Paul Newman fighting cancer, confirms James Naughton and Joanne Woodward
However; it should be noted that Newman actually set up Newman’s Own Foundation Inc., the recipient of the donations, two years ago - prior to any alleged lung cancer diagnosis - in honor of his 80th birthday to ensure his charities would continue benefiting from his generosity.
Although Paul Newman’s rep has denied reports that the 83-year-old actor is terminally ill, yesterday it was reported that Newman has turned over the entire $120 million value of his ownership in Newman’s Own - the company that makes salad dressing, spaghetti sauce and cookies - to charity, which has only added fuel to rumors that the Academy Award winner is dying of lung cancer.
Reports of Newman’s illness started in March when PageSix reported that the Academy Award winner had been seeing an oncologist at New York’s Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for the past seven months.
“He’s been there a lot — he’s even worked out in the waiting room, doing squat thrusts. Last time he was in there he had a long beard,” an unnamed source told PageSix.com. “Joanne Woodward is there waiting for him and being very sweet with the assistants.”
“The Web site previously reported that Newman was a no-show at his Hole in the Wall Gang charity party last Monday night. According to his rep, it was because “he’s been having trouble with his back,” PageSix reported.
“I’m very sorry I can’t be part of this Westport Country Playhouse production, but I leave Of Mice and Men in Mark Lamos’ very capable hands with the full support of my wife, Joanne Woodward, and Anne Keefe as Playhouse artistic directors.”
Last week rumors of his illness were intensified when Martha Stewart posted photos of a gaunt-looking Newman on her blog from a benefit she hosted for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, an organization for which the actor sits as board of directors.
But there is still hope. Paul’s good friend James Naughton was quoted after speaking with Paul on Monday night, “I think he’s feeling quite well. As far as I can tell he’s doing very well.”
Written with help from CBS, FOX, and HULIQ
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