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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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 handleyMy 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.paul newman is the very beat of a person and as a actor in the top five all time.
- Posted by david hansenI am very sorry to hear of Mr Newman’s poor health. I met him and photographed
- Posted by Kevinhim a few times before I retired.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Newman and his family.
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
- Posted by BeckyBecky
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 AlbertI’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 GaryI add my prayers to the well being of the Newman Family,
- Posted by JudyI 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
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 HopkinsPlease 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 RowePaul–I hope the next 83 will be as wonderful as the first 83, You and My Mom are the same age, the joy she
- Posted by Joey Zbrings to life reminds me of You and please believe me YOU have brought so much joy to me and my Family.
You are in our prayers -so I’ll say hello when your 100.
Mr and Mrs Newman have been the examples of out lives, at creation and emotions. They will live for ever in our emotions, as they do today
- Posted by Prof.Dr. Raúl IturraProf. Dr Raúl Iturra
Mrs Paul Newman and Mrs Joane Woodwoard have given, if possibly, the performance of their lives ar thos uanavoidable moments that all of us have to go through: no complains, no indiscretions, a fa,illy affaire for us to respect. Not only excellent performers but made of solidarity with thos who have not their talents,the aim of their lives. They are with us and shall remain with us for ever, at emotions, admirations and always excelleny performances. They are the Moses of our Exodus. With respect, Prof. Dr Raúl Iturra, Cambridge, Collège de France, ISCTE-Lisbon
- Posted by Prof.Dr. Raúl IturraTHANK YOU THANK YOU. ! I just want to thank Paul Newman for his tremendous gifts to charity and the kids.
- Posted by mimiAnd also for the many many happy hours watching all your movies. My mother died of lung cancer so you are in my prayers. Bless you ….
years ago we met on san vicente in brentwood california in a little chinese restaurant.
- Posted by franfunny how life puts one person in the path of another! we exchanged some stories.that was so many years ago now
i do believe that thoughts can be transmitted somehow to others ..you know..like when you think of someone and the next moment you get a call or letter from them….i send my thoughts .. have peace and kindness around you and strength to fight the fight…all good thoughts..
you are the best! a friendly wonderful and gentle man.
The quintessential American. Great actor,political supporter, husband,father, philanthropist, and child advocate. Hollywood should take note for we are seeing the absolute best role model they could ever have. The greatest actor of my generation. Thanks for enriching my life, Paul.
- Posted by BillAnother post admonishes all of us to allow Paul and the Newman family their privacy…annonymity which the rest of us take for granted. Though this point is well advised it is the deep regard and appreciation that goes well beyond fandom that compels many of us to acknowlege this man for what he has done with his life. I wish there was a way of thanking Paul Newman for everything.
- Posted by Ron WalkingtonEver since I could remember I watched, ate, and fantizied about this gentle soul. His movies and life kept me going through some of my roughest years. I respect him for the mark that he has placed in this world. I pray for his family and hope they could get through one ofthe toughest times of their life. He will be missed. As like the movies, “Cool Hand Luke” to the end.
- Posted by DianeWe would all do well to leave Mr. Newman and his family alone. He has lived a wonderful life and is blessed to be sharing it with Joanne. We should not search for the facts about his health–instead, let’s give him and his loved ones the privacy he so craves. He has given all of us his very best….in acting, racing, his charity work, and in his kind demeanor to all who met him. He owes us nothing. The world, however, owes him a giant standing ovation for being the wonderful person he is!
- Posted by DiannePAUL NEWMAN- I WISH HE COULD LIVE FOREVER!
- Posted by MARY LOU GEORGEHE IS ONE OF A KIND! HE IS THE KIND OF MAN THAT IS # 1, IN LOOKS, HIS ACTIONS, FAMILY MAN, TO A GREAT LADY AND STAYING WITH HER AND THEIR FAMILY, AND JUST NOT YOUR REGULAR HOLLYWOOD STAR, BUT WAS CARING FOR OTHER PEOPLE,
ESPECIALLY THOSE LESS FORTUNATE!
HE WAS NEVER STRUCK ON HIMSELF AND DIDN’T TAKE ACTING AS IF HE WAS BETTER AND KNEW MORE THAN OTHERS, YOU DIDN’T SEE HIM TRYING TO TELL PEOPLE WHO TO VOTE FOR IN POLITICS. WHAT A MAN HE IS, PRETTIEST BLUE EYES!!
I TRULY HOPE HE HAS PUT HIS TRUST IN JESUS.