FEARS were growing for Paul Newman last night following reports he is dying of lung cancer.
The Hollywood legend is said to have been diagnosed at New York?s Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, where he is having outpatient treatment.
Two US publications claim the 83-year-old, who is a former chain-smoker, is under the care of a leading oncologist at the Manhattan hospital.
One quotes a family member as saying: ?It?s so awful. He?s dying.?
Newman?s second wife of 50 years, Oscar-winning actress Joanne Woodward, 78, with whom he has three grown-up daughters, is said to be devastated.
Spokesmen for both Newman, who officially retired from acting in May last year, and the hospital declined to comment.
Newman?s rise to stardom was swift but he had to wait until 1986 to win the Best Actor Oscar for his role as a pool hall shark in The Color Of Money.
Surprisingly, the Academy snubbed his most famous part in Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid with Robert Redford, now 71.
Redford is believed to be one of the few in the inner circle who is aware of the extent of his illness.
The Hollywood legend is said to have been diagnosed at New York?s Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, where he is having outpatient treatment.
Two US publications claim the 83-year-old, who is a former chain-smoker, is under the care of a leading oncologist at the Manhattan hospital.
One quotes a family member as saying: ?It?s so awful. He?s dying.?
Newman?s second wife of 50 years, Oscar-winning actress Joanne Woodward, 78, with whom he has three grown-up daughters, is said to be devastated.
Spokesmen for both Newman, who officially retired from acting in May last year, and the hospital declined to comment.
Newman?s rise to stardom was swift but he had to wait until 1986 to win the Best Actor Oscar for his role as a pool hall shark in The Color Of Money.
Surprisingly, the Academy snubbed his most famous part in Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid with Robert Redford, now 71.
Redford is believed to be one of the few in the inner circle who is aware of the extent of his illness.
