- Born
- Birth nameCelia Maria Newman
- Height5′ 6¼″ (1.68 m)
- Cehlia Barnum Newman was born in San Miguel De Allende in October of 1968. Newman's parents had lived there for 7 years before she was born, and just a few short years after her birth they moved to Texas. Cehlia attended and received a degree from The University of The Incarnate Word, where she majored in Child Psychology and Minored in Theater and Fine Art.
Cehlia Newman began acting in 1974 as a young child in stage productions at the San Antonio Little Theater. She continued to act in theater productions off and on throughout her youth. Newman appeared in several episodes of "Dallas" as well as numerous television and print advertisements. She did a MFTV and some appearances on series.
Her first feature film role was a in the cult classic "Legend of Billie Jean". She met with the producer and director and it was decided that even though she wasn't right for the role for which she auditioned (she would have had to cut her hair into "Billie Jean's" style) they would write one in for her.
Newman went on to work periodically in several theater productions, honing her skills and exploring her option in the film world. In 1988 Cehlia was cast as "Paco's girlfriend; Maria" in "Lost Angels" with Donald Sutherland, Adam Horowitz and Amy Locane. Newman was convinced by her new agent, David Shapira, to move to LA and "seriously" pursue the acting gig. Newman moved to LA 1990 at that time she also acquired manager Mike Atkissson.
After hundreds upon hundreds of auditions for film and television, Newman realized she was only being cast as the "ethnic" character, i.e. biker's girlfriend, victim, gang member, etc... Cehlia had several casting directors suggest she change her name from the "Mexican" sounding Cehlia to something more "American". She was also encouraged to dye her hair, a more "90s" acceptable blond color.
Completely disgusted with the industry's lack of foresight, Cehlia began concentrating on her artwork. As the child of two professional artists, she was ultimately forced to accept her "genetic" path and pursue a more fulfilling career in Fine Art.
In early '91 Newman returned to Texas and worked as a computer program designer for several years before entering UIW and completing her degree.
Cehlia Newman is currently living in Texas with her husband(Jose Menendez)and son and daughter. She serves on several community boards, maintains a passionate interest in public policy and continues to support her husband's political career.
Cehlia owns an on-line jewelry company and designs one-of-a-kind jewelry. Newman is still creating and displaying her artwork, with private and public shows in San Antonio and Austin.- IMDb Mini Biography By: NS - In 2000, Cehlia (AKA Celia Newman) Newman-Menéndez' husband was elected to the, Texas State House of Representatives. That same year, Cehlia, gave birth to their first child, Dominic Michael. Newman-Menendez and her husband spoke about numerous people, as possible "godparents" for their first born.
When the decision was finally made, it was clear, there were only four choices; their close friends, and life long partners Mark Phariss and Vic Holmes, Debra Guerrero and Henry Muñoz. They were honored with the acceptance of their request, but, also knew they needed to be respectful of sharing Mr. Phariss' and Mr.Holmes. status with "just anyone, because of the close-minded society in which we live.
The couple(Phariss and Vic) is now able, to be open, and share their relationship with everyone, as an amazing, example of true love, and preside as Godparents, to all three, of the Newman-Menéndez children; Dominic, Tori, and Austin; alongside, Godmother Debra Guerrero, and Godfather Henry Muñoz.
Newman-Menéndez left the acting industry in 1998, after she was diagnosed, with an MS related disease. Cehlia's main goals, in recent years, have been, to shed light on the growing issues which affect women, individuals who are unjustly treated, e.g. hate crimes. and helping those who cannot speak for themselves, find a voice.
Celia is an accomplished, professional artist and jewelry designer, is writing a soon to be published book, about personal strength and overcoming obstacles in one's life. Newman-Menéndez does not completely rule out a future in acting, but, as she was once quoted, "The Stars, moons and planets would have to be aligned perfectly."- IMDb Mini Biography By: NS
- SpouseJose Menendez(September 9, 1995 - present) (3 children)
- Relative on her father's maternal side - Will Rogers. Relative on her mother's Paternal side - Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum.
- First language was Spanish.
- Started acting at the age of 5 in San Antonio Little Theatre.
- Is Cherokee Indian, Scotch/Irish, Ashkenazi Jew (father's side) Ashkenazi, Prussian, and British (mother's side).
- Is a coloratura soprano. Performed with the Texas Children's Bach Choir; at the age of 10. In 1984 Newman was offered a spot in New York's Casablanca's Elite modeling agency's, "new" petite division by Fernando Casablancas. Newman's parents did not want her to go to NY, out of concern for her safety.
- In response to an interviewer's question, " My job is Mother, my boss is God and I don't want to be fired."
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