New York, Apr 19 (ANI): A new biography of Paul Newman describes the Oscar-winner as a hot-headed alcoholic and a womaniser- a side of his personality not many are aware of.

Shawn Levy's 'Paul Newman: A Life', has revealed that Newman once used to wear a bottle opener on a chain around his neck, and gulped down "beer after beer after beer, a case or more a day," and then went on to have the hard stuff, usually scotch.

Many onlookers have said Newman was seen "drinking beers on the set, in his office, at parties, during interviews, watching TV, getting ready for TV and relaxing after dinner," the New York Post quoted the book as saying.

Levy's tome further said: "Mort Sahl recalled him filling a brandy snifter with ice and scotch and sipping it in a steam room. Newman himself joked about drinking even in bed."

In fact, while working on his role as the famous detective in 'Harper', Newman once bragged: "I just got drunk."

The actor was reputed as Hollywood's most faithful husband, but Levy's biography questions his fidelity.

The book has revealed that on the set of 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid', Newman had a one and a half year affair with a journalist writing an article on the movie.

"'I finally said to myself, 'I can do better than this'. I told him, 'You're always drunk, and you can't even make love.' I ended it," said the journalist.

The biography will be out next month from Harmony Books. (ANI)