Longtime Friend: Paul Newman Has Cancer
Paul Newman, who has recently appeared gaunt in photos and dropped plans to 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 83-year-old actor told him about the disease about 18 months ago.
He doesn’t say what kind of cancer, but said Newman is in active treatment.
“I know that it’s a form of cancer,” Hotchner told The Associated Press. “It’s a form of cancer and he’s dealing with it.”
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.
Asked about his prognosis, Hotchner said, “Everybody is hopeful. That’s all we know.”
Hotchner, a longtime friend of Newman’s, wavered in his public statements later Wednesday, telling “Access Hollywood” that he had no knowledge of Newman being treated for any illness. He confirmed the cancer report to the Reuters news agency, however.
Hotchner did not return later phone calls Wednesday from the AP.
“We stand by our story,” the AP said in a statement.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Tags: Paul Newman
June 11th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Dear Mr. Newman: I just got the news via my PC that you have cancer. As a long time fan, I wish the the best and hope to see you recover very soon.
Best wishes,
Larry Gist
Las Vegas NV
June 12th, 2008 at 6:16 am
Dear Mr. Newman: I would like you to know that you are in my prayers. I have been a devoted fan and have always enjoyed seeing him on the big screen. One of my favorite movies is The Long Hot Summer. I used to make my kids watch it with me. Of course, they could never appreciate the whole thing, but they were exposed to great talent and that was the important thing. I am also from OHIO, I was born in Cleveland and raised in Lakewood. I have lived the last 34 yrs in Las Vegas, NV. I hope this note finds its way to you. I don’t normally do these type of things, but since you were such a hugh influence in my life, I wanted you to know. Thank God for bringing us a wonderful Man and letting us share part of his life, even if it was only on the Big Screen. God Bless you, and have a speedy recovery.
Much Love, Colleen