Julie Newmar, born Julia Chalene Newmeyer on August 16, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, is an American actress, dancer, and singer. Today she turns 91.
Julie is best known for playing Catwoman in the 1960s “Batman” TV series. Her career includes work in film, TV, and theater. Her stunning looks, talent, and charm have made her a lasting icon in entertainment.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Julie was born into a creative family. Her mother, Helen Jesmer, was a former Ziegfeld Follies performer, and her father, Donald Newmeyer, was an athlete and physical education teacher. Julie showed artistic talent early on, studying classical ballet and piano, which set the stage for her career.
Julie Newmar started her career in dance with the Los Angeles Opera. Her standout looks and talent led to her first film role as one of the “Goldwyn Girls” in the 1952 musical “She’s Working Her Way Through College.” This was just the beginning of her acting career, with several small roles in films throughout the 1950s.
Breakthrough Role: Catwoman
Julie’s career changed dramatically when she was cast as Catwoman in the 1966 “Batman” TV series. Her portrayal of the character was both sultry and playful, making a lasting impact on pop culture.
Her Catwoman, with the iconic black costume and seductive purr, became a fan favorite and made her a television legend.
Julie Newmar’s portrayal of Catwoman was more than just about her looks; she brought a special mix of elegance and danger to the role, making her a great match for Adam West’s Batman. Her performance was so memorable that she played Catwoman again in the 1967 film “Batman: The Movie.”
Film and Television Career
Besides Catwoman, Julie’s acting skills allowed her to take on many different roles in movies and TV shows. She showed off her dancing in the 1954 film “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and appeared in “The Maltese Bippy” (1969).
Julie also made guest appearances on famous TV shows like “The Twilight Zone,” “The Monkees,” and “Star Trek,” where she played Eleen in the episode “Friday’s Child.” Her ability to perform in various genres, from science fiction to comedy, highlighted her versatility.
Stage Career
Julie didn’t limit her talents to screen work; she also had a successful stage career. She starred in Broadway shows like “Li’l Abner” (1956) as Stupefyin’ Jones and won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for “The Marriage-Go-Round” (1958). Her live performances were as captivating as her screen roles.
Later Career and Personal Life
In later years, Julie continued to appear in films and TV, often embracing her iconic status. She was featured in the 1995 film “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar,” which honored her influence in entertainment.
Julie is also an inventor and businesswoman with several patents, including one for pantyhose with shaping bands and another for a brassiere.
She has been open about her personal life, advocating for equal rights and environmental causes. She has a son, John, who was born with Down syndrome, and she has shared her experiences and challenges of raising a child with special needs.
