Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Newman was trained in London. His theater credits include The Recruiting Officer, Certain Young Men at London's prestigious Almeida, and Plenty in the West End, opposite Cate Blanchett.

Since appearing as Paul Atreides in Frank Herbert's Dune, Newman has starred in Nightflight for the BBC, the supernatural thriller Long Time Dead for Universal, and The Principles of Lust for Film Four.

His frequent returns to the British theater have included the leading role in Max Frisch's play Andorra at London's Young Vic.

Newman won the Jubilee Trophy for stage combat in 1995 and holds an advanced certificate with the Society of British Fight Directors.