Friend confirms Paul Newman's cancer

[hyphenate]

By Alex Dobuzinskis

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actor Paul Newman told friends as far back as 18 months ago that he was battling cancer but has remained energetic and active in charity work, a friend and business associate said on Wednesday.

Writer A.E. Hotchner, who co-founded Newman's Own food products with the actor, told Reuters that Newman, 83, was doing fine as of two weeks ago. Asked if Newman had cancer, Hotchner said "he made it known to a lot of his friends."

Hotchner, who lives near Newman and his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, in Westport, Connecticut, said he did not know what type of cancer Newman had because "I don't believe it's any of my business, and I don't want to get into it."

The widely acclaimed actor of films such as "The Color of Money" and "The Sting" on Tuesday responded to a flurry of unconfirmed media reports that he was gravely ill with cancer by issuing a terse statement saying he was "doing nicely."

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http://uk.reuters.com/article/UKNews1/idUKN1117335820080612?sp=true

[BuelahWitch]

1. Paul Newman is a class act

He and his family are in my thoughts as they go through this trying time.

[malaise]

4. Yes he is

I hope he's not in pain and his love ones are coping as best as they can

[TomInTib]

2. 83.... Damn, that makes me feel old.

I hope it goes easy.

[wtmusic]

3. Hotchner doesn't "believe it's any of my business"

but believes it's his business to tell the media about it.

:crazy:

[Smarmie Doofus]

7. He's 88 himself. Let's cut him some slack. nt

[navarth]

5. Damn Shame

Newman's one of the greats, on and off the screen. A truly great man. May he have peace.

[BuelahWitch]

6. He and Joanne celebrated 50 years of marriage earlier this year

[Garbo 2004]

8. Hochner subsequently said AP misquoted him and he didn't say Newman has cancer.

Newman's Friend: 'I Was Misquoted Over Cancer Confirmation'

A friend and business partner of movie veteran Paul Newman has fired back at reports that quote him confirming the actor is battling cancer.

A.E. Hotchner claims he was misquoted in an Associated Press article, in which he reportedly said Newman is battling "a form of cancer and he's dealing with it."

The angry writer says, "I saw him (Newman) last week and he seemed fine. I have no knowledge of any diagnosis."

"The AP misquoted me. I have no knowledge of Mr. Newman being treated for any illness."
Associated Press bosses are standing by their story.

Newman's health hit the headlines again at the beginning of the week when the Los Angeles Times newspaper reported the 83-year-old had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. A representative for the actor refuses to confirm or deny the cancer reports, stating only that Newman is "doing nicely." http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=7&entry_id=27276