Paul Newman tells fans that he's 'doing nicely'
Paul Newman's health remains a matter of concern for all his fans. But Tuesday, reports of Paul Newman's near proximity to passing were denied.
Newman's agent, Toni Howard, told E! News that reports claiming Newman, 83, was terminally ill with lung cancer are "not true."
Newman's spokesman -- Jeff Sanderson -- also released a statement: "He says he's doing nicely, and this is the statement I wanted to share with you, and that's what I have. I spoke to his office [in Connecticut]. This is the statement that came directly from him."
According to numerous unconfirmed media accounts, the screen legend has been undergoing outpatient treatment for lung cancer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan. But a spokeswoman for the medical facility told Reuters she had no information about Newman.
We're very, very glad to hear that Paul's doing nicely, even if recent statements don't quite address the lung cancer concerns, which began surfacing late last month, when Newman backed out as director of "Of Mice and Men" at the playhouse in his hometown of Westport, Conn., citing an unspecified illness.
Several websites took this news as proof a serious condition, which was fueled by photos of a gaunt-looking Newman at a recent charity event posted last Friday on Martha Stewart's blog.
Here, thanks to Jeff Wells at Hollywood Elsewhere, is a link to his biographer's website on which author Shawn Levy admits to knowing about Newman's cancer and speaks of the loss his fans will face.
"I have known for a while that Newman was very ill, probably with cancer, and today the Internet is flooded with the news that it's lung cancer and that it's not good. There aren't very good sources on any of these stories, and nobody has any shocking exclusives, but given what I know I find every word of them credible. He's 83, and his 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."
In AP's story, Newman's friend A.E Hotcher, revealed his knowledge of Newman's cancer.
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. He's doing all the right stuff. Paul is a fighter. He seems to be going through a good period right now. Everybody is hopeful. That's all we know."
Two other friends, racing partner Michael Brockman and actor James Naughton, have also spoken to AP about Newman's current health. "I think he's doing well," said Naughton, who spoke to Newman Monday night. "As far as i can tell he's doing very well."
Speaking for myself, losing Paul Newman, which will inevitably happen, will be like losing a dear friend, brother or father.
Last night, I re-watched "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," and realized how much Newman -- and Robert Redford -- meant to me when I was growing up. They were -- are -- amazing actors, admirable human beings and incredible role models. Can't help but get misty up at the thought of losing either of these great guys.
Photo: Paul Newman at the Sundance Institute's 25th anniversary in 2006; WireImage
(Editor's note: Oops, a previous version of this post said Newman back out as director of the film "Our Town" but it was actually "Of Mice and Men."
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Why are so many people making such a fuss about a guy who makes salad dressing? I am 10 years old and I love his dressing, but I can't say that it is much better than the other ones out there. I think he makes popcorn too and other things that are good for charity stuff and that's good! Was he the first person to invent salad dressing or something? I guess I should have known that if it is the case.
The younger generation may not realize that Paul Newman was the Brad Pitt of our generation. But it wasn't just his blue eyes or seeing him in a T shirt, those things fade. He is a fantastic actor, husband, and humanitarian. If we want to show our support for him we should all buy some of his products, Newmans Own, in the grocery store. We all need salad dressing, pasta sauce and popcorn anyway and it will contribute more for charity and show him and his family that we care. Newman's Own has already donated 200 million to charity, now that is a legacy!
I am a great fan of Paul Newman. He and I have prostate cancer. We have the same urologist. I had surgery to remove my prostrate and I am cancer free for ten years now. On my doctors office wall is a hand written letter from Paul Newman thanking him for saving lives and that he would begin his radiation treatments soon.
I'd have to say that Paul Newman is the George Clooney of my generation, not Brad Pitt. While Newman has the undeniably great looks of Pitt, Newman's talent and principled character is much closer to Clooney.
Paul Newman is, to many of us, an icon, the man we compared all other men to. He then went on to give millions to charity via his food industry. Paul Newman is perfection, as a man and as a human being. At 83, we will sooner rather than later feel his loss but his legacy will be forever.
Why are so many people making such a fuss about a guy who makes salad dressing? I am 10 years old and I love his dressing, but I can't say that it is much better than the other ones out there. I think he makes popcorn too and other things that are good for charity stuff and that's good! Was he the first person to invent salad dressing or something? I guess I should have known that if it is the case.
Posted by: Boinker
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At 10 years old you are obviously and utterly clueless about cinematography and the superb films made in years preceding your birth. (Hint: There were actors who could really act and scripts that were superbly written and films made that are not the mindless moronic dreck currently on TV or in theaters with actors that all look alike and have utterly no talent.)
Why don't you grow up and learn something before babbling on the internet?
It only demonstrates that you are embarrasingly ignorant and should be studying and learning rather than messing about on a computer.
I've been a Paul Newman fan since I saw Butch Cassidy. But have you seen some of his earlier works? Fabulous. I'm going to go run out and have some Newman's Own Sockorooni Sauce on my pasta, some Newman's Own caeser dressing on my salad, Newman's Own virgin lemonade to drink and for dessert, some Newman's Own popcorn. Oh yeah, thanks to Paul for the Hole in the Wall Gang camps. You've helped jumpstart the Victory Junction Gang camp and tha's just a heartfelt thanks from a NASCAR fan.
Oh, Boinker, read Mr Newman's bio on IMDB.com before you make dumb comments. Don't your parents have ANY clue what an icon Mr Newman is? (Not like the losers your generation looks up to like Britney, Lindsay and Miley).
I wish Mr. Newman well, whether he is ill or not. He has given me many hours of pleasure due to his movies.
As for the media, leave him alone. He lives his life with grace, we should see him as a role model, not a headline.
I've been a Paul Newman fan since I saw Butch Cassidy. But have you seen some of his earlier works? Fabulous. I'm going to go run out and have some Newman's Own Sockorooni Sauce on my pasta, some Newman's Own caeser dressing on my salad, Newman's Own virgin lemonade to drink and for dessert, some Newman's Own popcorn. Oh yeah, thanks to Paul for the Hole in the Wall Gang camps. You've helped jumpstart the Victory Junction Gang camp and tha's just a heartfelt thanks from a NASCAR fan.
Oh, Boinker, read Mr Newman's bio on IMDB.com before you make dumb comments. Don't your parents have ANY clue what an icon Mr Newman is? (Not like the losers your generation looks up to like Britney, Lindsay and Miley).
Paul Newman comes from an era of talented actors who could really act, direct, you name it. I saw him in the 60's at a shopping center in CT when he was campaigning for someone. I was in the 7th grade and I'll never forget those blue eyes. The sale of his products funds his "Hole in the Wall Gang" organization for children with cancer. Whether he is on the race track at Lime Rock, performing or directing, or with his "kids", we are proud to have Paul and his lovely wife as fellow residents.