Beginner’s Guide to Becki Newton

Becki Newton is an American actress best known for playing sharp, comedic characters on hit TV shows. Here are the key facts at a glance:

She got her start doing TV commercials and guest spots before landing her breakout role. Today, she stars in Netflix's The Lincoln Lawyer and is preparing for her directorial debut.

As she once put it: "The ones that mess up and try to cover it up badly, I find them endearing -- because I think we all go through that." That philosophy has shaped every memorable character she's played.

Before she was a staple of the Hollywood and Silverlake acting scenes, Becki Newton grew up on the East Coast. Born in New Haven and raised in the picturesque town of Guilford, Connecticut, she was surrounded by the arts from day one. Her family tree is practically a directory of creative talent: her mother, Jennifer, is an artist, and her aunt is the renowned violinist Stephanie Chase.

While many young actors head straight for drama school, Becki took a slightly different path. She attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Instead of focusing solely on the stage, she earned a B.A. in European History in 2000.

Her time at UPenn wasn't just about dusty history books, though. She took the opportunity to study abroad in both Europe and South America. This international exposure allowed her to develop impressive linguistic skills; she has studied Spanish, German, and Greek. This academic background often surprises fans, but it's likely where she developed the discipline and sharp intellect that she brings to her fast-talking comedic roles today. You can read more about Becki Newton's early life and education to see how those formative years shaped her.

After graduating, Becki Newton made the move to New York City to pursue her acting dreams. Like many of us who have lived the "hustle" in big cities like Los Angeles or New York, she didn't become a star overnight. Her first job in the city was waiting tables at the Times Square Brewery. It's a classic actor's rite of passage -- balancing trays of beer while waiting for that one big break.

During this period, she became a familiar face on television, though not in the way you might expect. She appeared in numerous national commercials, most notably for Olive Garden. If you were watching TV in the early 2000s, there's a good chance you saw her inviting you to a never-ending pasta bowl!

Her transition into scripted television began with small guest spots. She appeared in the pilot of Cold Case as the best friend of a murdered girl and had a two-episode arc on American Dreams. She even made an appearance on Charmed and spent some time in the soap opera world on Guiding Light.

The turning point came in 2006 when she was cast as Amanda Tanen in Ugly Betty. Amanda was the high-fashion, "mean girl" receptionist at Mode magazine. Originally intended to be a minor character, Becki's impeccable comedic timing and her undeniable chemistry with co-star Michael Urie (who played Marc St. James) made her an instant fan favorite.

Amanda Tanen wasn't just a receptionist; she was the heart of the show's comedic relief. Alongside Michael Urie, Becki helped create one of the most beloved duos in television history. Their characters were the "mean kids" you couldn't help but love.

Her performance was so impactful that she received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series in both 2007 and 2008. She also won a Glamour Award for Comedy Actress in 2009.

Interestingly, Becki's versatility was on full display during the show's run. In addition to Amanda, she also portrayed a character named Ruthie -- the assistant to Sofia Reyes (played by Salma Hayek). This dual role showed her range and ability to disappear into different comedic personas.

Even after the show ended in 2010, the bond between the cast remained strong. Becki and Michael Urie co-hosted the official Ugly Betty podcast and even starred in a web series called Mode After Hours. For those who want to dive deep into her extensive list of credits, you can check out Becki Newton's filmography on IMDb. Recently, she and Urie reunited for a new podcast project titled Still Ugly, proving that the Mode magazine magic never truly fades.

Following the success of Ugly Betty, Becki Newton became one of the most sought-after comedic actresses in the industry. She landed a recurring role on the massive hit How I Met Your Mother as Quinn Garvey, a stripper who becomes the love interest (and eventual fiancee) of Barney Stinson. Her portrayal of Quinn was a perfect match for Neil Patrick Harris's Barney -- sharp, independent, and just as manipulative in the best possible way.

