Between 2003 and 2005, Newton played Makemba "Kem" Likasu, love interest of John Carter on the American television series "ER". She reprised the role for the series finale in 2009. In 2004, she also appeared in "The Chronicles of Riddick" and "Crash". Newton won a BAFTA award for Best Supporting Actress in 2006 for her role in "Crash". She played Chris Gardner's wife, Linda Gardner, in "The Pursuit of Happyness". Also in 2006, Newton performed on radio in a pantomime version of "Cinderella".