Newman first earned a living performing with her jazz quartet, and landed parts in several short films. She also made an appearance on "The Drew Carey Show". Soon after, she landed the role of Kristina Cassadine on the soap opera "General Hospital". While there, she continued with her music career, putting together her cover band, School Boy Crush. Newman and School Boy Crush played regularly at The Buffalo Club in Santa Monica, California; Moomba in West Hollywood; Nick's Martini Lounge; Café Cordiale; and at the Lux in Beverly Hills. The band covered a wide variety of music from funk and soul to R&B and blues. Most recently, they played the ESPN Awards party at The Highlands, the adjoining venue to the Kodak Theatre. Newman also landed a part in Steven Spielberg's "Catch Me If You Can", with a scene opposite Leonardo DiCaprio.