# Ross Newton

Ross Newton (born 20 February 1967) is an Australian actor born in Melbourne, Victoria, he graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in 1989 and later became best known for playing Greg Marshall in the television series Home and Away.

## Career

Newton grew up in the Australian city of Melbourne. He first wanted to act at the aged of five, after watching the film The Wizard of Oz. Later in his teens, Newton knew he wanted a career in acting. In 1987, he began studying Acting at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, New South Wales. His parents believed that acting would only be a mere hobby for their son. However, by aged fifteen, he started appearing in Melbourne based theatre, film, TV productions and student graduate films.
In 1990, Newton joined the cast of the Nine Network soap opera Family and Friends, playing the role of construction worker Bartholomew Thomas Purvis (Thommo). Thommo was Newton's first regular and prominent television role. In 1991, Newton played the role of John Harding in the Australian erotic thriller film Fatal Bond. He later played the role of Edward Adam Stuart Young (Easy) in the acclaimed Australian ABC television series, G.P. . That year, he also joined the cast of the Seven Network soap opera Home and Away, playing the regular role of Greg Marshall. Newton originally signed a two-year contract with the series. During Newton's time on the show, he created an iconic character and storyline with Nicolle Dickson who played Bobby Simpson. After one year in the series, Newton believed his character was boring and convinced producers to make Greg a more exciting role by committing adultery. Newton decided to leave the role in 1993. In 1994 and again in 1995, Newton joined other Australian actors in the British pantomime season.
In 2002, Newton appeared in the Australian-American science fiction television series, Farscape, playing the role of Sloggard. Newton was seen by casting directors for the role of Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings film franchise. He "worked hard" on the audition but lost out to Sean Astin.

## Personal life

Newton has been in a relationship with dressage rider and trainer, Lucas Hurps for more than twenty-five years. In 2019, Newton revealed that he concealed his sexuality on the advice of a Home and Away producer who suggested being honest could affect his acting career. Newton recalled that it was "really challenging" and had a "huge effect" on his personal life. He similarly told a reporter from The Daily Telegraph that he believed his sexuality had affected which acting roles he won. Away from acting, Newton works as a fundraiser and development manager for Western Sydney University, which he still works as of 2023.

## Filmography

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1985 | The Fast Lane | Robby Williams | Guest role |
| 1986 | Prime Time | Danny Eilwood | Guest role |
| 1986 | The Flying Doctors | Harry | Guest role |
| 1986 | My Brother Tom | Les Connor | Guest role |
| 1986 | The Great Bookie Robbery | Police officer | Guest role |
| 1988 | Witchcraft | William | Film role |
| 1990 | Rafferty's Rules | James | Guest role |
| 1990 | Skirts | Dipp | Guest role |
| 1990 | Family and Friends | Bartholomew Purvis (Thommo) | Regular role |
| 1990-1991 | G.P. | Easy | Guest role |
| 1991 | Fatal Bond | John Harding | Film role |
| 1991-1993, 2000 | Home and Away | Greg Marshall | Regular role |
| 1996-1997 | Pacific Drive | Roger West | Recurring role |
| 1999 | All Saints | Dean Bledsoe | Guest role |
| 2002 | Farscape | Sloggard | Guest role |
| 2002 | Crash Palace | Charlie | Regular role |
| 2004 | The Crop | Cop | Guest role |
| 2003, 2006 | Comedy Inc | Various | Guest role |
| 2010 | Cops LAC | Lionel Tibbs | Guest role |
| 2012 | The Politically Incorrect Parenting Show | Office manager | Guest role |
| 2023 | Winter Swim - Late for Love | The man | Short film |
| 2025 | Face the Music | Jason Duncan | Short Film |
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