Paul Newman 'doing nicely' amid rumours of illness
by Kristopher Tapley

Paul Newman today reacted to a rash of internet and television stories that he has lung cancer by telling the world he is "doing nicely".

The American actor, 83, issued the short statement through his publicist, Jeff Sanderson. No further details were given.

Media reports began circulating on Monday that the actor was undergoing out-patient treatment at New York's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. They have not been confirmed.

Shawn Levy, an American film critic who has been writing a biography of the actor, said in a post on his blog Tuesday that Newman's "next birthday is in January, and we can only hope he'll make it. I suspect I'll be writing an obituary before I hold a copy of my book in my hand."

The award-winning actor shot to stardom in 52 years ago when he starred in Robert Wise's Rocky Graziano biopic Somebody Up There Likes Me. Two years later he landed his first of five Bafta nominations for the Tennessee Williams adaptation Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He was nominated for an Oscar for his performance as Brick Pollitt, the first of ten such nods that would span six decades.

The character of pool hall hustler Eddie Felson became one of Newman's most defining portrayals. He followed up 1962's The Hustler 24 years later with a sequel, The Color of Money. He won the Bafta for the former and the Oscar for the latter.

Most audiences, however, remember him as the cool-headed outlaw Butch Cassidy in George Roy Hill's Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Newman's most recent performance was in 2006, providing voiceover work in Disney/Pixar's Cars.

The actor has also built a vast entrepreneurial empire via his Newman's Own food line, which has yielded $200 million (£100 million) in charitable proceeds. Additionally, he is a partner in two US motorsports teams.

Newman lives in Connecticutt with the actor Joanne Woodward, his wife of 40 years.

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On the news today they confirmed the diagnosis, but do not know the severity or the type of cancer he has. Hang in there, Paul!

This just in from ChattahBox.com:

Washington (ChattahBox) - According to reports, Paul Newman is suffering from lung cancer.

The actor, best known for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, has been suffering from the potentially fatal disease for several months now.

The actor was diagnosed with the cancer at the New York SLoan-Kettering Cancer Center.

This hospital is a few hours from his home in Connectivut.

Newman has come out and responded to the claims, as the 83-year old Oscar winner’s spokesman stated that Newman is doing “nicely.”

Wow, I didn't realize he was 83. I wish him well.

wow he looks great for 83

This is so sad.

I just saw Cat on a Hot Tin Roof last week at a local art cinema. My goodness, but that man was beautiful in his prime. And an amazing actor.

uhm, he's 83 for chrissake.
he has lived a much better life than 99% of people could only dream of.

cheers to him

morningsong said:

and drives a race car



GO Paul

Mach said:

Wait perhaps that's Robert Redford

horatio said:

That was my first thought as well.

Of course, it's horrible to see anyone suffer when battling cancer but he's had an awesome life.

Mach said:

I don't know but I think it's Redford. I was so crazy about them both in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Genesia said:

That was such an awesome movie.

One of the most gorgeous men EVER I hope he's not suffering too much

Mach said:

No, it's Newman who drives the racecar. You were right the first time.

June7 said:

I thought the car # was 82 or 3 as well and he mentioned it was because that's his age and then they showed him racing FAST and winning

horatio said:

yes, but I don't think lung cancer is the best way to go.

horatio said:

This is Paul today.



And this is him with his racecar.

Current picture of Paul Newman with Martha Stewart at a charity event.

I wish him well.
[Edited 6/11/08 10:46am]

One of my favorite actors ever, and he's lived an amazing life....
never seeming to let his fame rule.

I wish him all the best....

Mach said:

No you're right, Paul's been racing for over 30 years. He just retired from racing last year if I recall correctly. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Long, Hot Summer are in my top 10 list of favorite movies. I love anything he and Joanne did together, even the atrocious Rally 'roung the Flag Boys. He's a national treasure IMO.

Let's not forget what a wonderful philanthapist he is. Through his "Newman's Own" food line alone, he has raised millions!!

June7 said:

Wow, he's got the bluest eyes I've ever seen. I heard about the cancer rumors, but from what I heard on a cable channel, the people around him are denying such rumors. Now I don't know what to believe.
[Edited 6/11/08 12:13pm]

that sucks..i hope he does not suffer

get better soon Mr. Newman