Julie Newmar, born Julia Chalene Newmeyer on August 16, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, is an American actress, dancer, and singer.
Best known for her role as Catwoman in the 1960s “Batman” television series, Newmar’s career spans across film, television, and stage. Her remarkable beauty, talent, and charisma have made her an enduring icon in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Julie Newmar 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 instructor. Julie’s artistic inclinations were evident from a young age. She studied classical ballet and was a trained pianist, which paved the way for her initial foray into the world of performance.
Newmar’s career began in dance, performing with the Los Angeles Opera. Her striking looks and talent caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to her first film role as one of the “Goldwyn Girls” in the musical “She’s Working Her Way Through College” (1952). This marked the beginning of a series of minor roles in films throughout the 1950s.
Breakthrough Role: Catwoman
Julie Newmar’s career took a significant turn when she was cast as Catwoman in the “Batman” television series in 1966. Her portrayal of the feline villainess was both sultry and playful, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.
Newmar’s Catwoman, with her iconic black costume and seductive purr, became a fan favorite and solidified her status as a television legend.
The role of Catwoman was not just about looks; Newmar brought a unique blend of elegance and menace to the character, making her a perfect foil to Adam West’s Batman. Her performance was so compelling that she reprised the role in the 1967 film “Batman: The Movie.”
Film and Television Career
Beyond Catwoman, Julie Newmar’s versatility as an actress allowed her to take on a wide range of roles in both film and television. Some notable films include “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954), where she showcased her dancing skills, and “The Maltese Bippy” (1969).
Newmar also made numerous guest appearances on popular TV shows such as “The Twilight Zone,” “The Monkees,” and “Star Trek,” where she played Eleen in the episode “Friday’s Child.” Her ability to adapt to various genres, from science fiction to comedy, demonstrated her range as an actress.
Stage Career
Julie Newmar’s talents were not confined to the screen. She also enjoyed a successful stage career, starring in Broadway productions such as “Li’l Abner” (1956), where she played the role of Stupefyin’ Jones, and “The Marriage-Go-Round” (1958), for which she won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play. Her stage presence and ability to captivate audiences live mirrored her success on screen.
Later Career and Personal Life
In the later stages of her career, Julie Newmar continued to make appearances in film and television, often embracing her iconic status. She appeared in the 1995 film “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar,” a tribute to her influence in the entertainment industry.
Newmar is also an inventor and businesswoman. She holds several patents, including one for pantyhose with shaping bands and another for a brassiere.
Julie Newmar has been open about her personal life, advocating for issues such as equal rights and environmental causes. She has a son, John, who was born with Down syndrome, and she has spoken publicly about the joys and challenges of raising a child with special needs.
