Hollywood actor Paul Newman had told friends as far back as 18 months ago that he was battling cancer.

Writer A E Hotchner, who co-founded Newman's Own food products with the veteran star said he was doing fine as of two weeks ago.

Asked if Newman had cancer, Hotchner said: "He made it known to a lot of his friends."

Hotchner, who lives near Newman and his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, in Westport, Connecticut, said he did not know what type of cancer Newman had because: "I don't believe it's any of my business and I don't want to get into it."

Newman on Tuesday responded to unconfirmed media reports that he was gravely ill with cancer by issuing a statement saying he was "doing nicely."

His Los Angeles-based spokesman Jeff Sanderson declined to elaborate and was not available to comment.

According to reports, Newman has been diagnosed with lung cancer and is undergoing outpatient treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York.

The Hollywood actor has starred in 60 films during his career, including The Hustler, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Colour of Money which won him an Oscar for best actor.

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