Paul Newman has always been a fiercely private man, shunning the trappings
of fame wrought by his Hollywood career while immersing himself in auto racing,
philanthropy and a multimillion-dollar food business.
Addressing reports that he was fighting cancer, Newman certainly stayed in
character: "Newman says he's doing nicely," was the extent of a statement issued
by the 83-year-old actor's publicist, Jeff Sanderson.
On Wednesday, a longtime neighbor and business partner confirmed that Newman
told him about the disease about 18 months ago.
"It's a form of cancer and he's dealing with it," said A.E. Hotchner, a
writer who partnered with Newman to start Newman's Own salad dressing company in
the 1980s.
Hotchner did not specify what kind of cancer Newman had, but said the actor
is in active treatment.
There were earlier indications that Newman might be struggling with an
illness.
Hotchner said Newman had an operation a few years ago, "somewhere in the area
of the lung."
"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."
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."
