LOS ANGELES -- Tributes poured in for Paul Newman from around the world on Saturday after the Hollywood screen legend and philanthropist died following a long battle with cancer aged 83.

Family and friends of the iconic actor, who passed away on Friday, mourned the loss of a loving family man and passionate humanitarian who in the words of many, had lived an "exemplary life."

Robert Redford, 72, who starred alongside Newman in beloved Hollywood classics "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting," told Entertainment Tonight: "There is a point where feelings go beyond words."

"I have lost a real friend," he added. "My life -- and this country -- is better for his being in it."

Newman's daughters cited the "selfless humility and generosity" that characterized their father's life.

"Paul Newman played many unforgettable roles," the statement read. "But the ones for which he was proudest never had top billing on the marquee. Devoted husband. Loving father. Adoring grandfather. Dedicated philanthropist."

Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney said simply: "He set the bar too high for the rest of us. Not just actors, but all of us."

Actress Julia Roberts, who was involved in working Newman's camps for sick children told People Magazine: "He was my hero."

In Los Angeles flowers were placed on Newman's star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame as the Motion Picture Association of America hailed his career.

The MPAA said Newman's charitable deeds -- his foundation has donated more than $100 million to worthy causes -- would rival his acting legacy.

"The art of film-making and a world in great need of big hearts with bold ambitions is mourning the loss of a legend today," MPAA chairman Dan Glickman said. "He will be remembered as an artist, gentleman and humanitarian whose extraordinary career was rivaled in every respect by an exemplary life.

"Incredibly, the effect of his charitable work will rival and perhaps even exceed the legacy he leaves us all on the silver screen."

Former US president Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton also praised Newman's generosity.

"Paul was an American icon, philanthropist and champion for children," the Clintons said in a statement.

"Our prayers and thoughts are with Joanne [Newman's widow, actress Joanne Woodward] and the Newman family and the many people who Paul impacted through his endless kindness and generosity."

French President Nicolas Sarkozy described Newman as a "Hollywood legend" and open-hearted philanthropist, leading tributes in a country where the deceased star was wildly popular.

"World cinema has been bereaved by the death of Paul Newman, whose celebrated blue eyes will only light up screens now," Sarkozy said.

In Britain, Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes, who worked with Newman on the 2002 film "Road to Perdition," paid tribute to a "truly great man." Directing Newman was "the highlight of my professional life," Mendes said.

"To say he was an extraordinary man would be an understatement," he added.

"He saw himself as a working actor, not a movie star, and insisted that everyone else did the same. There was no ego, no entourage, no hangers on. Only Paul, his script and his incredible spirit.

"One can say this about very few people, but he was a truly great man," Mendes said.

Daniel Craig, who played Newman's son in the same film, described Newman as "one of the greatest screen actors of all time and a beautiful man."

"I think an era just ended," he said.

Veteran Italian screen goddess Gina Lollobrigida echoed the tribute. "He was a marvelous actor and human being, serious, with an exemplary life who has contributed enormously to world cinema," the ANSA news agency quoted her as saying. "He is a man to respect and appreciate."

Newman's partners from the Newman/Haas/Lanigan IndyCar Series Racing Team -- reflecting the actor's passion for motorsport -- mourned the loss of "great human being."

"Paul and I have been partners for 26 years and I have come to know his passion, humor and above all, his generosity," said co-owner Carl A. Haas.

"His pure joy at winning a pole position or winning a race exemplified the spirit he brought to his life and to all those that knew him. We will truly miss him."