Matthew Newton

Newton has performed in Australia and abroad on stage, television and movies. In 1988, he starred in Sugar and Spice, a children's television series. In 1992, he starred in Late For School, a drama series that aired briefly on Channel Ten. In 1993 he made his film debut in Body Melt. In 2000, he starred in My Mother Frank and alongside Pia Miranda in the film adaptation of the teen novel Looking for Alibrandi. In 2001 he appeared in the Australian/American science fiction show Farscape as the character Jothee, and as the vampire Armand in Queen of the Damned (in 2002).

In 2005, Newton starred in The Surgeon, which aired on Channel Ten.

In 2006, he appeared in the first and second seasons of improvisation comedy show Thank God You're Here. Newton also starred in a TV series for TV1 called Stupid, Stupid Man set in the office of a fictional men's magazine called COQ where he plays Nick Driscoll, the features writer.

In 2006, Newton appeared on the New Year's Eve 2006 episode of The Big Night In with John Foreman on Network Ten in which he engaged in simulated sex acts and other suggestive activity. The Daily Telegraph reported his antics and the station received criticism from outraged viewers who complained the show was "sub-standard coverage" and "the worst ever".{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,21001182-10388,00.html|title=Ten's smutty party an insult|last=Gosnell|first=Peter|date=2 January 2007|access-date=3 May 2010|website=News.com.au}}

On 15 January 2007, Newton was fired from his new role as a radio host at Nova 96.9. He had recently been signed to co-host The Matt and Boothy Show with comedian Akmal Saleh in the prime time drive shift on Fridays.{{cite web|url=http://www.bandt.com.au/news/0f/0c04870f.asp |title=DMG Radio – Newton and Nova Part Company |publisher=Bandt.com.au |access-date=2010-05-03}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}} The Daily Telegraph confirmed that Newton announced the radio station had released him from his contract, reportedly worth up to $200,000 a year.{{cite news|last=Jones |first=Gemma |url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,21066831-10229,00.html |title=Bert Newton backs son Matt |website=News.com.au |date=16 January 2007 |access-date=3 May 2010}} The station suspended his involvement in the broadcasts, which were due to begin on 15 January, after allegations were made public that he had assaulted actress Brooke Satchwell, his then-girlfriend. Television actress Kate Ritchie replaced him at Nova.{{cite web |author=tv-fan's blog |url=http://www.throng.com.au/general/kate-ritchie-not-matthew-newton-to-work-with-nova-100 |title=Kate Ritchie, not Matthew Newton, to work with Nova 100 |website=Throng |access-date=May 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707082100/http://www.throng.com.au/general/kate-ritchie-not-matthew-newton-to-work-with-nova-100 |archive-date=7 July 2009 |url-status=dead }}

In 2008, he was reportedly close to being cast for a role as a gangster in the first season of Underbelly, but did not get the role.{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/newton-tipped-for-underbelly-role/story-e6frf9ho-1111117736422 |title=Matt Newton to play Terry Clark in Underbelly prequel |work=The Australian|date=13 October 2008 |access-date=3 May 2010}} He went on to appear in Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities as protagonist Terry Clark.

Newton wrote, directed and starred in the feature Three Blind Mice, which made its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and won the Critics Prize at the 2008 London Film Festival.

Newton performed "The Christmas Song" at the Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve family event at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in 2009.{{cite news| url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/newton-to-spread-some-cheer/story-e6frea6u-1225808386748 | work= The Advertiser (Adelaide) | title=Newton to spread some cheer| date=8 December 2009}}

In 2010, Newton was announced as the host of the Australian version of The X Factor on the Seven Network. However, in August 2010 following two domestic violence incidents involving girlfriend Rachael Taylor at a hotel in Rome, Newton had to quit The X Factor due to 'medical advice'.{{cite news| url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/television/matthew-newton-rachael-taylor-in-hotel-lobby-fight-withdraws-channel-seven-show-x-factor/story-e6frfmyi-1225908632404 | work=The Daily Telegraph | title=Matthew Newton, Rachael Taylor in hotel lobby fight, withdraws Channel Seven show X Factor | first=Holly | last=Byrnes | date=23 August 2010}}

In 2011, Newton appeared in Face to Face, an independent Australian film directed by Michael Rymer. Newton also appeared in The Lie (directed by Joshua Leonard) in 2011.

In November 2013, Newton directed and starred in an off-Broadway production of Hamlet in New York City.{{cite news| url=http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/video/watch/19742654/video-matthew-newton-stars-in-hamlet-broadway-show/ | work=Yahoo! | title=VIDEO: Matthew Newton Stars in Hamlet Broadway Show | date=8 November 2013}}

Since 2016, Newton has produced, directed and starred in three films: From Nowhere, Who We Are Now and Ava.

