Paul Newman died Friday, at the age of 83, after a long battle with cancer at his farmhouse near Westport, his publicist Jeff Sanderson said. HG reported that Newman had cancer back in May. In June the picture above was posted on Martha Stewart’s blog of Newman looking gaunt and ill. Even Newman’s friend told the media he was ill, but Sanderson had tried to play down the illness after Newman cancelled plans in May to produce Of Mice and Men due to health issues.

Besides being a legendary actor, Newman leaves behind a company that donates all its profits to charity.

Paul Newman will be missed.

Yesterday a reported said that A.E. Hotchner said he knew Paul Newman had some kind of cancer 18 months ago, then he denied he said that to the AP, but the AP says they stand by their story. Newman looks sick. It’s going to be sad when he passes on, that’s a fact.

Paul Newman’s longtime friend and neighbor says the 83-year-old actor has cancer.

Writer A.E. Hotchner, who partnered with Newman to start Newman’s Own salad dressing company, told the Associated Press that Newman told him he had the disease about 18 months ago.

Hotchner did not say what kind of cancer. If it were lung cancer Newman would already be dead.

Very sad. He is a living legend, not only for his acting, but for his kindness.

Paul Newman (83) did not deny reports he has terminal lung cancer. His spokesman, Jeff Sanderson, instead gave this 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."

The picture above, and a picture on Martha Stewart’s blog, both show Newman in May of 2008, looking very old, and perhaps ill.

Newman started a company that produces a lot of high quality food products, and donates 100% of the proceeds to charity. He’s a good person, and we wish him, and his family, all the best.

The National Enquirer said earlier this year that Paul Newman had surgery to remove cancer. His rep denied that. Newman said:

"I’m being treated for athlete’s foot and hair loss … maybe the doctors know something that I don’t!"

Despite the statement that he’s otherwise healthy, Newman withdrew as director for Of Mice and Men at the Westport Country Playhouse. Newman said:

"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."

Mark Lamos is set to take over for Newman. Get well soon!