Anthony Newley, Tony-Nominated Writer of “Feeling Good,” Dies at 67

“I went to Vegas for 22 years, married some absolutely charming women, and gave them all my money.”

— Anthony Newley

Anthony Newley was a celebrated British actor, singer, songwriter, and lyricist, best known for co-creating and starring in Stop the World – I Want to Get Off—a show that brought him international fame in 1961 and a Tony nomination. He also penned the Grammy-winning song “What Kind of Fool Am I?” and wrote “Feeling Good,” immortalised by Nina Simone.

Personal Life

Anthony Newley was married four times. His first marriage, to Joan Shandell in 1948, ended in 1955. In 1956, he married actress Ann Lynn; they had a son, Simon, who died shortly after birth. His third marriage, to Joan Collins in 1963, brought two children: Tara, who became a broadcaster, and Alexander, an artist. In 1971, he married Dareth Rich, and they had two more children, Shelby and Christopher. Outside of marriage, Newley also had a long-term relationship with fashion designer Gina Fratini.

Later Years & Passing

After moving to Florida in the early 1970s, Newley became a popular cabaret star in Vegas and performed on TV shows like Hollywood Squares. In 1985, he was first diagnosed with cancer and had a kidney removed; the disease recurred by the late 1990s, spreading to his lungs and liver.

He died of renal cancer on 14 April 1999, at age 67, at his home in Jensen Beach, Florida—reports say in the arms of Gina Fratini. He was survived by five children and his mother Grace, then aged 96.

The actor was laid to rest at Forest Hills Memorial Park and Mausoleum, Palm City, Florida.