Julie Newmar Known as Catwoman Turns Heads at 92 During Rare Public Sighting
Julie Newmar, now 92, is still celebrated as a symbol of 1960s glamour and talent. Born in Los Angeles in 1933, she started her career as a dancer and became a prima ballerina with the Los Angeles Civic Grand Opera Company while still a teenager. Her early work in dance helped her build the poise and stage presence that would later define her acting career.
Newmar moved gradually from stage to screen in the early 1950s, appearing in films without credit, including a chorus role in Marilyn Monroe’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. She later gained attention under the name Julie Newmeyer in the musical Seven Brides for Seven Sisters.
Her breakthrough on Broadway came in 1959 with The Marriage-Go-Round, a performance that earned her a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress. She later reprised the role in the movie version alongside James Mason and Susan Hayward, which also earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer.
However, it was her role as Catwoman on the 1966–1967 Batman television series that cemented her place in pop culture. Standing at five feet eleven, Newmar brought a striking presence to the character.
She appeared in thirteen episodes before Eartha Kitt took over the role in the third season. Reflecting on Catwoman, Newmar said, “The part fit me because I worked to physicalize it, and I have a certain sense of humor that fits the character.”
She also praised the production, noting that the show’s use of color and technical choices, like tilted camera angles, helped create its unique style. When talking about her legacy, Newmar admitted that the cast didn’t realize at the time how iconic the series would become.
“Of course not. I mean, you have positive feelings when you are performing it,” she said. She praised her co-stars, Adam West and Burt Ward, and singled out Michelle Pfeiffer as her favorite actress to play Catwoman. “She is hands down the best. She can do anything,” Newmar remarked.
Beyond Catwoman, Newmar appeared in classic TV shows such as Star Trek, The Twilight Zone, and Columbo. One of her most challenging roles was on the sitcom My Living Doll, where she played Rhoda, an android with an IQ over 180 but no human emotions.
She admitted, “It was the hardest part I ever had to do, the biggest challenge of my career. It took significant effort to make the movements feel organic rather than intellectually forced.”
Julie Newmar recently appeared in a vibrant Instagram update alongside her close friend, Hart to Hart star Stefanie Powers. In the post’s caption, Powers celebrated the encounter by remarking, “What a treat to see the fabulous Julie Newmar… She is an example to us all of the joy of living… and how beautiful is she!!!”
In her later years, Newmar has focused on real estate and gardening in Los Angeles. Her garden has been featured in publications and reflects her passion for nature. She also continues to speak out on social causes and LGBTQ+ rights.
In 2017, she returned to the Batman franchise, providing the voice of Catwoman in Batman vs. Two-Face. Even at 92, she stays active socially, recently sharing a warm post with her friend Stefanie Powers.
Julie Newmar’s legacy as a performer and cultural icon continues to influence new generations of actors and fans alike. Her mix of elegance, talent, and dedication has made her one of the most enduring figures of classic Hollywood and the superhero world.
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