The recent telecast of the motion picture awards ceremony included a segment paying tribute to the notables in the field who had died the past year. Appropriately the final visage was that of Paul Newman, the marvelously talented actor and philanthropist whose activities have done so much for entertainment and humanity. He died of cancer last year at the age of 83.

The U.S House of Representatives also has paid special recognition to the actor-humanitarian-sportsman with a resolution citing his achievements on and off the movie screen. The resolution notes that Newman’s “humanitarian works and incomparable talents made him an American icon who will never be forgotten.”

The Hollywood legend won one Academy Award Oscar and took home two honorary ones. He had major roles in more than 50 motion pictures, which many consider among the finest ever produced — with the noted actor as the anchor for their success.

Later in life, he got involved in auto racing and his work in the field did much for added safety and improved structure of modern civilian vehicles.

Then there is his popular food company, Newman’s Own, now operated by his daughter, that has contributed more than $250 million to various charities through the years. He, wife Joanne Woodward and the family also helped start “Hole in the Wall” camps across the world for children with life-threatening illnesses.

We often allow ourselves to believe that most “stars” in the entertainment world are boorish, self-serving individuals who excel in self-indulgence and occasionally even foster anti-social activities. But much of their behavior is offset by the likes of Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward and the family and we need to be reminded of that.

The U.S. House action honoring Paul Newman is richly deserved even though he would brush it aside modestly as he did so many citations while he still was alive.