Cancer: Paul Newman's Friend Confirms Ill, Newman Turns Over $120 Million To Charity

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A longtime neighbor and business partner of Paul Newman has told The Associated Press the 83-year-old actor is battling cancer.

Writer A.E. Hotchner, who partnered with Newman to start Newman's Own salad dressing company in the 1980s, says Newman told him about the disease about 18 months ago. He doesn't say what kind of cancer.

Concerns about Newman's health have been circulating for months. Last month, officials at Connecticut's Westport Country Playhouse cited unspecified health issues when they announced that Newman wouldn't direct "Of Mice and Men" this fall.

In response to reports of Newman's illness, the actor's spokesman issued a statement Tuesday saying that Newman is "doing nicely." The statement doesn't specifically address cancer.

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Fox News reports:

Movie star Paul Newman has quietly turned over the entire value of his ownership in Newman's Own -- the company that makes salad dressing and cookies -- to charity.

Completed over a two-year period in 2005 and 2006, the amount of his donations to Newman's Own Foundation Inc. comes to an astounding $120 million.

This is unprecedented for any movie star or anyone from what we call Hollywood. Of course Newman and actress wife Joanne Woodward have never been Hollywood types. They've lived their lives quietly in Westport, Conn., for the last 50 years. (They were married in January 1958. And people said it wouldn't last!)

This column learned about this extraordinary gift as news started coming out recently about Newman's battle

Newman in May:

Comments

[littlepuffycloud]

Paul Newman is just about the last of the great movie stars. What a talent and human being. I pray for him and his family.

[Rosanneofpgh]

Words fail me. That such a stupendous human being like Paul Newman is suffering from cancer and that moron in the white house is hale and hearty. It just aint fair!!!

God bless you, Paul, for all your good works. You are truly a hero!

[truthbtold]

An artist that knows the craft better than anyone alive today.

Butch Cassidy, the sting, somebody up there likes me,and on and on.

See you on the other side

[perpetualpessimist]

I am in a state of total ambivalence right now. I would like Paul Newman to stick around a long, long time. But I don't want him to suffer. If all that money spent on the Iraq War had gone to cancer research instead, would a cure, or at least a treatment, been found by now? All the best, Mr. Newman. You are in my prayers.

[samguy]

A case of not being a fan of someone's work until recently, but the exact opposite as a human being. Always have admired him. What a mensch.

[Dots]

What an inspiring legacy he will leave.
He makes humanity "look good."
Hope he's working on a book...
That's one I would look forward to reading!
But then he HAS shown us the way
by EXAMPLE.
Thank You.

[HeevenSteven]

Still my favorite salad dressing; been using it since day 1. Thanks for all you've done Paul.

[celticjag]

Paul Newman is an example of what a human being can do.

[yoli647]

Wish you all the best, you are a class act!!

[ramper]

A movie star that can not only look into the camera, but also look into the mirror.
He is everything most of Hollywood is not. It is a pity so many have so little of his class.

[AdlaiStevenson]

I had the great fortune of meeting Mr. Newman during the California Nuclear Freeze ballot initiative in the 1980's, which he supported. I was working on the initiative staff at the time. He caused quite a stir when he arrived in the building. Everyone knew he was coming, even those who didn't work on the campaign. He was very friendly and self-effacing with everyone he met. Seemed to have very little ego. Some of us took him out to dinner, which was great fun, especially watching the reaction of people in the restaurant as we came in. Afterwards, one our staff was prepared to drive him back to his hotel. But Newman, who had a hobby of race car driving, asked to drive and that staff member got the ride of his life. He is someone with great character, dignity and commitment who deserves all the accolades he receives -- and the longest life possible.

[gulopartisan]

Newman is an example of what movie stars could have been. A great body of professional work, a normal personal life, his wealth shared with his fellows. I salute him, and hope for a dignified end to a wonderful life.

[SILVANUS]

Thanks Paul.

[Mort]

VERY well done, Paul. You'll always be fondly remembered, but this is a beautiful way to leave a legacy. I hope others follow your example.

[txgal44]

Class.