'Newman's Own' Charity Work To Continue

A friend of the late Paul Newman said that the legendary actor made plans for his charity work to continue after his death.

Robert Forrester, vice chairman of the Newman's Own Foundation, said Sunday that Newman began planning several years ago to make sure profits from his food company would always benefit charities worldwide.

Newman died Friday at age 83 after a battle with cancer.

The actor and philanthropist donated 100 percent of the profits of his "Newman's Own" food brand to charity. To date, Newman and his company have given away more than $250 million.

Among his charities are the Hole in the Wall camps. The organization provides children with cancer and other serious illnesses with camping experiences and year-round support to families.

Newman was awarded an Honorary Oscar in 1986 for his "compelling screen performances, his personal dignity and dedication to his craft" before winning his first Best Actor Oscar for the 1987 film "The Color of Money." Starring opposite Tom Cruise, Newman reprised his Best Actor Oscar-nominated role of "Fast Eddie" Felson from "The Hustler."

The actor also was nominated for Best Actor for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Hud," "Cool Hand Luke," "Absence of Malice," "The Verdict" and "Nobody's Fool." He also received Oscar nominations as a producer for 1968 Best Picture nominee "Rachel, Rachel" and for Best Supporting Actor Oscar for "Road to Perdition."

Newman also starred opposite acting legend Robert Redford in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting."

"There is a point where feelings go beyond words," Redford said Saturday. "I have lost a real friend. My life -- and this country -- is better for his being in it."

Sally Field, who starred with Newman in "Absence of Malice," said that she was "blessed to have known him."

"Sometimes God makes perfect people, and Paul Newman was one of them," Field said.

Newman is survived by actress Joanne Woodward -- his wife of more than 50 years -- five children, two grandsons and his older brother Arthur.