Actor 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.
Newman 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)
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Dearest Paul, I sincerely hope all of this is BS and you are as well as ever. I remember Toronto and standing by you when Michal Andretti’s car quit on track. You looked at me and said, is that…and I said yes it is. I am a lung cancer patient and can only wish you the best my friend.
Hal
- Posted by HalI hope the rumors are wrong. And that Paul Newman is recovering progress.
What a wonderful life. A great marriage. Productive children. Awarding winning work as an actor that entertained millions and millions of people all over of the world for decades. A credit to motorsports. And a dynamite cook whose food company makes yummy products and really does donate millions to charity. And those blues eyes!!
Thanks.
- Posted by RachelKindest regards to both Paul and Joanne. I used to see you when I lived in Ridgefield Ct when I would go to Westport Your lives have been an inspiration to so many. I can only wish you well one of the greatest things Paul ever said when asked about his religion was when he said Jewish because it is harder. Being Jewish I can only add that G-d is surely looking after you
- Posted by joan lehrerI have been a fan and had always wanted to meet Mr Newman and I was fortunate in finally meeting him in an unusual way. He had gotten lost in Stamford, CT while on his way to a meeting and pulled into a donut shop where I was getting lunch, to get directions. So I went over to help him out. I gave him the proper directions without letting him know that I knew who he was. He thanked me and then I asked him for a favor……… I asked him “Could you tell a friend of mine who works for you occassionally that I said hello.. Dumb founded he said “Sure he’s doing some work for me right now, I’ll tell him when I get home” I smiled said “Thank YOU” and went back to work. He will be sorely missed by not only his fans but by all the people who have been “touched” by he and his family’s generousity.
- Posted by KatherineI am a former camper and counselor at Paul’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camps in CT and Upstate, NY, and I had the pleasure of meeting Paul and Joanne a few times. He is the most caring man I’ve ever met. The children love him dearly. I started going to the camps in my teenage years and I am now 31 yrs old. There is not a day that goes by that camp does not cross my mind. What Paul has given to us (the children, counselors, volunteers, staff, etc. of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps)is something that can never be explained. The love you feel as soon as you enter the camp grounds is love you don’t feel anywhere else. Paul is our hero.
I had the chance to visit the Hole in the Wall’s 20 Yr. Anniversary Party a few months ago in CT, and Paul wasn’t able to attend. But, we were able to write him notes which would be delivered to him. I let him know that he is our hero. That the campers will always be grateful for what he has done for us. We love him and we pray for him. Please keep him in your prayers.
We love you Paul.
**Just an FYI, we know just as much as you know. But, if he is sick, we are still praying for him and would still appreciate all of your prayers. Thank you**
- Posted by Shannon DrozdPaul Newman captured my heart while robbing banks in Bolivia. He kept me enthralled with his limitless talent for acting, driving and giving. Paul turned his hobby into helping hands, and his loss into hope for others. Paul has made this world a better place. Paul has set the bar high for the rest of us but isn’t imitation the greatest form of flattery. Let’s learn from Paul’s generosity and Play It Forward for Paul.
- Posted by Lori HarveyI knew paul growing up. My mother was engaged to his now deceased son for 6 months. She was also a stunt woman and actress in some of his movies (Glynn Rubin). Paul is a wonderful man and I wish him all the best.
- Posted by Shannon RubinI hope paul is granted more time and will be in no discomfort and when it is time to go then so be it.
Paul was a great human being and will be grately missed
Steve
- Posted by STEVE BRYANSAll of this is so ridiculous. Newman has been a very private person in the last half of his life. All he wants is to be left alone. You can trust if he had something to say about his health he would do so,himself.
It is very disrespectful to prod and pry at the man anytime,if the rumors are true ,it is the worst time of all to speculate and gossip. He shouldn’t be the topic of any conversation unless he says he wants to be.
His actions speak louder than words. Total class act.
- Posted by TamraEnough said.
Mr. Newman not only walks the walk for the greater good, he’s running a marathon. His endless committment to provide a respite for sick children at the Hole In the Wall Gang Camp and his other camps around the world has changed the lives of thousands of children. He has changed the landscape of philanthropy, volunteering and corporate responsibility forever. He’ll be one of the few that won’t be saying “I wish I had lived my life doing more………….
- Posted by VolunteerPaul Newman gives 110% which is reflected in his skills as a car racer. His health is none of my business. I hope to see him back on the track as a racer and owner.
MM
- Posted by Merrill MayenscheinI too am a great fan of Paul Newman for many many years and was deeply sorry to hear of his condition. I pray for his family to have great strength in the coming weeks. My thoughts are with them.
- Posted by LynneLove and prayers to the Paul and his family.
- Posted by LTI can only wish Paul the best and the best for his wife of many years, Joanne Woodward. I love them both now and when they were a very attractive young couple. God bless them both.
- Posted by KathieOur hearts go out to Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward and the entire Newman family. As an actor Paul has always captivated us; as a philanthropist he has proven to be an extraordinarily caring, thoughtful and generous person. Paul is a very special human being who is loved by all.
My husband and I stopped at the Newman restaurant next to the Westport Country Playhouse on Thursday to inquire about Paul’s health. Two staff members declined to comment, but the tears in their eyes were revealing. My husband and I began crying also.
Our prayers are with you all.
- Posted by Jane E. StepanskiIt’s sad to think that Paul Newman is ill - he’s an actor & human being like no other. Actors in Hollywood these days could take a few lessons - not in acting necessarily but in life. What a man to look up to in so many, many ways. He will be sorely missed and long remembered!
- Posted by JeanPaul Newman is an awesome and wonderful man. He and his wife are truly amazing and they are both in our prayers! He has brought so much to motion pictures and is truly unique!!!
- Posted by carolI would just like to say how much I adore the films Paul has made. The first movie I ever watched of Paul was Cool Hand Luke, which was for a Philosophy class I was taking only a few years ago. Ever since, I have become a fan and have began my collection of his films. I wish him and his family all the best and know where ever he may be, he will be loved by many!!!
- Posted by Shelby Anne KachmarI am so sad to hear that Paul Newman is so gravely ill, what a wonderful contribution he has made to our lives, not just in the movies, but through his wonderful charity work. I wish him all the very best, he’s a warm, wonderful man and loved by so many people. My heartfelt wishes also go to his lovely wife Joanne.
Jane Fisher.
- Posted by Jane FisherPaul Newman and Joanne Woodward have long been a positive influence in my life. I am deeply and sadly affected by the news of Mr. Newman’s condition. If the reports are indeed false, please, please get some confirmation for those of us who love him and his work and who also love Joanne. I have been a fam for many, many years.
- Posted by Gloria McQueeney