Brian Scott Newman

Brian Scott Newman, age 47, a resident of Los Angeles, California, passed away unexpectedly on January 8, 2026, while visiting his parents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Born on July 26, 1978, he was a proud graduate of Louisiana State University and the University of Delaware.  

Brian began his 25-year career in theater arts with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey and eventually moved to Macau (China) where he met his beloved bride, Francisnelli "Tuca" Bailoni dos Santos, while working for Cirque du Soleil.

After returning to the United States, Brian continued to build his passionate career in education and the arts, serving a variety of organizations, including Indiana Repertory Theatre, USITT, Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theare, and as an associate professor and production manager at Cal Poly Pomona. Known for his dedication and the smile he had for everyone he encountered, he was beloved by his students and took great pride in his work both in the classroom and the theatre.

For 18 years Brian and Tuca built a partnership rooted in love, respect, and laughter. Brian was happiest when he was doing what he loved—whether it was cheering for his LSU Tigers, cooking for his bride, or spending time outdoors with her and their pets, Deebo, Logan, and Westley. A lifelong athlete, he had a passion for soccer and endurance sports, a highlight of which was completing the 2018 IRONMAN Mont-Tremblant.

Brian is survived by his wife, Tuca; his parents, Gregory and Harriette (Accardo) Newman; his sister, Tonya Mullins and her husband, Scott; his sister-in-law Danielli Bailoni de Souza and her husband, Willian Parra Garcia; his brother-in-law Fabricio Bailoni dos Santos and his wife, Carla Felix de Souza; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Mary Margaret Mullins, Elizabeth Marie Mullins, and Theo Bailoni de Souza. He also leaves behind many loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Neiva Bailoni dos Santos, father-in-law Theo Ferreira dos Santos, and niece Anna Maria Mullins, whom he held close in his heart.

Visitation will take place at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 5657 Thomas Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70811, on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 9:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. A memorial service for California friends and loved ones will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Tayneshia Jefferson Fund for Inclusion , St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or California Doodle Rescue in Brian’s memory.