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."

Comments

[Boinker]

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.

[Pamela]

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!

[Virgil Leisure]

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.

[Eileen]

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.

[Kathy]

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.

[Ann]

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

__________

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.

[XO Blue Eyes]

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).

[American]

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.

[XO Blue Eyes]

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).

[Laura]

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.

[Chauncey Chen]

Dear Paul:

I am deeply moved by your devotion to public good. I am very concerned about your health.

Please try the following link for a possible cancer cure.

http://www.vnfa.com/cdsenglish/

1). It is not a commercial site that asks you to buy;
2). It seems the website creator has cured himself otherwise he cannot write in such detail;
3). It is all vegetables and has no side effects.

May God Bless you!

Sincerely,

Chauncey Chen (www.poets.com)

[kari]

just a few months ago he raced..go paul

[Priscilla Merrill]

I am truly one of Paul's greatest fan. I had the pleasure of meeting him at a race in my late teens in the late 1970's. He is truly an American hero in so many ways. This media frenzy is an embarrassment to me. Can you imagine him having to cope with hearing the maudlin reports the media so loves to dish out? He is full of grace and doesn't honor their sharkfeed with his dignity: a trait I've forever admired.
Whatever the diagnosis and whatever the truth, my prayers envelop him and his wonderful family and he is tough as nails and get get through this as so many others have. Think what gifts he has given to this society, his acting just a snippet.

[Patrick Wallace]

Paul Newman is old school, in his careers, and in his life. He represents a time when hard work was rewarding, manners made a difference, and ethics weren’t politically or publicly motivated. He is of my father’s generation, and I think of my late father every time I see Mr. Newman act, or race, or grace the label of a condiment bottle.

I first met P.L., as he was known in racing circles, at Sears Point Raceway in 1979, when I was sixteen. I was working for Jim Busby Racing out of Laguna Beach, and P.L. was always hanging with Buzz in our paddock.

As a hobby, I built and raced radio-controlled racecars. P.L. had one too, and on a Saturday evening, following final qualifying, he and I joined all the racing media, drivers and mechanics along the pit straight and set up cones for a toy car race.

I was the baby; but I also had the factory machinery, and only Buzz and P.L. knew this. P.L. made the rounds, playfully talking me up against the other drivers, and then wagering their cars against mine. P.L. fronted the money. I did the driving. Through qualifying we were unstoppable, or so we thought.

In the main event, I was so far out in the lead that there was no way I wasn’t going to win for P.L. and myself, until a spectator rushed on to the track to right a flipped car, and crushed mine in one heavy stomp. I was devastated, not at the loss of my racecar, but at letting down P.L. He would have none of that, and he quickly turned my attention away from that loss, and on to other things of greater interest and more importance. He never did let me know just how much money he lost on me. That was nothing to burden a sixteen-year-old with. He really is the kind and gentle good guy that everyone sees him as.

Three years later, I became a sports television cameraman, and I have since had the opportunity to interview P.L. at several races he has competed in and owned cars in. Nothing has changed. He is still calm and courteous, plain and matter-of-fact in the way he deals with everyone. No façade, just old school manners and ethics… just like my dad.

Note: Just finished watching Road to Perdition, with Tom Hanks: In my opinion Paul Newman’s best work to date, but hopefully not his last.

[Liz]

Boinker....Get your hands on a copy of "Cool Hand Luke" to see how incredibly, handsome, sexy and brilliant actor he was (and is). To me, he is one of those eternally sexy men, not just due to his looks and talent, but for the good man he is, as well.

[Peggy]

I also grew up on the great films
with stars of my parents' generation. Newman, Redford and Gregory Peck were 3 that my mom and I both idolized!! As fans, this oinker ,was a common bond thru the sometimes rough teen years. and continues to this day. The character of these individuals and quality of their body of work stands for all time. Please cut Boinker some slack. He's only been on the planet for 10 years. I commend him for being interested enough to ask questions. (Blogging is easier than driving to the video store or library when you're 10. ) Boinker, try to get a copy of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Cool Hand
Luke.

[Carrie]

Boinker, you are a Class A-1 Brat.

[diane]

The world is a better place because of Paul Newman.

[Gordon Gill]

You already said it. Paul Newman was a total CLASS ACT. What a great guy.

[Dave]

All actors should take note on how this man lived his life. He did so with grace,devotion to his wife and family, and a low profile. He was content to be his own man and no need to convert others to his ideals.

Not only will he be missed, but he will not be duplicated. What a great loss.

[judith McCormick]

i just loved him and will always remember him.

[Gordon Gill]

You already said it. Paul Newman was a total CLASS ACT. What a great guy.

