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 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 on her Web site of Newman looking gaunt at a charity luncheon.

But true to his fiercely private nature, Newman remained cagey about his condition, reacting to reports that he had lung cancer with a statement saying only that he was "doing nicely."

I was so sad to hear this yesterday--I love Paul Newman--he truly was the definition of class!! Prayers for his family

I was sad when I heard this. He was so amazing. Celebrities always die in 3s. I wonder who's next. And I always think it won't be 3s and I am just imagining it, but 3 always seem to pass around the same time. Sad and weird.

I was so sad to hear this news about Paul Newman. He, along with Cary Grant, was one of my favorite old movie actors. I'm glad that you posted this though Jean, because I had originally thought that he died on my birthday, yesterday. I'm glad to know that he didn't. September has been a sad month for me. A 39 year old mother and a 45 year old father of students that are or have attended my small school and were VERY involved in school activities have died this month, then Mr. Harley, then Paul Newman, and now my husband's family is on death watch with his grandfather as I type this. I guess God is calling his angels home.

I was sorry to hear that too. He's my Mom's favorite actor. My thoughts and prayers go out to his Family and friends.

Its such a great loss.

It is such a great loss. Prayers to his family.

What a loss - I loved him in the movies! My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I'm sad over this GREAT LOSS also. I loved Paul Newman dearly.

We will miss you ole Blue Eyes!

it is so sad to hear of his passing. he is such a great man. i live only 30 minutes or so from his HOLE IN THE WALL GANG CAMP. in Ashford, CT he founded the camp for children ages 7-15 with cancer or other term. illnesses. free of charge. he will truely be missed by many, many people.

www.holeinthewallgang.org