Trivia

Relative on her father's maternal side - Will Rogers. Relative on her mother's Paternal side - Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum.

First language was Spanish.

Started acting at the age of 5 in San Antonio Little Theatre.

Is Cherokee Indian, Scotch/Irish, Ashkenazi Jew (father's side) Ashkenazi, Prussian, and British (mother's side).

Is a coloratura soprano. Performed with the Texas Children's Bach Choir; at the age of 10. In 1984 Newman was offered a spot in New York's Casablanca's Elite modeling agency's, "new" petite division by Fernando Casablancas. Newman's parents did not want her to go to NY, out of concern for her safety.

Was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2008.

Newman's son Austin, is not named after the Capital of TX. The name "Austin," 'has been in her father's family, going as far back as seven generations. Newman's paternal side came from Tennessee with Moses Austin (S.F.'s father)and were part of the "First 300" to settle Texas .

Newman-Menéndez is an accomplished poet, writer, and soon to be published author.

Newman-Menéndez is a professional artist. Celia's paintings have been sold to various collectors around the world.

Newman has been playing equestrian POLO since 1981. Celia did not play professionally, but, the game is in her blood. Adair's second cousin was Will Penn Adair Rogers, a noted POLO player and political satirist. Newman took an hiatus from the sport after an accident, she has only started stick and balling recently, to slowly get back into the game. Newman's desire is to either join an informal team, or acquire her umpire license, within the next year "(2018).

Newman grew up, in and around the music industry. Newman's Uncle T, was a highly sought after Music photographer in the 60's, 70's, and 80's; for legendary groups like; The WHO, Rod Stewart, The Eagles, David Bowie. Elvis Costello, and more. Due to her early influences, and her deep love of the greats, such as Bessie Smith, Lady Day, Joanie Mitchell, etc... Newman has always been interested in pursuing a career in Music, but, everything takes a backseat to her children and politics.

Barnum's husband has been a TX Senator for 3 terms. Prior to his Senate seat, Celia's husband, Jose Menendez, began his political career in 1997, on S. A. 's City Council.

Is an artist and author, working on two books.

Attended St. Anthony's elementary and Junior High school with director Robert Rodriguez.

Has three children Dominic, Victoria and Austin.

Designs custom jewelry, for private clients, based upon her artwork.

Named her first son, Dominic, after her cousin, Dominic, to whom, she was very close, as a child.

(1992 - 1997) Went to Undergrad (where she received her second degree in Theater) at The University of The Incarnate Word; with Ricardo Chavira.

Celia's father passed, in August of 2013, from Cancer, after being diagnosed, only, nine weeks, earlier.