Actor and philanthropist Paul Newman has lost his very public battle with cancer. From Us Weekly:

Paul Newman has died at age 83.

He passed away after a long battle with cancer Friday at his farmhouse near Westport, Connecticut. No other details were available.

In a statement, Robert Forrester, vice-chairman of Newman’s Own Foundation, said: “Paul Newman’s craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all.

“Paul had an abiding belief in the role that luck plays in one’s life, and its randomness. He was quick to acknowledge the good fortune he had in his own life, beginning with being born in America, and was acutely aware of how unlucky so many others were. True to his character, he quietly devoted himself to helping offset this imbalance.”

Born in Ohio in 1925, the actor rose to fame in such roles as The Hustler, Cool Hand Luke and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, in which he starred opposite Robert Redford.

He was nominated for 10 Oscars, winning for 1987’s The Color of Money and taking home two honorary ones.

Newman was also known for his philanthropy. He created the Newman’s Own brand of organic foods and donated the company’s profits to charity.

“What started as something of a joke in the basement of his home, turned into a highly-respected, multi-million dollar a year food company,” Forrester said in a statement. “And true to form, he shared this good fortune by donating all the profits and royalties he earned to thousands of charities around the world, a total which now exceeds $250 million.”

He also founded the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for children with serious illnesses. Said Forrester: “Today, there are 11 Camps around the world, with additional programs in Africa and Vietnam. Through the Camps, well over 135,000 children have had the chance to experience what childhood was meant to be.”

Newman is survived by his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, 78. The couple celebrated their golden anniversary in January. He is the father of six children and eight grandchildren.

Newman never confirmed reports that he was battling cancer. In June, as rumors swirled about his illness, his pal (and neighbor) Martha Stewart wrote, “He is still full of vim and vigor, he is still Cool Hand Luke to me, and of course, my Butch Cassidy!”

Newman announced he was retiring last year.

“I’m not able to work anymore as an actor at the level I would want to,” he said on Good Morning America. “You start to lose your memory, your confidence, your invention. So that’s pretty much a closed book for me… I’ve been doing it for 50 years. That’s enough.”

Newman had said he’d like to be remembered as “a guy who tried, tried to be part of his times, tried to help people communicate with one another, tried to find some decency in his own life, tried to extend himself as a human being. Someone who isn’t complacent, who doesn’t cop out.”

So sad. Our thoughts and prayers are with the actor’s family, friends and fans.

Image Source: Getty Images

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