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

[KOisGod]

Get well Mr. Paul Newman

A long time admirer and fan. A man who gave back by using his energy, skills, talents and heart to make this world a better place. I buy his Newman's Own products - best lemonade, bar none!

In a night sky of stars, your's burns the brightest.

[RichDavid]

Such a good man....a great actor.....­Thank you for all you've done.....G­od bless....

[AdobePhsyko]

I've met Mr Newman many times at the Indy Car races and got a pool cue signed by him (A very Special Autograph to me) . He is a Class Act and always has time for fans . We talked about "Cool Hand Luke " at Homestead Speedway where he told me That was his Favorite role of all.
Get Well Buddy A Lot Of People Are Pulling For You

[fignozzle]

such an elegant man.
and an elegant couple.

[tds1273]

God bless you Mr. Newman. Greatest player/coach ever.

[carolinacowboyinla]

Paul is and will always be my favorite actor. I regret that I haven't had a chance to meet him or work with him. COOL HAND LUKE, THE STING, THE VERDICT, BUTCH CASSIDY AND SUNDANCE KID, we don't make movies like these great classics anymore or do I ever meet anyone that holds a candle to the class and charisma that Paul and Joanne both have.

Man, Husband, Father, Actor, Racer, Philanthropist, GIVER, CARING HUMAN BEING!

Get well soon Paul.

Walk into this just like you and Sundance did with guns blazing!

Thanks for what you have given me as an actor and what you have given this world as a human being.

[Levittown]

Ditto to carolinacowboyinla. Newman showed the with class and compassion. I see the same traits in Pitt and Jolie. Mybe others will step up.

[tds1273]

Just had to add the greatest sports movie ever to the list- SLAPSHOT

+1 to everything else you said.

[wjb0965]

"This is not news to my readers. I told you several months ago that Newman -- who has five grown daughters -- was seeing an oncologist­..."

The "author" seems so proud of his scoop. Maybe this dignified man would have preferred to make this announcement on his own terms. This site, with it's link to this FOX "story", is becoming nothing more than a tabloid rag wrapped in a cover of legitimate news.

Mr. Newman deserves his privacy during this very difficult time.

[collprof]

Well, it's better to have found out about his charitable giving while he's still here so that we all know and be able to thank him in whatever way we feel appropriate. He never would have outed himself with this huge gift.

Thanks Paul. And thanks for the many years of wonderful entertainm­ent..Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. That's when Newman was an actor (1st nomination for Oscar) and ET was a hottie.

[se7enMMBsg]

. . . why don't you go and flush what you're spewing, "pal".

~se7en

[Ceasar]

If it's what you want, then get well soon! Your products are quality and I will always support.

[ElkoJohn]

`
truly a man who cares for others . . .
.

[MyGuyO]

Being a big fan of Mr. Newman for many, many years this has come as is a huge shock to hear that he has lung cancer. I wish him well.. This is a very respected man in man in so many ways.
Best of luck in your greatest battle yet, Mr. Newman. You are one classy man.

[lisakaz2]

Get well soon, Mr. Newman. I am pulling for ya.

[CommentSense]

A true American Hero, he has always exuded an air of dignity. It was like - deep down, he knew more than you did, and it came not from arrogance or some pompous belief. He was patient...­waiting for you to catch up to what he was all about.

A REAL man.

[olivia]

Paul Newman be well.

I always admired them both.

[GiannaX]

I'm totally stunned and devastated to hear this is true! I thought it was a cheap tabloid rumor.
What an exquisite soul he is. The real deal in every sense. Godspeed to the Newman family.
Wow, this one hurts.

[keclxivq]

He is "THE" Star.