Behind the legend: Newman denies namesake tradition

In a letter to the University a few weeks ago, actor Paul Newman's attorney expressed concern over Princeton's 24-beers-in-24-hours tradition that occurs each year on April 24.

"Mr. Newman is disturbed by the use of his name in conjunction with this alcohol related event and he would like to bring an end to this tradition," the letter said.

The attorney inquired about the origins of the tradition and urged the University to put an end to the practice, after apparently misconstruing it as a University-sponsored activity, said Dean of Undergraduate Students Kathleen Deignan.

Deignan said she responded to the letter to clear up the misunderstanding.

"We clarified that [Newman's Day] is not sanctioned by the University and in fact we go the other way — we try to stop it," she said.

As the disputed legend goes, Newman gave a speech on campus in which he said, "24 beers in a case, 24 hours in a day. Coincidence? I think not."

No record of the remark exists, however, and Deignan cited the attorney's letter as further evidence that the story is fictitious.

"I would infer that, because he has no idea how the tradition emerged," she said.

Contacted by The Daily Princetonian, Newman's attorney Leo Nevas said he would bring the issue to the actor's attention in a meeting Tuesday.

Newman, who is now 79, has also personally experienced the tragic consequences of substance abuse. His son, Scott, died of a drug overdose in 1978 at age 28.

In 1980, Newman founded the Scott Newman Center, a nonprofit organization "dedicated to the prevention of substance abuse through education," according to its mission.

The center runs an annual summer camp in California for families recovering from substance abuse or domestic violence. It has also produced pamphlets and videos targeted at reducing drug and alcohol use.

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

In light of the actor's work against substance abuse and the context of his son's death, Deignan urged students to show "some basic level of respect."

"Doing this in his name is incredibly insulting to him and the circumstances," she added.

This year, Newman's Day, which falls on a Saturday, also coincides with Prefrosh Weekend. Official activities for prospective freshmen end early Saturday morning, but Deignan said she was concerned that those who remained on campus would get a skewed vision of the University.

"Alcohol is part of every college campus, but [Newman's Day] doesn't accurately portray the social life here," she said. "I'd hate to have this be the snapshot they get — for them to come away with the impression that this represents Princeton."