Ugly Betty

Background:

Becki Newton became an instant star thanks to her portrayal of receptionist Amanda Tanen on the hit ABC series “Ugly Betty” (2006-current), where she jointly received two SAG nominations. She and “Ugly Betty” costar and personal friend Michael Urie also host the “Official Ugly Betty Video Podcast.”

“This is my dream role. I've always loved comedy. I'm not afraid to go completely over the top. A lot of people are scared to seem silly or to embarrass themselves and I really don't have that at all. I don't mind making a fool of myself. I like to just have fun and really go for it.” Becki Newton (on her role in “Ugly Betty”)

Starting out in commercials, Newton, who has appeared in TV ads like “Truth” (2002), “Winterfresh Gum” (2002), “Nike” (2003), “Olive Garden Restaurant” (2007), and “Old Spice Red Zone Body Spray” (with Richard Keith), has made guest appearances in such series as CBS' “Cold Case,” NBC's “American Dreams” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” She also appeared in The WB's “Charmed” and in the movies “P.S.” (2004) and “August Rush” (2007).

Newton speaks German, Greek, Spanish and English. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she hopes one day to have the opportunity to collaborate with R&B singer John Legend, who is also a graduate of her alma mater. In 2008, she was voted by US Weekly magazine as one of the most stylish New Yorkers of 2008, along with Christian Siriano, John Legend, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, and other celebrities.

Since 2005, Newton has been married to fellow actor Chris Diamantopoulos.

Brainy Becki

Childhood and Family:

“Kinda brainy, a little artsy, had a bowl haircut that I did myself. Had some green Doc Martens boots that I wore with everything. I wasn't the coolest kid on the block, but I did my own thing.” Becki Newton (on describing herself as a kid)

Rebecca Sara Newton, who would later popular as Becki Newton, was born on July 4, 1978, in New Haven, Connecticut, to art gallery-owner parents. She was raised in Guilford, Connecticut. Despite very little knowledge about fashion, Becki emerged as a brilliant youth and knew she wanted to become an actress from an early age. By age 13, she had begun her career by doing plays and musicals at local theaters. After graduating from Guilford High School, she attended the University of Pennsylvania and received a degree in European history. During her time at college, she spent several semesters abroad in Europe and South America.

On May 12, 2005, Becki married actor Chris Diamantopoulos (born on May 9, 1975), whom she met on the subway. She recalled, “We walked by each other and I started laughing because he was cute and he busted me checking him out. Then I felt a little tap on my shoulder (and he said), 'Excuse me, I think I might be lost. This area's very confusing. Maybe we should just figure this out together?’”

Becki's brother, Matt Newton, born Matthew Collins Newton on May 11, 1977, is also an actor.

American Dreams

Career:

Performing in local productions and summer stock theater by age 13, Connecticut-born and raised Becki Newton moved to New York City after graduating from college to pursue a full-time acting career. Upon her arrival, she got a waitressing job at the Times Square Brewery, and a string of television commercials followed. She also landed a hosting gig on “Movie Junky,” a late night celebrity interview show on TBS.

Newton's real acting work arrived in 2003 with an appearance on the pilot episode of the CBS series “Cold Case,” as Melanie. She briefly worked on the long-running soap opera “The Guiding Light” during 2003 to 2004 and was seen in two episodes of the NBC short-lived comedy “The Men's Room” in 2004.

Still in 2004, Newton debuted on the big screen with “P.S.,” an award-nominating comedy helmed by Dylan Kidd. She played the small, but important, role of Rebecca, opposite Laura Linney, Gabriel Byrne, Paul Rudd and Topher Grace. The aspiring actress then had a recurring role on three episodes of the NBC hit show “American Dreams” (also 2004), portraying Mindy, and one episodic roles in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Charmed” in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

Newton enjoyed a major break in 2006 when she won the regular role of Amanda Tanen, the mean-spirited receptionist, on the ABC comedy series “Ugly Betty,” starring America Ferrera in the title role. The show was one of breakout hits of the 2006-2007 season and made Newton an immediate celebrity. It also brought Newton two consecutive nominations at the 2007 and 2008 Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. As of September 2008, the show is in its third season.

“When I got the script for ‘Ugly Betty,’ I just thought of every person I'd ever met in the New York fashion world and went into each audition imitating them. They’re very over-the-top characters really do exist. I've met them.” Becki Newton

In 2007, Newton could be spotted playing Jennifer in the Academy Award-nominated film “August Rush,” for director Kirsten Sheridan. Among her costars in the drama were Keri Russell, Robin Williams, Terrence Howard and Freddie Highmore.

Awards:
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