Career
His film career began in 1937 with an uncredited singing role in The Affair of Susan. From 1937 to 1940, Jim played Sergeant Renfrew of the Royal Mounted in five Royal Mountie films. His last film was 1944"s Gunsmoke Mesa.
Newill was known mostly for his western roles, having been one-third of the Texas Rangers in the Texas Rangers series of B-movies.
Of the 22-film series, Newill co-starred in the first 14, along with co-stars Dave O"Brien and Guy Wilkerson. He played Texas Ranger Jim Steele.
In some of his westerns, he"s also credited with co-writing some of the film songs. With his somewhat operatic voice, he sang with the Los Angeles Light Opera Company.
