Biography

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.