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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my dearest newman family…
prayers are with you during this time.
i admire and have lusted in my heart! for you, mr newman, not only your looks and those eyes, all the films i can watch over and over and over, but your choices in living life to the fullest. you are the cat’s meow!
- Posted by linda mariei lost a brother to a drug overdose, mom to lung cancer and i know life throws those curve balls at all of us, yet know in your heart you are loved and truly respected for giving us all a legend of a man to appreciate now and when that time comes when the next generation will be in our shoes. let’s wish you peace and happiness and THANKS FOR EVERYTHING…YOU ARE #1…
LOVE AND KISSES AND HUGS TO YOU AND YOURS.
Linda
I have always loved Paul Newman and his work. I think he is a wonderful human being that is and will be always in my heart.
- Posted by susana frederickPaul once saved my life without ever knowing it…
I feel like he is family to me and he has meant so much to me…losing him is not something I want to hear about in advance. I always admire that he seems to be true to himself and follows the path he wants, in life and in his career…a true bohemian! From what I have seen over the years, he is a humble, amazing, devilishly (still) handsome man with skinny legs that has forever burned a hole in my heart. When I feel vulnerable, I watch one of his movies in particular to kind of push me back in line…and when I want a good laugh, it’s Hudsucker proxy and of course, Slapshot!
So if Paul is in the last stages, and I hope he is not, kudos to him for once again handling it his way…a gentleman, a humanitarian, a great man…and a rascal - that’s how I think of Paul!
Thank you Paul…finally I get to say it.
PS…when I was 12, I once spent an entire Saturday in his building in NYC (years ago) riding the elevator up and down to see if I would meet him! I did meet him many years later in the 80s at the St Pete Grand prix…I was not disappointed in his manner or presence on that Saturday and consider myself lucky for that encounter, particularly since on Sunday, his partner was tragically killed that day. Paul has endured much and has always come true with grace…
- Posted by SylviePlease don’t talk about him in the past….he is still here….
Please pray for him. And hope that these all all just bs rumors made up by bs tabloids.
Thank you.
- Posted by Shannon DrozdI admire and respect Paul Newman and I want him to live forever! I most heartedly thank him for the hours and hours of pleasure he has given me through his films and I am jealous of the angels who will envelop him WHENEVER the Lord finds his need in heaven.
- Posted by Lucy MelliadisPaul Newman has always been my favourite actor since I first saw him in Hombre He did not let fame and fortune change the person he is and always came across as a caring person. I wish him and his family all the best through this difficult time. I would also like to thank Paul Newman for the signed photo I received through Albert Best in Glasgow. It has pride of place in my home.
- Posted by Sandra du PlessisMr. Newman,
I nurture nothing else but high admiration for you. Always thought of you as a Gentleman, role model, great actor and my personal favorite of all times! I shall always remember you as long as I live. I wish I had met you…from this corner of the World (Lisbon, Portugal) I wish you and your family all the best.
- Posted by Elisabete RosaPaul Newman changed my life. After seeing “Sometimes a Great Notion” I moved to Oregon. A friend of mine once called P.L. a “Prince.” I guess I’ll leave it at that.
- Posted by Len KirschnerHe is, no matter what Richard Nixon thought of him.
hope you get to go with peace you have given me many happy times with your work god bless you and your family
- Posted by dorothyI had an opportunity to meet Paul Newman, back in July of 1981, when he was racing for Bob Sharp. Thing about the guy, is for all his fame and accolades, he was truly just a regular guy. I was able to hang out with the team that day and take photos.
Years later, in 2001, I was able to use those photos in an article on Bob Sharp and PL’s stint as a driver. I tried to get hold of PL, in New York City, at an apartment he and his wife had there; but then that awful day in September messed up all our plans.
My mother died of lung cancer and it takes a toll on a person. PL didn’t deserve this, but then no one deserves cancer. I’m hoping he beats the odds.
- Posted by Terry ParkhurstPaul Newman has NEVER made a bad film. He is the most outstanding actor in my lifetime. My very best wishes to him and his family.
- Posted by D. FisherLike most of the others who have posted on this site, I first loved Paul Newman for those blue eyes and his wonderful acting. In the process of following his acting career, I learned about the man, and he is a man without equal. As a strong supporter of his camps, especially Barretstown Castle in Ireland, I have talked with people who know him. The love and admiration they feel for him comes through with every word. The world will be a sadder place without him, but his work and his sprit will live on each time a kid goes to camp and gets to forget about being sick for awhile. Thank you, Paul, for all you’ve given us. Thank you, Joanne, for sharing him with us. And, Dear Lord, if this is the time we must lose him, please welcome this special man with wide open arms. As they say in Ireland, “We’ll never see the likes of him again.”
- Posted by Nancy McCarthyMy prayers are with Mr. Newman and Ms. Woodward, they have long been role models for the world in how people are supposed to live their lives. I only pray that he has as much joy in the next life as he has provided to others in this life. God speed.
- Posted by JanetMy sisters and I, even my mom, just worshipped this guy. The poster from Cool Hand Luke was in our bedroom. I’ve made it a point to see every one of his movies. Whenever, wherever there is a mention of him and that great lady he married, I am on it.
- Posted by Mary C.What a sad way to go! My mother died of lung cancer. I love you, Paul. The world will have lost some of its luster when you are no longer among us.
I will always remember Paul Newman not only for his celebrity but for his heart. My son had cancer at three years old (he is fine now) and was treated (along with his sibling and family) to the Big Apple Circus for a special night with the Hole in the Wall Gang. It was a wonderful night and the children were treated like royalty. I hope the rumors of his failing health are wrong but if they are true, he will be in many’s prayers…
- Posted by Karen P.My thoughts are with Paul and Joanne and their family. Enjoy all the lovely family moments you are having at home together. We went through a lot when my Dad had cancer..all the time we spent together at home was worth it, laughter and tears, the memories last forever and keep us going. Hugs and kisses to the Newman clan….xxoo
- Posted by KayJust wanted to say that Paul is one beautiful man and I am praying for him to be healed and yes even at an age he is at. Coolhand Luke, be well, be healed, and my prayers for you once more and your family. Bless your heart for all youve done with the Hole in the Wall Gang and all your other givings and for having a long lasting marriage and just all around for who you are in general. I wish I got to meet you! My heart goes out to you along with everyone else. May you call on The Lord in these days and know He is with you every step of the way.
- Posted by KathyinCTIt is at these times that we ponder one’s life and how much they may or may not have provided for others. Paul Newman is like all others who have proceeded us in life, he has given his upmost to lead others the right way and mentor others the right way. Mr. Newman has stepped above hate, mockery and the righteous events and acts that plague so many to be the person he is today. He has led his life in a way that has been a superb model for us all. Thank you, God Bless and wish you a speedy recovery to better health.
- Posted by Terry WellsI fell for Paul Newman, his beautiful face, slender physique, and acting style when I was a teenager. Now, years later, I must say how more impressed I am with his food company, giving all proceeds to charity, and the uplifting effect his camps for children have had for all who attend and work there. Who could not admire this man beyond his acting gigs? There is more to life than a job and Paul Newman certainly has demonstrated that with his compassion and generosity of spirit to children and in other philantropic endeavors. What a tremendous role model for all of us. Blessings to the Newman family!
- Posted by good dayI would like to wish Paul, Joanne and all of the Newman family the best. This situation must be very difficult. I will keep you in my heart and in my prayers. May God bless you and smile upon you.
- Posted by Joanie Michalos