Hollywood (eCanadaNow) - Paul Newman, the great Hollywood star, is apparently it a tough battle with cancer.

A former friend of the actor stated that the 83-year old is in a battle with lung cancer.

Reports state that he is doing well thus far, and is going through treatment for the disease.

Writer A.E. Hotchner, a long-time neighbor and business partner with Newman stated he told him of the disease 18 months ago.

Recently, Newman pulled out of directing Of Mice and Men, from John Steinbeck.

Reports state he has been frequently going to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.