From correspondents in New York, United States, 01:02 AM IST

Legendary Hollywood actor Paul Newman died Friday at his home in Connecticut. He was 83.

He died after a fight with cancer, Newman's publicist was quoted by the media as saying.

The star with classic good looks and piercing blue eyes is best known for his leading roles in 'The Hustler' 'Cool Hand Luke' and, above all, for playing opposite longtime friend Robert Redford in 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'.

Newman was nominated for an Oscar 10 times, winning a best actor trophy in 1987 for 'The Colour of Money'.

He acted in over 65 movies in a career spanning 50 years, and managed to remain a major star even into old age. His last on-screen role in a major film at age 77 was as Tom Hanks's gangster boss in 'Road to Perdition'.

Newman made his Hollywood debut in the 1954 costume film 'The Silver Chalice', but met real stardom by accident when he replaced James Dean in the title role of a boxer in 'Somebody Up There Likes Me' because Dean died in a car crash before the screenplay was completed.

Newman was married to actress Joanne Woodward, an enduring relationship that lasted half a century.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)