Newman

WESTPORT, Connecticut (AP):

Paul Newman, the Oscar-winning superstar who personified cool as the anti-hero of such films as Hud, Cool Hand Luke and The Color of Money, followed by a second act as an activist, race car driver and popcorn impresario, has died. He was 83.

Newman died last Friday at his farmhouse near Westport, following a long battle with cancer, publicist Jeff Sanderson said. He was surrounded by his family and close friends.

In May, Newman dropped plans to direct a fall production of Of Mice and Men at Connecticut's Westport Country Playhouse, citing unspecified health issues. The following month, a friend disclosed that he was being treated for cancer and Martha Stewart, also a friend, posted photos of Newman on her website, looking gaunt at a charity luncheon.