Newman left behind an extraordinary legacy

Washington (ANI): Legendary actor and humanitarian Paul Newman, who passed away at 83 after longed cancer battle, has left behind an extraordinary legacy. The generous philanthropist, who died at his Connecticut residence on September 26, has been hailed for his immense charitable contributions as much as his nine Oscar nominations.

Newman, along with business partner and friend A.E. Hotchner, started 'Newman's Own' line of food in 1982 - all multimillion dollar proceeds of which were donated to charity. Hotchner, who became a close pal to the Oscar-winning actor after making The Battler together in 1958, has revealed that the duo shared their bit of adventures for 52 years. "He was my co-adventurer for 52 years," Fox News quoted him as saying.

The unprecedented legendary star, who with wife Joanne Woodward lead a quiet private life, characteristically never made his cancer public. But doubts were raised when the actor, who received his Kennedy Center honor in 1992 for his charitable contributions, withdrew from directing Of Mice and Men.

His neighbour Martha revealed the news of his illness when she published some of the star's scrawny pictures online. But friend Hotchner had added: "He's a fighter. And he's going to keep fighting." As of early 2006, 'Newman's Own Foundation Inc.' had raised an astonishing 120 million dollars in donations.

Newman is also bowed to for his charitable creation of 'Hole in The Wall Association' - a group of 11 summer camps across the globe for impoverished children suffering from life-threatening diseases. The actor, who is a mentor to artists and social activists, had initiated his vast philanthropic efforts long before he was diagnosed with cancer.