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Old Friend Says Paul Newman Has Cancer

By JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN, AP
Posted: 2008-06-11 15:28:09
Filed Under: Movie News
NEW YORK (June 11) - Paul Newman, who has recently appeared gaunt in photos and dropped plans to direct a play in his Connecticut hometown, is battling cancer, his longtime neighbor and business partner said Wednesday.

Writer A.E. Hotchner, who partnered with Newman to start Newman's Own salad dressing company in the 1980s, said the 83-year-old actor told him about the disease about 18 months ago. He doesn't say what kind of cancer, but said Newman is in active treatment.

"I know that it's a form of cancer," Hotchner told The Associated Press. "It's a form of cancer and he's dealing with it."

Newman issued a statement late Tuesday that he's "doing nicely" but didn't specifically address questions about cancer. A call was placed to his spokesman Wednesday seeking comment.

The Oscar winner appeared to have lost weight when he was photographed during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race last month. Martha Stewart, in an entry dated June 6, posted a photo on her blog of herself with the actor, who looked thin, at a luncheon to benefit the Hole in the Wall Gang camps for critically ill children. (The Hole in the Wall Gang was led by Newman's affable outlaw character, Butch, in the 1969 film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.")

Newman won an Oscar for his leading role in 1986's "The Color of Money." His screen credits also include "Hud," ''Cool Hand Luke," ''The Verdict" and "Road to Perdition."

Hotchner said Newman had an operation a few years ago. "It was certainly somewhere in the area of the lung," he said.

"He's battling," Hotchner said. "He's doing all the right stuff. Paul is a fighter. He seems to be going through a good period right now."

Asked about his prognosis, Hotchner said, "Everybody is hopeful. That's all we know."

In 1982, Hotchner and Newman started a company to market Newman's original oil-and-vinegar dressing. Newman's Own, which began as a joke, grew into a multimillion-dollar business selling popcorn, salad dressing, spaghetti sauce and other foods. All the company's profits are donated to charities. By 2007, the company had donated more than $175 million, according to its Web site.

Last month, officials at Connecticut's Westport Country Playhouse cited unspecified health issues when they announced that Newman would not direct "Of Mice and Men" this fall.

Newman lives in Westport with his wife, Joanne Woodward.

Two friends said Tuesday that Newman appeared to be doing well.

"I think he's feeling quite well," said actor James Naughton, who spoke to Newman on Monday night. "As far as I can tell he's doing very well."

Newman had an infection over the winter, but seems to have that under control, Naughton said. He was lively at this month's Hole in the Wall Gang camp fundraiser, he said.

Michael Brockman, Newman's racing team partner, said Newman told him recently that he wants to get back into his race car for a test run and possibly another competition. His last race was last fall, he said.

"I think he's doing better than he was," Brockman said, noting that Newman had regained most of the weight he had lost.

"I think he looks great," said Brockman, who saw Newman last weekend. "I wish I looked that good."

Brockman called Newman "one of the best guys I ever met."

"He's just a regular guy," Brockman said. "He's humble."

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
2008-06-10 09:50:36
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bertysing 07:36:15 PM Jun 16 2008

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duzasm--if Paul Newman didn't want to play the celebrity game that is a testimony to his character. People who see how ludicrous it is to be placed on a pedastal feel nauseaus when approached by strangers who fawn and act like they really know the person....egomaniacs eat it up, level headed people feel naseated by it. So, if he splashed cold water in anyones' face it wasn't meant as dis-respect, but a jolt of reality...we are all equal in this crazy world...the man set an example for so many people about enduring fame and remaining genuine.

jjackieo2 07:20:27 PM Jun 16 2008

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I am also a senior and I just completed treatment for a third cancerI refuse to give up. I hope You fight this and beat it
. Just keep the faith and keep PRAYING .
I will be praying for you.

saint9roi 11:12:47 AM Jun 16 2008

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chat sur un toit brulant.

duzacm 12:22:48 AM Jun 16 2008

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Paul wasn't a nice man when asked for autographs. He got angry and left his fans hanging.

duzacm 12:18:09 AM Jun 16 2008

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Paul Newman and Rock Hudson turned down the leading part in Ben Hur .Bet they were sorry they did that...

ercobb 05:51:32 PM Jun 15 2008

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Paul Newman is the only man my wife would leave me for.

americanjoe2005 01:35:17 PM Jun 15 2008

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TRY NEWMAN'S O's , Pauls organic version of OREOS. AND FIG NEWMANS. BOTH ARE WONDERFUL!

AND WOULD YALL PLEASE LEARN TO SPELL? geeze.

ramona817 11:05:15 AM Jun 14 2008

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I couldn't agree more, the Newmans are a class act in and out of Hollywood. Apparently the price of fame is having "friends" who gossip about your medical diagnoses. Well, he looks great, he is 83 after all and hopefully has many more years to enjoy with his wife. I grew up as a Paul Newman fan, every kid who could play an instrument at my jr. high was sounding out the notes to "The Entertainer", theme song from "The Sting." Now, as a middle aged fogey, I am a devoted fan of the Newman's Own line of healthy food products. Look at the labels, they are produced without all the chemicals and junk. I'd rather give my money to someone who is profiting from being socially responsible!

robertsweet5 10:37:38 AM Jun 14 2008

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Growing up in the Wesprt area myself I know that the Newmans have always been a piller to, of, and for the communtiy. They are both just regular honest folk giving all they have to better the lives of others..

Mr. Hotchener should have kept his mouth shut!

Let's everyone, PLEASE, leave them alone!

baldocny 02:36:19 AM Jun 14 2008

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may mr newman have the strength and will of God help hime through this time
thank you for all the memories you have shared with all of us around the world

firemaker8 02:23:51 AM Jun 14 2008

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thank you for being in my life time as an actor you gave your talent and it was great as a human being your gifts to charity shows the world your humanity you are a good person it has been an honor to live in your time thank you MR Newman GOD BLESS

fd909 10:58:22 PM Jun 13 2008

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"What we've got here....is failure to comuinicate' GodSpeed Mr Newman. You are one of a kind.

cindyimwoowoo 08:35:43 PM Jun 13 2008

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I have been a fan every since I can remember. I wish the stars of today would learn something from the stars of yesterday. Please leave him alone and let him be with family and friends. We will all pray for you Paul. You are a truly wonderful person.

lilfshe 06:49:34 PM Jun 13 2008

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What an incredible couple. So dedicated to one another and truly role models. They have had wonderous careers and handled it with glamour and grace. I hope Mr. Newman recovers and he and his wife have many more years left together to carry on the legacy of selflessness and giving hope to those who need it. I remember my Dad and Mom watching "Cool Hand Luke" and "Exodus". I remember when I fell in love with "Butch" and his beautiful blue eyes when I was a teenager. Wow, sorry to hear he has been ill...but see, still dignity in the face of adversity. I am so sad :(

fivewoods4god 01:49:18 PM Jun 13 2008

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God bless Him...I pray for His healing and strength.

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