Oscar-winning superstar Newman dies

Actors Paul Newman (R) and Robert Redford are shown in a scene from their 1969 film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in this undated publicity photograph. Legendary film star Newman, whose brilliant blue eyes, good looks and talent made him one of Hollywood's top actors over six decades, has died, a spokesman said on Sept. 27, 2008. He was 83 and had been battling cancer.

Oscar-winning superstar Paul Newman has died of lung cancer at the age of 83, his family disclosed on Saturday.

Newman died at his Connecticut home Friday following a long battle with cancer, the family said.

His death was triggering reactions in Hollywood, as a red funeral wreath sits atop Paul Newman's star on Hollywood Boulevard.

Actor Paul Newman who starred as con-artist Henry Gondorff in the Academy Award-winning film "The Sting," is shown here playing poker in a scene from the film in this undated file photograph.

Newman personified cool as the anti-hero of such films as "Hud," "Cool Hand Luke" and "The Color of Money."

Dan Glickman, the chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America, praised Newman's career of "portraying scamps, louts and ne'er do wells..."

"He was a master of his craft -- an artist respected and emulated by his peers and beloved by movie fans around the world," Glickman said.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger praised Paul Newman as "the ultimate cool guy who men wanted to be like and women adored."

"He was an American icon, a brilliant actor, a Renaissance man and a generous but modest philanthropist."

The governor also praised Newman's charitable works, funded in part by Newman's hobby-turned-industry, gourmet food.

Newman and his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, were last seen in public in New York City last month, when he left a hospital after therapy for lung cancer.

As an actor, Newman started his career as an actor 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."

Newman is survived by his wife, five children, two grandsons and his older brother Arthur.

Actors Paul Newman (L) and Robert Redford are shown in a scene from their 1969 film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in this undated publicity photograph.

Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward pose for photographers outside the "Kerry Edwards Victory 2004 New York Concert" at Radio City Music Hall in New York in this July 8, 2004 file photograph.

Actor Paul Newman is shown in a scene from the 1958 film "The Left Handed Gun" with actress Lita Milan in this undated file photograph.

Actor Paul Newman is shown in this undated handout photo.