Who was Barry Newman? ‘The Vanishing Point’ Actor Dead at 92

Famous actor, Barry Newman who was best known for his role as Kowalski in the 1971 film Vanishing Point has died. Directed by Richard C. Sarafian, the role was originally supposed to be played by Gene Hackman, but 20th Century Fox insisted on using Newman. When the film first opened in the United States in 1971, it was not an instant success, however, it received massive success in Europe.

He died on May 11, 2023, at the age of 92. No cause of death was announced, however, he was diagnosed with vocal-cord cancer in 2009.

Many people have expressed their tributes on social media after his death was announced.

“Sorry to hear about the passing of Barry Newman, star of Vanishing Point. Back in the pre-cable days when a movie could remain in theatrical release for years, literally, I saw his pedal-to-the-metal classic countless times in first-run, second round, and drive-in theatres,” Senior Media Writer, Joe Leydon.

“RIP to the great Barry Newman. He will always be Kowalski to me in the movie I saw multiple times as a youth VANISHING POINT,” Joe Martino wrote.

“Rest in peace, Barry Newman: understandably and rightfully, many will mention his terrific central performances in Vanishing Point and The Salzburg Connection. But he also played straight man against Eddie Murphy as his agent in Bowfinger’s funniest scene,” Ali Arikan wrote.

“Just seeing that Barry Newman has passed away. I loved him on television in Petrocelli & really loved Vanishing Point, one of the great car chase films of the 1970s. Might be why I love to speed on the open freeway, sadly no super soul Cleavon Little to help me along my travels,” Donna Hills also wrote.