Fan Fare

Entertainment behind the scenes

Paul Newman’s health condition a public mystery

August 11, 2008

newman.jpgActor Paul Newman, 83, has long kept his health a closely guarded secret, so when a report surfaced on Friday that he was gravely ill and had gone home to die, the headline was met with some skepticism.

After all, back in June when reports began to surface that he was stricken with cancer, Newman responded through a spokesman that he was “doing nicely.” The next day his friend A.E. Hotchner, who co-founded Newman’s Own food products, told Reuters that Newman had cancer. Hotchner said he did not know what kind of cancer it was.

On  Friday, the British tabloid Daily Mail published a story saying Newman had finished chemotherapy treatment for cancer and had only weeks to live. The story cited “a close family friend” as saying “Paul didn’t want to die in the hospital” and had gone home.

On Monday, Newman’s spokesman would say only ”no comment” about the story, and it seems no other news about the Oscar winner’s condition has surfaced since Friday.

It is interesting to note that in dealing with comedian Bernie Mac’s recent hospitalization with pneumonia, his spokeswoman said last Thursday that Mac was ”responding well to treatment” and in “stable condition.” Two days later, on Saturday, Mac died.

So, how sick is Newman? It’s anybody’s guess.

newman2.jpgNewman has appeared in some 60 movies, including “The Color of Money,” “Cat On a Hot Tin Roof” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Newman hit his stride in Hollywood during the 1950s and 60s when he was known for portraying brooding characters or tricksters. He won the best actor Oscar for “The Color of Money,” and he has received one other honorary award and an humanitarian award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which gives out the Oscars.

Outside acting, Newman has been an accomplished race car driver and businessman who is the face of the Newman’s Own food products.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis) 

Comments

Please someone tell the Newman’s to look up that cancer and fungus are the same thing and they should kill it with anti-fungals…Watch “Know the Cause”..the pharma folks don’t want us to know..and at this point what could it hurt..either it works or it doesn’t. Being smart about foods..eat alot of alkaline..no disease can survive in a alkaline body..please try…what a wonderful couple and what a lose this will be…his work isn’t done yet!!!!!!!!

Posted by Nancy Rowe | Report as abusive
 

My heart is hurting and it’s hurting because there is no way I can help either of you be okay. You have both given the world so much. Thank you for that. There are so many of us who are always here for you.

Posted by Kyle Hopkins | Report as abusive
 

I add my prayers to the well being of the Newman Family,
I have been a fan since the beginning of Paul’s career, and love JoAnne too…as so many before me have stated so well the blessing their lives have been, to those of us that have watched from afar…
But, my main concern is that Paul is ready to face our Savior…Y’shua, our Jewish Messiah…I hope that he has gone to him like Nicodemis did and asked how can I have eternal life? And responded in the manner Y’shua said..you must be born again…by inviting the Spirit of the Living God to come into you and give new life..then you shall be called the children of G-d…
What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, if he loses his soul!
The richness of Heaven will be glorious with those who believe in the Word.
shalom,
Judy

Posted by Judy | Report as abusive
 

I’ve often wondered if PN’s Sully character in “Nobody’s Fool” was somewhat autobiographical, at least in how he played him. I never tire of seeing that movie.

Posted by Gary | Report as abusive
 

Met the Newman family at the “Court of Two Sisters” in New Orleans in (I think)1966: He was working on a film.Kind, willing to sign a napkin, not rushed, and very vital and alive: I have Parkinson’s now, but am inspired by his story, and eat a ton of Newman’s Own products— Best to the whole family—–//Al

Posted by Albert | Report as abusive
 

My life with movies started at an early age.Paul Newman has been one of my favorite actors since the 1960′s. I have since seen him in movies from the 1950′s as well.Hud would have to be my pick from the early years.I could watch that movie over and over.Not only is Paul Newman breathtaking but such a grand actor.I guess Hollywood for so long thought he had too much going for him.He was a knockout with a beautiful wife and a great actor.It seems those types of actors get the roles,but not the acknowledgement they deserve from the academy.

Kinda like Brad Pitt today.They are looked over because the voters think he will be nominated again I am sure. I think Paul and Brad have had a lot in common.Neither one of them wanted the sex appeal to take over the movie they were acting in at the time.Yet with such beauty one can’t overlook that quality in them.So it goes back to they have enough in their lives to make them happy without winning. I think that is crazy thinking. How could Paul Newman have been nominated so many times and yet won so few ? Let me say I know they could not give him an award year after year. But come on… He is one of the greatest actors of all time.

I Love You Paul
Becky

Posted by Becky | Report as abusive
 

I am very sorry to hear of Mr Newman’s poor health. I met him and photographed
him a few times before I retired.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Newman and his family.

Posted by Kevin | Report as abusive
 

paul newman is the very beat of a person and as a actor in the top five all time.

Posted by david hansen | Report as abusive
 

My heart ruly aches at the thought of Paul Newman leaving us all behind. A truly marvellous human being who has used his good fortune to help others. His films will be with us forever – but how will we possibly watch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kikd, or Cool Hand Luke without shedding a tear – a star of the Golden Era of Hollywood – never to be replaced.

God Bless.

