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Becki Newton: Iconic Roles in 'Ugly Betty' and Beyond
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Becki Newton, an American actress born on July 4, 1978, in New Haven, Connecticut, is best known for her roles as Amanda Tanen on "Ugly Betty," Quinn Garvey on "How I Met Your Mother," and Lorna Taylor on "The Lincoln Lawyer." With a degree in European history from the University of Pennsylvania, Newton has built a diverse career in television and film, showcasing her talent in both comedic and dramatic roles.
Newton's Early Life and Education
rottentomatoes.com
Becki Newton was born Rebecca Sara Newton on July 4, 1978, in New Haven, Connecticut, and grew up in the nearby town of Guilford.
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She started performing in local productions and summer stock theater at the age of 13.3
Newton's brother, Matt Newton, is also an actor.1
After graduating from Guilford High School, she studied European history at the University of Pennsylvania, spending several semesters abroad before earning her degree in 2000.1
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During her time at Penn, Newton was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.3
Following her graduation, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting with the help of her brother Matt.1
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Newton's Early TV Roles
tvline.com
After moving to New York City to pursue her acting career, Becki Newton began by appearing in dozens of national commercials, including spots for Olive Garden, and landing guest starring roles on television shows such as Cold Case (2003), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), and American Dreams (2002).
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These initial experiences were crucial in honing her craft and preparing her for more significant opportunities.3
Newton's first small screen appearance was on the pilot episode of Cold Case, where she played the best friend of a girl murdered in 1976.5
She followed up with a two-episode arc on the 1960s-set drama American Dreams and appeared in the season seven finale of Charmed.5
These early roles helped Newton establish a niche playing "nice girl" characters and paved the way for her breakthrough role as Amanda Tanen on the hit ABC series Ugly Betty (2006-2010).1
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Breakout Role in Ugly Betty
nymag.com
Becki Newton's breakthrough role as Amanda Tanen on the hit ABC comedy-drama series "Ugly Betty" from 2006 to 2010 catapulted her to stardom and critical acclaim.
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Her portrayal of the quirky and comedic receptionist at the fashion magazine Mode showcased her impeccable comedic timing and acting range.4
Newton's performance was so well-received that she co-hosted the official "Ugly Betty" podcast with her co-star Michael Urie, giving fans behind-the-scenes insights into the show.1
The success of "Ugly Betty" opened up new opportunities for Newton, including a starring role opposite Urie in the ABC.com web series "Mode After Hours."1
The online spin-off followed their characters Amanda and Marc in their misadventures outside of the Mode offices.5
"Ugly Betty" ran for four seasons before being cancelled in 2010, but the show and Newton's scene-stealing performance left a lasting impact on audiences.1
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Landing the role of Amanda on "Ugly Betty" was a game-changer for Newton's career trajectory.2
It elevated her status in Hollywood, proved her capabilities as a leading actress, and paved the way for her to take on more prominent roles in both television and film in the years that followed.2
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Critics praised Newton for imbuing Amanda with both humor and humanity, crafting a character that could have been one-dimensional into one of the most memorable parts of the beloved series.4
5 sources
Becki Newton Overview
rottentomatoes.com
themoviedb.org
digitalspy.com
Becki Newton's Notable Film and TV Roles
Becki Newton has built a diverse filmography over her career, showcasing her versatility across various genres in both television and film.
Newton's roles span from guest appearances in procedural dramas to leading parts in comedies and dramas, reflecting her dynamic acting abilities and broad appeal.
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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2003 | Cold Case | Guest Star | TV Series |
2003 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Guest Star | TV Series |
2006-2010 | Ugly Betty | Amanda Tanen | TV Series |
2007 | August Rush | Jennifer | Film |
2011 | Love Bites | Annie Matopoulos | TV Series |
2012-2013 | How I Met Your Mother | Quinn Garvey | TV Series |
2013 | The Goodwin Games | Chloe Goodwin | TV Series |
2015 | Weird Loners | Caryn Goldfarb | TV Series |
2018-2019 | Divorce | Jackie | TV Series |
2018-2019 | Tell Me a Story | Katrina Thorn | TV Series |
2019 | Otherhood | Andrea | Film |
2022-2023 | The Lincoln Lawyer | Lorna Crane | TV Series |
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Becki Newton Awards and Honors
Becki Newton has received several awards and nominations throughout her career, recognizing her talent and contributions to the entertainment industry.
These accolades highlight Newton's versatility and the impact of her performances in both television series and webisodes.
Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
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2007 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Ugly Betty | Nominated 3 |
2008 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Ugly Betty | Nominated 3 |
2007 | Gold Derby Awards | Ensemble of the Year | Ugly Betty | Nominated 3 |
2009 | The Webby Awards | Best Performance - Webisodes | Mode After Hours | Nominated 3 |
2009 | Glamour Awards | Comedy Actress of the Year | Ugly Betty | Won 3 |
5 sources
Becki Newton Interview
youtube.com
Watch
Becki Newton: From Screen to Voice Acting in 'American Dad!'
ro.wikipedia.org
Becki Newton has also made notable contributions to voice acting in animated series. She lent her voice to characters in "American Dad!" from 2007 to 2014, portraying roles such as Marsha, Margie, and Mrs. Hannigan
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. Additionally, she voiced a waitress in the "Mickey Mouse" series in 20142
. Newton's ability to bring animated characters to life with her vocal talents showcases her versatility as an actress, extending her reach beyond live-action roles to the realm of animation2
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Marriage and Family Life
dailymail.co.uk
Becki Newton met her husband, actor Chris Diamantopoulos, on a New York City subway platform, and they married on May 12, 2005
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. The couple has three children together, including twin boys named Oliver and Roman1
. Newton is multilingual, fluent in Spanish and French, and has a keen interest in photography, often capturing moments through her camera1
. She is also an avid supporter of various charitable organizations, advocating for animal welfare and environmental conservation1
. Balancing her family life with her professional endeavors, Newton has made career choices that reflect her priorities, often opting for roles in family-friendly shows and projects closer to home1
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Related
how does Becki Newton balance her acting career with family life
what are some of Becki Newton's favorite charitable organizations
how did Becki Newton meet her husband Chris Diamantopoulos
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