In 2006, Newton split with partner, actress Brooke Satchwell. Newton was arrested on 16 October and charged with intimidation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm over incidents alleged to have occurred on 13 September and 6 October. He denied the charges.{{cite news

| first1= Warren

| last1= Owens

| first2 = Rachel

| last2 = Browne

| title = Newton charged with Satchwell assault

| work = The Sunday Telegraph

| date = 14 January 2007

| url = http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newton-charged-with-assault/story-e6frewt0-1111112827253

| access-date = 14 January 2007 }}

{{cite news

| first=Louise

| last=Hall

| title = Bert's boy charged with bashing actress

| url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/berts-boy-charged-with-bashing-actress/2007/01/13/1168105230744.html

| work = The Sydney Morning Herald

| date = 14 January 2007

| access-date = 14 January 2007

}}{{cite news |title = Newton case 'minor' compared with Iraq |last = Jacobsen | first = Geesche | date = 17 January 2007|access-date = January 17, 2007|url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/01/17/1168709799281.html | work =The Sydney Morning Herald}}

Newton was originally charged with four offences, but on 21 May 2007 a court heard he would plead guilty to one count of common assault – with police agreeing to drop counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and stalking and intimidating Satchwell, intending to cause her to fear physical or mental harm.{{cite news

| title = Newton girl-bash charges cut

| url = http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21767055-5006009,00.html

| work = The Sunday Telegraph

| date = 21 May 2007

| access-date = 21 May 2007

}}{{cite news | title=3 Matthew Newton charges dropped, lawyers say | date=21 May 2007 | url =http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200705/s1928881.htm | work =ABC News Online }} On 12 June, Newton appeared in court and pleaded guilty to the one count of common assault and was put on a 12-month good behaviour bond.{{cite news

| title = Newton pleads guilty to assault

| url = http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21891894-5001021,00.html

| work = The Daily Telegraph

| date = 12 June 2007

| access-date = 12 June 2007

| first=Zoe

| last=Taylor

}}

Magistrate Paul Cloran, who recorded the conviction against Newton, acknowledged that although the actor received some character references from friends and family he felt compelled to record a conviction.{{cite news | title = Newton to appeal good-behaviour bond

| url = http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21891894-5001021,00.html

| work = The Daily Telegraph

| date = 12 June 2007

| access-date = 12 June 2007

| first=Zoe

| last=Taylor

}}

In July 2007, Newton had his conviction overturned based on medical grounds. Solicitor Chris Murphy tendered a letter from Dr Robert Hampshire, Newton's psychiatrist, which outlined his depressive illness and stated he was unlikely to reoffend. Judge Joseph Moore said, "It does not in any way lead the court to give special consideration to his case because he is a person of high profile", referring to Newton's celebrity status; and, "The way in which he has been given particular media attention has acted as a considerable measure of punishment."{{Cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/outrage-at-courts-star-treatment/news-story/be3537e5ed8ac111acd62cc057795b28|title=Outrage at court's star treatment|work=NewsComAu|access-date=2018-10-26}}

In November 2009, Newton's hotel room in Kings Cross, Sydney, was trashed after the GQ Men's Award Night. According to media reports, the damage to the room was over $9,000. The room was booked in the name of his then girlfriend, actress Rachael Taylor and he departed the next day without checking out. New South Wales Police investigated the matter but no charges were laid.{{cite web|last=Barnett |first=Ruth |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/matthew-newton-awol-at-the-airport/story-e6frf96o-1225803887033 |title=Matthew Newton AWOL at the airport |work=Herald Sun|date=26 November 2009 |access-date=2010-05-03}}

In August 2010, Taylor took out an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) against Newton. This followed two domestic violence incidents at a hotel in Rome where Newton allegedly "punched Taylor in the face before being sedated by ambulance officers", leading to her suffering a concussion and a sprained jaw. The media also reported his heavy use of alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine at this time.{{cite news|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/drug-fuelled-schizophrenia-behind-matt-newton-train-wreck/news-story/70365eb6febdc733cd11a2c33b427efb|title=Drug-fuelled 'schizophrenia' behind Matt Newton train wreck|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=August 10, 2010|accessdate=June 22, 2021}}

In February 2011, Newton was charged with breaching the terms of his AVO. He was released on bail and ordered to appear in court in March 2011.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/people/matthew-newton-charged-with-breaching-avo-20110209-1am91.html |title=Matthew Newton charged with breaching AVO |newspaper=The Age |date=February 9, 2011 |access-date=February 9, 2011}}