Posted by Elaine. | Report as abusive
 

What a truly awsesome talent but what an even bigger person in the best sense of the word. From cool hand luke to harper to fast eddie and many more this extroadinary individual has established himself in the entertainment further than even his wildest dreams I am sure when he first started out in the 50s.He had the good fortune to form a life long liason with another great American and actress Joanne Woodward and it is this that I consider to me his most astute role and one that he has played without peer. What a duet, I cannot think of another as enduring and challenging as a coming together of these two forces for good if you will in every sense.Harper was my favourite role but the role you played as husband father and inspiration to millions far outweighed that God Bless Paul and Joanne two great Americans and people to make the world a better place. Kenneth Handley

Posted by kenneth handley | Report as abusive
 

Carl Haas might have had a “slip of the tongue” today at the victory interview after the Detroit race. When asked about Paul Newman, Carl said, “I’m sure he is in Heaven, watching the race and is very happy.” That certainly sounds like Mr. Newman has died. What do you think?

8-31-2008

Posted by Priscilla | Report as abusive
 

I am a fan of pauls and had the distinct honor of meeting the man one on one in the garages at pocono raceway early one morning and talked with the man like i had known him for years not many people will ever know and understand his passion for motorsports like i know but believe me it is rare and genuine he raced for himself and nothing else it was his love! I will miss him greatly and so will so many others.SRB

 

Paul Newman is alive in the hearts of race fans across the nation. Our first son’s name is Mark (after Mark Donohue), and our second son’s name is Paul. Paul Newman did race, but I must disagree with Mr. Rocco. He did not race for himself. He raced for every disabled, disenfranchised, unloved, uncared for child in his country. Keep racing dear Paul, and I promise, we will keep caring for your concerns.

Posted by Trudy Williams | Report as abusive
 

Dear Mr. Newman;
I just wanted to tell you that I have always loved your movies and everything that you have done and are still doing. My 88 year old Dad just died a couple of months ago and he always reminded me of you. You two looked so much alike … I was so lucky. I am sure you will live a long time….but you should be so happy with your life. You made me a happy person anytime one of your movies came out. Thanks again for everything…stay well…Joanne Kulier

Posted by Joanne Kulier | Report as abusive
 

Paul Newman, I s a great actor and always has been. He deserves his privacy. He must know how much his fans care for him. He doesn’t want us to see him this way. He is a great family man. His wife is great also. God Bless you Paul.

 

Dearest Mr. Newman and family,
My occupation has been as an art teacher so I am just who I am. Mr. Newman you have been so much to so many. I was a small child when I would watch your movies and cry and cry. My ggrandmother was Miami Indian and we had a des-perate time surviving sometimes. My daddy looked like you, and he worked 3 jobs just as you did I am sure. You expressed the pain and success of reality, when very few were. Your streghth in real life was so fabulously transferred to your movies. We saw the kind of person you really were.Thank you Mr. Newman. You gave me strenghth many times. May Yahweh give you and your family strenghth at this time of your trail and need. You have helped immeasurably with your charity work.
I know our Father in heaven loves all of his children.
I pray for your recovery,
Teresa Trueblood.

 

I am so saddened to hear that Paul Newman is not very well. I have always admired him and his wife for all they have done and the family values they have. Even though I would like to hear more about his health and how he is I also know that there is a time for the public to be involved and having privacy of their own at this time. I wish only the best for Paul and his wife.
you are in my prayers.

 

Lately I’ve been saying I want Paul Newman to outlive me, because I don’t want to mourn him. It would hurt too much, and it does. When I was a teenager at the movies one time, there were several girls down front discussing male movie stars. After naming a few, one of them said: “and then….there’s Paul Newman”. What more can be said? I have been looking at a picture posted by my computer, and every day I tell him: Don’t you dare die! Don’t you dare! There is no one like Paul Newman.

Posted by Edna King-Miller | Report as abusive
 

You have been my heartthrob since I was able to watch late movies and it was a tear in my heart when I read that you have gone to the next plato.You are an outstanding man and you have been the greatest father and husband that I could ever imagine. Thank you Mr. Newman for adding so much more to this life I’ve had on earth. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us. The girls that awed you and the guys that smiled and wanted to be just like you.
You Rock!!!!!!

 

This is very sad news, I will miss him forever.

Posted by Louisa | Report as abusive
 

I am saddened by the news of Mr. Paul Newman’s passing. He was and always will be remembered for his generosity, passion for all of his charitable work, a great actor and a kind and gentle human being. You will be missed but NEVER FORGOTTEN. My deepest Sympathy to Joanne, Elinor, Melissa, Clea, Susan, Stephanie, Arthur and family.

Posted by Karen | Report as abusive
 

The world will mourn with the family and close friends of Paul Newman. We are thankful for the legacy of work, on screen and off, which we will still have.

Thank you, Paul! And goodbye…

Posted by Leslie | Report as abusive
 

A sad day. A great actor and a great man. My prayers to his family and friends. Thank you Paul for your great body of work, both on the screen and off.

Goodbye

Posted by Michele | Report as abusive
 

I’m so sorry to hear Abouut your husband and father;
My prays are with each one of you all.
May GOD BE With you all at this time

 

James Dean was a hero. Pick up your JDean memorabilia only @Hollywoodmegastore.com

promo code – hollymega

Posted by thoaghly | Report as abusive
 

Post Your Comment

We welcome comments that advance the story through relevant opinion, anecdotes, links and data. If you see a comment that you believe is irrelevant or inappropriate, you can flag it to our editors by using the report abuse links. Views expressed in the comments do not represent those of Reuters. For more information on our comment policy, see http://blogs.reuters.com/fulldisclosure/2010/09/27/toward-a-more-thoughtful-conversation-on-stories/
  •