Nanette Newman is a name that evokes a particular kind of British charm. For many, she is the face of a classic 1970s washing-up liquid advert. For others, she is the actress who held her own in some of the most respected British films of the 1960s and 70s. And for readers, she is the award-winning author of dozens of children’s books. Now aged 92, Newman’s life is a story of varied talents and a long, stable family partnership.
Born in Northampton in 1934, she built a career that spanned acting, writing, and even television cooking. Her professional journey is closely linked to that of her late husband, the director Bryan Forbes. But her own accomplishments, from a BAFTA nomination to a successful series of cookbooks, stand firmly on their own merit.
Who Is Nanette Newman? A Biography and Career Overview
Nanette Newman is an English actress and author whose career has stretched across eight decades. She is best known for her film roles in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly those directed by her husband. She also found a second successful career writing children’s picture books and cookery volumes.
Starred in nine films directed by Bryan Forbes, including Séance on a Wet Afternoon and The Whisperers.
Published over 36 books, including 30 children’s titles and six cookery books. Won the Cookbook of the Year Award for The Summer Cookbook.
Wife of director Bryan Forbes for 58 years. Mother of television presenter Emma Forbes and journalist Sarah Standing.
Alive and residing in London. She retired from regular acting but remains active as a writer.
Key Insights into Her Life and Career
- Newman’s most famous screen work was a collaboration with her husband, director Bryan Forbes.
- She successfully transitioned from a film career in the 1960s and 1970s to a highly regarded second act as a children’s author.
- Her two daughters, Emma Forbes and Sarah Standing, have built their own careers in television and journalism.
- Public interest in Newman persists, driven by nostalgia for classic British cinema and curiosity about her family.
- Her net worth is frequently searched online but is not a matter of public record, making it an area of unknown information.
Quick Facts About Nanette Newman
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nanette Newman |
| Born | 29 May 1934, Northampton, England |
| Age (as of 2026) | 92 years old |
| Profession | Actress, Author |
| Spouse | Bryan Forbes (m. 1955; died 2013) |
| Children | Emma Forbes, Sarah Standing |
| Known For | Séance on a Wet Afternoon, The Whisperers, Deadfall, International Velvet |
| Books | Spider the Horrible Cat, There’s a Bear in the Bath!, The Summer Cookbook |
| Status | Alive as of the latest available information |
Is Nanette Newman Still Alive? Her Current Status
Yes, Nanette Newman is still alive. As of July 2026, she is 92 years old. A public Instagram post from around her birthday in 2024 confirmed she was alive and celebrated. She resides in London, England.
While she has retired from regular acting, she has not fully retired from writing. She continues to publish cookery and children’s books. Her later work, The Importance Of Being Ernest The Earwig, tells the story of an earwig who wants to get inside books. There are no reports of recent acting projects or any health issues in the available information.
Recent photos of her are rare, but the most recent ones appear to be from her birthday celebrations. For a complete filmography of her past roles, the IMDb page for Nanette Newman is the most reliable source.
Who Is Nanette Newman’s Husband and Children? A Look at Her Family
Nanette Newman’s family life was remarkably stable within the often-turbulent world of show business. She was married to actor, director, and screenwriter Bryan Forbes from 1955 until his death in 2013. This partnership was also a professional one, as she appeared in nine of his films.
Her Husband: Bryan Forbes
Forbes was a significant figure in British cinema. He directed Newman in some of her most acclaimed roles, including Séance on a Wet Afternoon (1964) and The Whisperers (1967). Their marriage lasted nearly six decades, a testament to their personal and professional bond.
Her Children: Emma Forbes and Sarah Standing
The couple had two daughters. Emma Forbes (born 1965) is a well-known television presenter and entertainer in the UK. Sarah Forbes, who uses her married name Sarah Standing, is a journalist. Sarah is married to actor John Standing.
Newman’s longevity in the public eye speaks to her adaptability and the enduring affection audiences hold for her work. While she no longer appears on screen, her books continue to find new readers.
Related stories
Oliver Reeves leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections review at Headlines UK.