Anthony Newley

Date of Birth: September 24, 1931

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 14, 1999

Biography

Anthony Newley was a versatile British actor, singer, songwriter, and filmmaker, born on September 24, 1931, in Hackney, London, England. Newley first rose to fame as a child actor in the 1948 film “Oliver Twist,” where he played the Artful Dodger. His career spanned several decades and included notable achievements in theater, film, and music. He achieved significant acclaim for his work in musical theater, particularly for co-writing the acclaimed musicals “Stop the World – I Want to Get Off” and “The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd” with Leslie Bricusse. These works not only showcased his talent as a performer but also as a composer and lyricist. Newley’s unique voice and emotive performances earned him a dedicated fan base and critical praise. Newley’s film career included roles in movies such as “Doctor Dolittle” (1967) and “Sweet November” (1968). As a singer, he had several hits, including “Why,” “Do You Mind?” and “Gonna Build a Mountain.” His influence extended into popular culture, with his style and performances paving the way for future generations of entertainers.

5 Interesting Facts about Anthony Newley

1. Anthony Newley was nominated for an Academy Award for co-writing the title song for the film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971).

2. He was married three times, including to actress Joan Collins from 1963 to 1970.

3. Newley was known for his distinctive Cockney accent, which he often incorporated into his performances.

4. He won a Grammy Award in 1963 for Best Original Cast Show Album for “Stop the World – I Want to Get Off.”

5. Newley was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1989.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Anthony Newley

1. “The only person I can be is me, whoever that is.”

2. “I’m not a heavy drinker, I can sometimes go for hours without touching a drop.”

3. “I went to Vegas for 22 years, married some absolutely charming women, and gave them all my money. I had one of those days the other day when I felt like a bank. I said, ‘I’ve got to go and see my money.’”

4. “Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey.”

5. “You can’t be a rebel without the scars that come with it. Truth is, some days scars are just as ugly as they are beautiful.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Anthony Newley’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Anthony Newley had five children. He had two children with Joan Collins: Tara Newley, a writer and broadcaster, and Alexander Newley, an artist. He also had a daughter, Shelby, with Dareth Rich, and two children, Christopher and Hadley, with Ann Lynn.