Paul Newman

Life is too short.

WESTPORT, Conn. -- 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.

In August, he finished chemotherapy and told his family he wanted to die at home. He was given only weeks to live.

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."

As an actor, Newman got his start in theater and on television during the 1950s, and went on to become one of the world's most enduring and popular film stars, a legend held in awe by his peers. He was nominated for Academy Awards 10 times, winning one Oscar and two honorary ones, and had major roles in more than 50 motion pictures, including "Exodus," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Verdict," "The Sting" and "Absence of Malice."

Duane Dudek writes:

After Paul Newman, who died of cancer Friday at the age of 83, graduated from college his first gig was working summer stock at the Belfry Theater in Williams Bay, Wi.

While performing there - he was the gentleman caller in "The Glass Menagerie" - he stayed at the nearby Lazy Cloud Lodge, which named one their honeymoon suites in his honor. According to the lodge's website: "From what we gathered at the time, Paul Newman was poor and mowed the lawn in exchange for rent."

"Unfortunately, he hasn't been back to mow the lawn since!!"

Here's a statement from the family:

Paul Newman played many unforgettable roles. But the ones for which he was proudest never had top billing on the marquee.

Devoted husband.

Loving father.

Adoring grandfather.

Dedicated philanthropist.

Our father was a rare symbol of selfless humility, the last to acknowledge what he was doing was special. Intensely private, he quietly succeeded beyond measure in impacting the lives of so many with his generosity.

Always and to the end, Dad was incredibly grateful for his good fortune. In his own words: Its been a privilege to be here.