Paul Newman

Paul Newman, in his third movie, and his first substantial starring role, as the real-life middle-weight boxing legend "Rocky Graziano", in Robert Wise's biographical drama 'Somebody Up There Likes Me' (1956), co-starring in the female lead, Italian actress Pier Angeli as "Norma Graziano", and featuring in supporting roles, Everett Sloane as "Irving Cohen", Eileen Heckart as "Ma Barbella", Harold J. Stone as "Nick Barbella", Joseph Buloff as "Benny" (soda jerk), Sal Mineo as "Romolo", Ray Stricklyn as "Bryson", Robert Loggia as "Frankie Peppo", Steve McQueen as "Fidel", Angela Cartwright as Rocky's daughter, Jack Orrison as a Detective, Frank Campanella as a Detective, and Dean Jones as a soldier in a tent. The role of "Rocky Graziano" was originally going to be played by James Dean, but he died before filming began, and so Paul Newman was asked to take the part. Australian actor Rod Taylor was also earlier considered for the part, and although he was unsuccessful in being awarded the part, his screen test impressed Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios enough for them to offer him a long term contract. The film was also notable for being one of Paul Newman's first starring roles, and for being one of the very first films in which Steve McQueen appeared. It also marked the film debuts of Frank Campanella, Robert Loggia, Angela Cartwright, and Dean Jones.