Young and the Restless Alum Robert Newman Celebrates His Birthday
Though Robert Newman’s presence is always welcomed by his legion of fans, they probably wish his most recent character, The Young and the Restless‘ perennially dishonest Ashland Locke, hadn’t died and was a bit more heroic like Joshua Lewis on Guiding Light. But rather than debate, let’s celebrate this talented man’s special milestone.
Happy Birthday, Robert Newman!
On June 27, 1958, Newman was born in Los Angeles, California, which means that this beloved fan favorite is turning 66 years old today! Upon graduating from California State University at Northridge, Newman traveled to Michigan, where he toiled in several summer stock productions. Gaining his Equity card was a fringe benefit.
A trip to New York secured him employment on the CBS soap opera Guiding Light. While his work as bad boy-turned-hero Joshua Lewis earned him copious praise, it would be his pairing opposite Kim Zimmer’s Reva Shayne that made Newman a household name.
He remained at GL on and off (more often on) from his 1981 debut to the final episode. In between one of his several lengthy stints –1981 to 1984, 1986 to 91, 1993 to 2009 — Newman appeared in episodes of General Hospital, where he played Prescott Harrell, and Santa Barbara, where he caused quite the stir as Kirk Cranston, the psychotic spoiler in the über-popular Cruz/Eden coupling. Newman joined the cast of Y&R on February 9, 2022.
In addition to his daytime work, Newman’s credits include guest spots on series such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Criminal Minds, Homeland, NCIS, House of Cards, Joe vs. Carol, and Inventing Anna. He has also appeared in films like The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Raunch and Roll, and Dracano.
He also has an extensive theatre resume: Kiss Me Kate, Hairspray, Noises Off, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof, Love Letters, and a trio of works that saw him reunite with GL co-star Zimmer — Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf, Gypsy, and The Lion in Winter.
Newman has been married to Britt Helfer, a retired actress, since September 27, 1986. They have two children: Connor (born April 3, 1989) and Kendal (born May 13, 1992). Via son Connor, the Newmans are doting grandparents to Leo and Rocky.
