Paul Newman the Actor and Race Car Driver is Battling Cancer

CONNECTICUT, June 12, 2008 – CONNECTICUT - Paul Newman, the legendary actor and philanthropist, and race car driver is said to be battling cancer. Newman, who is 83, dropped plans to direct a play in his Connecticut hometown at the Westport Country Playhouse. Unspecified health issues were announced as the reason that he would not direct the play “Of Mice and Men”. Newman lives in Westport with his wife, Joanne Woodward.

Friends said he has a form of cancer and had an operation near his lung last year. It is not known what form of cancer he has but he is in active treatment and said to be dealing with it well. Newman issued a statement late Tuesday that he’s “doing nicely” but didn’t specifically address questions about cancer.

The Oscar winner for his leading role in the1986 movie “The Color of Money appeared to have lost weight when he was photographed during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race last month and at a luncheon to benefit the Hole in the Wall Gang camps for critically ill children. Newmanis also known for the movies “Hud,” “Cool Hand Luke,” “The Verdict” and “Road to Perdition.”

Newman has been actively involved in auto racing with the Newman/Haas Racing team and has raced his own race car for the10 years after he learned it was one of the few things he could do gracefully. He may be one of the oldest competitors on the racing circuit but has been very competitive and even won races. Click on photo to watch video.

Michael Brockman, Newman’s racing team partner, said Newman told him recently that he wants to get back into his race car for a test run and possibly another competition. Brockman called Newman “one of thebest guys I ever met.” “He’s just a regular guy,” Brockman said. “He’s humble.”