The lights on the marquees of all Broadway theaters will be dimmed at 8 p.m. Friday in honor of Paul Newman, the stage and screen star who died at his Westport home on Sept. 26.

Although he was most famous for his work in film, Newman's career was rooted in the New York theater.

In addition to being a member of the Actors Studio in Manhattan, the actor starred on Broadway in the suspense drama "The Desperate Hours" in 1955 and the original 1959 production of Tennessee Williams's "Sweet Bird of Youth," opposite another Studio member, Geraldine Page. The Williams play was staged by Elia Kazan.

In 1964 Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward starred in the Broadway comedy, "Baby Want a Kiss," which was produced by the Actors Studio.

The couple met and married a decade earlier when they both worked on Kazan's hit Broadway production of "Picnic."

The actor's final appearance on Broadway came in 2002, when the Westport Country Playhouse production of "Our Town" moved to the Booth Theatre for a sold-out limited run that raised an estimated $1 million for the historic Fairfield County theater.

Newman received a Tony nomination for his work as the Stage Manager in the Thornton Wilder classic.

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a statement about Friday's honor, Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of The Broadway League, said, "For over half a century Paul Newman has graced our stages and inspired our souls with his brilliant talent."

"After beginning his illustrious career on stage, his love for theatre continued throughout his life as demonstrated by the Newman family's support of the renowned Westport Country Playhouse. Off-stage, his tireless devotion to philanthropic work has enhanced many lives and worthwhile causes. His presence everywhere will be missed," St. Martin added.