PVT. NEWMAN

Regarding Jack Mathews’ interview with Paul Newman (“Newman’s Race for Privacy,” July 24), someone ought to tell the aging prima donna that were it not for the adoring, autograph-seeking fans he apparently reviles so intensely, he’d probably be washing cars instead of racing them.

Of course, it’s true that many people are boorish and inconsiderate, but since Newman has chosen a profession that pivots upon public acceptance of his work, it seems to me that he ought to do a little less whining in the press about his lack of privacy and simply accept his fate as a worshipped idol with some dignity, or with at least a little tact.

A movie star who races cars bitching constantly about being “bothered” by his public? Give the jerk an Oscar for hypocrisy.

DENIS ROUSE

Agoura