Is Paul Newman battling cancer?

There have been rumors swirling around awhile now that Paul Newman, beloved actor and philanthropist, is battling the incredibly tough disease lung cancer. The National Ennquirer ran with the very "classy" cover story, predicting the actor's death within the next six weeks and most entertainment and pop culture blogs have run with the story. According to The Dish Rag at LA Times, both Newman's agent and spokesperson that the actor is not "dying", nor is he currently battling lung cancer.

And while it seems strange that the people surrounding Newman are extremely quick to discount any reports, if it happens to be true, many friends of the actor are are confirming the story to various news outlets, including the Associated Press. Newman has battled prostate cancer in the past and it is common with people in his age bracket, who have suffered from cacner before to find it rearing its ugly head once again in another area of the body. With the internet and rumors swirling, its very hard to hide anything about famous movie stars nowadays and this report shows the thirst from the media to be the first to report the story and the nervousness of the fans in losing a legend and icon like Paul Newman. The 83 year old actor was not only a beyond capable actor, but he became synonomous with megawatt movie star with acting chops. He fell into roles incredibly well and did not allow his matinee idol good looks take away from difficult parts. His marriage to fellow successful actress Joanne Woodward also has become a winning example of how too movie leads can share a life together. Newman, when not winning awards for breakthrough performances, was creating Newman's Own an all natural food with foundation ties that provided qulaity and organic treats with all proceeds going to the foundation. Newman led the pack of actors putting together and supporting philanthropic organizations which set him apart from the other narcissists he sometimes shared the screen with. Newman and Woodward have set themselves apart from others in their industry with making it a point to give back to the community, fully support liberal ideals and continually provide beautiful art on the big screen. While at this time we can not be 100% sure of the health issues affecting the 83 year old actor and activist, but I do know that his stamp and effect on Hollywood will last the test of time. Without him, who knows who would have led the charges for actors, the privilaged, to lend their names, support and publicity to deserving organizations everywhere. It is obvious that Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, George Cloooney and others did not have to look too far from Newman to find acting icon they could fully want to emmulate. If Paul Newman is sick, we wish him all the best and a speedy recovery. If he is not, we we wish him all the best and look forward to what else is on the path for one of Hollywood's greatest specimen of what a movie star should be!