Screen Legend Dies from Leukemia
World renowned actor and acclaimed philanthropist Paul Newman passed away from leukemia over the weekend. Newman, 83, was reportedly surrounded by family and friends at his home in Westport, Connecticut, when he lost he long battle to cancer. The public was made aware of Newman’s illness over the summer when his publicist exposed the news and after undergoing continuing chemotherapy treatment, he was dismissed in August from Weill Cornell Medical Center.
The Man Behind the Name
Not only was Paul Newman an Academy Award-winning actor who called fellow actor, Robert Redford his best friend, he was also a race car driver, a father, a political activist, an entrepreneur and beloved husband. He rose to fame in the 1960’s playing the rebel in movies like “The Hustler” and “Cool Hand Luke.” However, Newman could rarely be caught referring to himself as a celebrity and instead took pride in the many charities he worked so passionately to support and expose. Over the years, his line of salad dressings and organic foods, “Newman’s Own” helped raise more than $200 million to aid the chronically and terminally ill children throughout the country. His wife, Joanne Woodward, and him also contributed a great deal campaigning for the Democrat party and Civil Rights in America.
Leukemia Cuts Life Short
Leukemia, a cancer which is commonly caused by exposure to benzene, is to blame for cutting Newman’s life short. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow and is often characterized by an abnormal production of blood cells in the human body. White blood cells are commonly produced in an a-typical manner in those suffering from this fatal illness and although chemotherapy has proven to be an effective treatment, a cure has yet to be found.
