong woman before it was popular to be a strong woman. She reflected that through her characters, without being overbearing. Comedy or drama, she was always inspiring.

Lauren Bacall

Cool, classy, with sex appeal. She grew into her talent and along with Humphrey Bogart, told stories of mystery, suspense and romance. They were a great team.

The 40's and the 50's gave us Charlton Heston, Marlon Brando, Bette Davis who along with the great directors of the time gave us the great epic films such as The Ten Commandments, Cleopatra and On the Waterfront. This was star power!

Now, I don't want to be too negative on today's Hollywood. We still have great actors in Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford and Cate Blanchett, but as they grow older, who do we go to? Megan Fox ? To quote Ginger Rodgers, "There are no small parts. Only small actors".

Not to worry, though for the way it looks, animation and computer generated films will probably do away with the need for actors anyway. I for one, long for the days of black and white. I want to be romanced by Frank Sinatra or dance with Fred Astaire on a polished white marble floor in my long bias-cut silk gown. I want to ride shot gun with Bonnie and Clyde or fight for Tara with Scarlett.

So, when we lost Paul Newman, I realized that we were losing a generation of actors that we will never replace. A group of men and women with class, talent and that certain something that makes up a star.

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