Paul Newman voices Doc Hudson in Pixar’s Cars.
Doc Hudson is the respected medical doctor and judge of Radiator Springs, but he also has a hidden past as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a champion racer from an earlier era. His history creates the film’s central mentor relationship: Doc initially rejects McQueen’s celebrity-driven attitude, then teaches him about racing with purpose and respect.
Newman was a real-world racing enthusiast as well as an acclaimed actor. That background made him a particularly fitting choice for Doc, whose identity connects professional competition with life beyond the racetrack. Cars was Newman’s final voice performance in a feature film released during his lifetime.
Doc Hudson should not be confused with Hudson Hornet as a separate character. The Fabulous Hudson Hornet is Doc’s former racing identity, while Doc is the character’s name in Radiator Springs.