It is alleged that Newton assaulted a 66-year-old taxi driver twice in the Sydney suburb of Crows Nest on 4 December 2011. He was charged with common assault and appeared in court in January 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/matthew-newton-charged-for-allegedly-assaulting-a-sydney-taxi-driver/story-e6frf96o-1226221928768 |title=Matthew Newton charged for allegedly assaulting a Sydney taxi driver |work=Herald Sun|date=14 December 2011 |access-date=14 December 2011}} The matter was originally stood over to April 2012.{{cite news|title=Matt Newton ordered to face court over taxi assault charge|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/matt-newton-ordered-to-face-court-over-taxi-assault-charge/story-e6frg6nf-1226312650246|access-date=8 April 2012|newspaper=The Australian|date=28 March 2012}} The matter was then stood over for a further three months as Newton was facing separate charges in the United States (see below).{{cite news|title=Matthew Newton 'hunted like a wounded animal'|url=http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/matthew-newton-hunted-like-a-wounded-animal-20120410-1wlzj.html|access-date=10 April 2012|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=10 April 2012}}

In April 2012, Newton was arrested twice in Miami, Florida. In the first incident, on 7 April, he was charged with trespassing and resisting officers.{{cite news|last=Kwek|first=Glenda|title=Matthew Newton arrested in Miami for trespassing and resisting officers: US police |url=http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/matthew-newton-arrested-in-miami-for-trespassing-and-resisting-officers-us-police-20120408-1wj0h.html|access-date=8 April 2012|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=8 April 2012}} In a second incident on 17 April, Newton was charged with battery and resisting arrest after he attacked a hotel receptionist. His lawyer tweeted that people with bipolar disorder need patience and support, and said that Newton is continuing treatment.{{cite news|last=Gardiner|first=Stephanie|title=Matthew Newton charged with battery after alleged US assault|url=http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/matthew-newton-charged-with-battery-after-alleged-us-assault-20120424-1xhv5.html|access-date=24 April 2012|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=24 April 2012}}

On 14 November 2012, both matters were dismissed, conditional upon Newton completing 50 hours of community service, writing a letter of apology to the hotel clerk, Ariel Bory Vargas, paying $11,500 (US) restitution to Vargas and staying away from both him and Mr. Moe's, the bar where he was accused of trespassing.{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/d-day-for-newton-after-hotel-punch-up/story-fn907478-1226517020482|title=Matthew Newton escapes conviction|last=Toohey|first=Paul|work=News.com.au|date=15 November 2012|access-date=24 November 2013}}

Newton moved to the United States in the 2010s, settling in New York City. In 2016, he became engaged to Catherine Schneiderman, daughter of Eric Schneiderman. They married in 2017.{{cite news |last1=French |first1=Megan |title=Matthew Newton's marriage to Catherine Schneiderman confirmed at his father Bert Newton's funeral |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/matthew-newtons-marriage-confirmed-at-his-father-bert-newtons-funeral-c-4530847 |access-date=4 July 2024 |work=PerthNow |date=12 November 2021}}

In August 2018, Jessica Chastain was criticised for choosing to work with Newton on the film, Ava. Chastain is a co-producer and Newton was selected as writer and director. Critics noted that appointing Newton for the role contrasted with Chastain's participation in the Time's Up campaign.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/aug/07/jessica-chastain-accused-of-hypocrisy-for-working-with-matthew-newton|title=Jessica Chastain accused of hypocrisy for working with Matthew Newton|last=Harmon|first=Steph|date=August 7, 2018|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=August 9, 2018}} Newton later stepped down as director.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/08/matthew-newton-exits-eve-director-of-jessica-chastain-backlash-1202443704/|title=Matthew Newton Exits As Director of Jessica Chastain's 'Eve' Amid Backlash|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Patrick|last=Hipes|date=10 August 2018|access-date=10 August 2018}}

He said in a statement:

{{Blockquote|

Yesterday I notified Jessica Chastain and the other producers on the film ‘Eve’ that I will be stepping down as director. Since the announcement of this film, the responses, which are powerful and important, have not fallen on deaf ears.

Over the past eight years I have been working extensively with health care professionals to help me overcome my addiction and mental health illness. For the past six years I have lived a quiet and sober life. All I can do now is try to be a living amends and hopefully contribute to the positive change occurring in our industry.{{cite news |last1=Svachula |first1=Amanda |title=Matthew Newton, Director With Domestic Violence Record, Departs Jessica Chastain Film |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/10/arts/matthew-newton-jessica-chastain.html |access-date=4 July 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=10 August 2018}}}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{IMDb name|id=0628563|name=Matthew Newton}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080214125331/http://www.tv.com/matthew-newton/person/13526/biography.html TV.com: Matthew Newton]. Retrieved 15 January 2006

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Category:1977 births

Category:Australian male film actors

Category:Australian male stage actors

Category:Australian television personalities

Category:Male actors from Melbourne

Category:Criminals from Melbourne

Category:People with bipolar disorder

Category:Living people

Category:Australian expatriate male actors in the United States