Longtime Friend: Paul Newman Has Cancer

Actor In Active Treatment For Illness Diagnosed 18 Months Ago

(AP)  Paul Newman, who has recently appeared gaunt in photos and dropped plans 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 legendary actor told him about the disease about 18 months ago. He doesn't say what kind of cancer, but said Newman's in active treatment.

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

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Photos: Paul Newman

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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 83-year-old Oscar winner appeared to have lost weight when he was photographed at 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.")

He 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 of 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 the screen legend would not direct "Of Mice and Men" this fall.

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."

Newman lives in Westport with his wife, Joanne Woodward.

[avigil2]

Paul Newman is definitely a class act. And one of the true golden stars of old Hollywood; if only the new or current Hollywood could have such deserving actors working.

[dbl06]

What a Guy!

[briansgirl2]

May the windows of Heaven open up and pour an abundance of blessings upon you Mr. Newman. A man of all men.

[emelder]

A good man ... always a class act. God Bless ...

[piercetheval]

...You''ll always have "Top Billing" like the brightest star you are. May God bless you for all your great works.

[piercetheval]

...You''ll always have "Top Billing" like the brightest star you are. May God bless you for all your great works.

[piercetheval]

...You''ll always have "Top Billing" like the brightest star you are. May God bless you for all your great works.

[patriot12436]

I think only Mr. Newman should be making comments on his personal life. He should be the one to say what he wants known to the public. I hope the news media will respect his right to privacy. Nothing we say can add anything to this great gentleman. His life speaks for itself. Truly an inspiration to all of us to live up to.

[ybotheratall]

Nothing but kind words, good thoughts and Godspeed to you Mr. Newman. (like he''ll ever read this lol) Mr. Newman IS class.

[cbsblogger]

A legend and a gentleman. God speed in your battle.