While she is primarily known for her television work, Becki has also made her mark in film. She appeared in the 2007 musical drama August Rush and the 2019 Netflix comedy Otherhood.

To give you an idea of her career reach, here is a comparison of some of her most significant roles:

Despite some shows like Love Bites and The Goodwin Games being short-lived, Becki's performances were always highlighted as a strength. In Love Bites, her real-life pregnancy even had to be written into the show, demonstrating how indispensable she was to the production.

Currently, Becki Newton is enjoying a major career resurgence -- and a new generation of fans -- thanks to her role in the Netflix hit The Lincoln Lawyer. She plays Lorna Crane (later Lorna Taylor), the second ex-wife of Mickey Haller (played by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) and the legal assistant/office manager who keeps his unconventional law practice running.

Lorna is a quintessential Becki Newton character: she's fashionable, incredibly smart, and possesses a wit that can cut through any legal jargon. The show, which is a staple for those of us who love seeing Los Angeles landmarks on screen, has allowed Becki to showcase a more grounded, yet still hilarious, side of her acting.

One of the most exciting developments in her recent career is her move behind the camera. Becki has been shadowing directors on the set of The Lincoln Lawyer and is preparing for her directorial debut. This evolution from actor to director is a testament to her two decades of experience in the industry.

In a story that sounds like it was ripped straight from a Hollywood screenplay, Becki Newton met her husband, actor Chris Diamantopoulos, in a New York City subway station. They married on May 12, 2005, and have since built a beautiful family together. Chris is a highly successful actor in his own right, known for his roles in Silicon Valley, The Three Stooges, and as the voice of Mickey Mouse.

The couple has four children: a son born in 2010, and three daughters born in 2014, 2020, and 2022. Balancing a high-profile acting career with a family of six is no small feat, but Becki seems to handle it with the same grace and humor she brings to her roles.

Her family connections to the entertainment world don't stop with her husband. Her brother, Matt Newton, is also an actor and actually guest-starred on Ugly Betty as Troy, the boyfriend of Marc St. James. Furthermore, she is a first cousin once removed of the famous British fashion icons and actresses Sienna Miller and Savannah Miller.

For those who love a good "did you know" moment, here are some Becki Newton's personal facts and trivia. For instance, despite her often "glamorous" roles, she's known for being incredibly down-to-earth and relatable, often sharing her neuroses in a way that makes her characters feel like real people.

Becki Newton has four children with her husband, Chris Diamantopoulos. They have one son (born in November 2010) and three daughters (born in 2014, 2020, and 2022). She has often joked about the chaos of a large household, but she remains very private about her children's lives.

She is married to actor Chris Diamantopoulos. The two have been married since 2005. Chris is well-known to L.A. audiences for his work in both television and film, as well as his extensive voice-acting career.

Becki stands at 5'2 1/2" (1.59 m). Her petite stature was often used for comedic effect on Ugly Betty, especially when paired with taller co-stars, but her screen presence is undeniably huge.

From the offices of Mode magazine to the sun-drenched courtrooms of Los Angeles in The Lincoln Lawyer, Becki Newton has proven herself to be a versatile and enduring talent. Her career evolution from a "hustling" waitress in NYC to a leading lady and future director is an inspiration to anyone looking to make it in the creative world.

At Edible L.A., we celebrate the stories of people who bring flavor and life to our community. Just as we support local food culture and the seasonal shifts of our beautiful region, we admire the way Becki has navigated the seasons of her career with humor and persistence. Whether she's grabbing a coffee in Silverlake or filming on location in Hollywood, she remains a true icon of modern television.

If you're looking to bring a little bit of that local L.A. flavor into your own home, why not check out some of the seasonal ingredients that are currently at their peak? You can find More info about seasonal produce on our guide to help you cook like a local.

Becki Newton's journey reminds us that with a bit of wit, a lot of hard work, and perhaps a lucky meeting in a subway station, anything is possible. We can't wait to see what she does next -- both in front of and behind the camera.