Phyllis Newman really made a name for herself early on in her acting journey, starting off with some memorable roles in comedies that helped shape her career. One of her first big breaks came with the George Segal film Bye Bye Bravaman back in 1968, and she followed that up with a role in To Find a Man in 1972, which starred Pamela Sue Martin. While building her reputation in film, Phyllis Newman also found opportunities in television, balancing her time between screen projects and series work—like her appearance on the iconic Saturday Night Live, which aired on NBC beginning in 1975.
Even as she branched out into different formats, Phyllis Newman always had a strong connection to film. Over the years, she took on diverse roles, showing off her range in movies such as the Marisa Tomei romantic comedy Only You (1994), the Fran Drescher-led dramatic comedy The Beautician and the Beast (1997), and the emotionally powerful A Price Above Rubies (1998), starring Renee Zellweger. She also shared the screen with Jerry Stiller in the quirky comedy A Fish in the Bathtub (1999), further proving her versatility as an actress.
Later in life, Phyllis Newman continued to contribute to the arts, with one of her final appearances being on the PBS special Words and Music by Jerry Herman, which aired during the 2007–2008 season. It was a fitting tribute to a career filled with creativity and dedication. Sadly, on September 15, 2019, Phyllis Newman passed away at the age of 86 after a long struggle with lung disease, leaving behind a legacy that many still celebrate today.
When it comes to Phyllis Newman’s career highlights, one standout moment definitely comes from her involvement in Picnic (1955), which remains her highest rated film to date. Over the years, fans and critics alike have praised this classic, often pointing to it as a key point in Phyllis Newman’s body of work. On the other end of the spectrum, Mannequin (1987) tends to receive much less acclaim, making it the lowest rated movie associated with Phyllis Newman. While opinions may vary, the general consensus places Phyllis Newman’s performance peak firmly in the earlier part of her career. Still, both films—despite their differing ratings—contribute to the legacy of Phyllis Newman in Hollywood history.