Anthony Newley

Biography

Anthony Newley was born in Hackney, London, on September 24, 1931, to Frances Grace Newley and George Kirby, who worked as a shipping clerk. His passion for acting sparked when he spotted an advertisement for child actors in a Fleet Street window. At just 14, he enrolled at the Italia Conti Stage School, and two years later, he made his film debut as the Artful Dodger in David Lean's classic, *Oliver Twist* (1948). Following his service in the Army, Newley transitioned to music, achieving significant success with the song "Idol on Parade" in 1959, which was featured in the film of the same name.

Newley’s personal life saw ups and downs; he married dancer Ann Lynn in 1956, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1963. His musical career flourished in the early 1960s, as he reached the pop charts seven times in 1960, including two number-one hits with "Why?" and "Do You Mind?"—both penned by Lionel Bart. In 1961, he teamed up with Leslie Bricusse to create the acclaimed stage production *Stop the World: I Want to Get Off* (1966), which enjoyed successful runs in London and on Broadway. The show was later adapted into a film featuring Millicent Martin, and it included the memorable song "What Kind of Fool Am I?" Newley’s contributions to music and theatre left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.