Sorry to go off on a slight tangent topic-wise, but I thought that the dreaded possibility behind the passing of one of our most notable Hollywood icons (and progressive activists) was noteworthy enough to share. It had been reported recently that Paul Newman was scheduled to direct the stage production for Of Mice and Men at the Westport Country Playhouse in Connecticut. He later stepped down because of health issues.
Now, it appears that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer, according to both domestic and international press sources.
Film legend Paul Newman is suffering from lung cancer, according to U.S. magazine reports.
Two U.S. publications quote friends of the actor saying the former chain-smoker has been diagnosed with lung cancer at the New York’s Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, a few hours drive from his Connecticut home, where he lives his wife, Joanne Woodward.
Newman is renowned as the co-founder (with writer and friend A.E. Hotchner) of "Newman's Own", which offers various food products, like spaghetti sauce and salad dressing. (Speaking of which, if you want the best Tuscan style salad dressing, Newman's Own brand wins hands down.)
The company donates all earnings and royalties to charity and with earnings reaching over $220 million since its creation, Newman has made major contributions to those less fortunate. The foundation also started the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a nonprofit residential summer camp opened in 1988 in Ashford, CT. It's a place where children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses come each summer for an unforgettable experience, free of charge. They now have eight camps in operation, five in the United States, and one each in Ireland, the United Kingdom and France, with several more scheduled to open in the near future. The Hole in the Wall Camps are the world’s largest family of camps for children with serious illnesses and life-threatening conditions.
In June 1999, Newman donated $250,000 to the relief of Kosovo refugees.
On June 1, 2007, Kenyon College announced that Newman had donated $10 million to the school to establish a scholarship fund as part of the college's current $230 million fund-raising campaign. Newman and his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, were honorary co-chairs of a previous campaign.
All of you NASCAR and auto racing enthusiasts may be aware of Newman's penchant for cruising the speedway, most notably earning the honor of the oldest driver to be part of a winning team in a major sanctioned race, the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1995, at the tender age of 70.
Please join me in extending many thoughts, well wishes, prayers and blessings to Paul Newman and his family. Even better, buy a Newman's Own brand on your next trip to the grocery store. Two worthy causes will be served: the well-being of someone in need and the satisfaction of your pallette.
UPDATE: Thanks to all for the recs and for showing your love and respect to one exceptional American citizen!
UPDATE DEUX: Changed title from "Paul Newman Is Dying" to "Paul Newman has Lung Cancer" per Little's suggestion.
UPDATE TROIX: Found this brief blurb in the L.A. Times blog, as well as the recent picture below posted online by Martha Stewart.