[Pete Franci]

I am feeling empty now and will have to watch some of his movies again which have always been some of my favorites.
Rest in Peace paul and Thank You for making life more fulffiling.

[KD Street]

Being a boomer I too have been blessed by Paul Newman's many contributions to the industry. I must say though, my favorite is Luke.

S' long Cool Hand.
Thanks for all the great memories!

[KD Street]

Being a boomer I too have been blessed by Paul Newman's many contributions to the industry. I must say though, my favorite is Luke.

S' long Cool Hand.
Thanks for all the great memories!

[Lynne]

In the 1970's I worked as a waitress at Alice's Restaurant on the Malibu Pier. Many celebrities frequented the establishment. One day Paul Newman came in and sat in my section. I remember he had the most gorgeous blue eyes and he was a perfect gentleman.

[rita]

Paul Newman was truly one of a kind. I saw him for the first time as Billy the kid in the movie "The left handed gun" when I was five years old and well he was my first crush (I'm 33 now). But several things always amazed me about him. That despite his good looks he didn't want to be a star but just to act. That he stayed married for 50 years that is so rare for Hollywood. That he donated all this money for charity while businessmen with much more money don't give a dime away. Paul Newman was the role model anyone should have and he's already truly missed...

[Joyce]

PN left this world a better
place and gave us all gifts
of acting talent, humanitarianism, a great example of being a husband, father, informed political observer, friend
and,and all the while exhibited quiet dignity and character--we will miss him in all these ways and many more.

[dick van den berg]

paul and i are about the same age ...i have always loved his style. just a neat smile of confidence. actually i have been next to paul twice a- elcart lake ,wi in a bud jump suit during a road america event b- a chinese rest in nyc- he / our leader - handed the server a tip- said buy yourself a bud . just another human of the road with us.
i'm happy to have passed in the night!
paul - made us better all a little better.

[trish]

my father was eighty four when he died last month of lung cancer i have a picture with the caption i am eighty going on fourteen on my fridge with pauls picture on it my father was like this till the last year and then it was a gentle side down from there my heart goes out to his wife and children my dad was my best friend and the best dad ever and i will miss them both so much

[Kathleen]

Another Great Legend of this Era has Bid His Final Farewell. He will always be remembered as a unique and finely skilled actor that Hollywood produced in a by gone era. He had a persona and charisma all his own. He captivated the big screen. He had a unique way of drawing you into his character. I was very young (6 years old) when I witnessed the actor at his craft "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid". I was taken by his colorful boyish way he had portrayed "Butch" and many other characters he portrayed on the Big Screen. Acting is an art, a skillful craft and there are very few who can tap into that arena and carry it off. He opened himself to his fellow actors in such a away that made their performances glisten and peak. Example, "Sundance" aka Mr. Robert Redford another fine actor who benefited from a life long friendship and was taken under Mr. Newman's wing. When you were picked as one of the chosen few to be graced by working with such a fine actor and your performance shines like a lucky gold piece and is complete. To have that on your resume made you a stronger actor, person in real life just ask his beautiful wife "Joanne Woodward". You don't have to be naive to know that when you work and live with such an accomplished person he or she makes you a much better person for it. I should know I had that same sheer joy of living with a wonderful role model my own Father and I can thank him for allowing me to witness "Butch Cassidy aka Paul Newman". He was one of those chosen few who lit up the screen and made watching the cinema sheer enjoyment. He will truthfully be missed. However, I am proud to be a viewer of TCM and will have the opportunity to always view his fine work. When I received the very sad news of his passing I was quite upset. Angered that "One of the Greats" of a by gone era is no longer with us. Then I retreated to my room and exclaimed "Oh Butch" and wept. My emotions took me over this I will admit. Then I began to pray for him, his lovely wife Joanne Woodward, and their family and friends. He was also a wonderful human to create a camp “The Whole in the Wall Gang” for the children who are fighting for life. If any of them beat their cancer and I pray they do they will have been given a great gift from its founder “to live life to the fullest and never take it for granted”! Never put off what can be done today and share what you have with others!!! I feel that it is the truth and reality of how “ Mr. Paul Newman aka “Butch” would want to be remembered.

[Marge]

I used to workon Paul's pit crew in FL 20 years ago. He was just a wonderful regualr unassuming man, with much to share. I will never forget when he drove me around the racetrack in a 'street car' after the race, just really enjoying describing how he did each turn in the race .passionate racer . warm and wonderful thinking person who made a big impression on my life, as I thought movie stars are 'above' us. He was just of us, and full of love for humanity. Bless his soul. He was one of a kind.