Actress Julie Newmar, who originated the role of Catwoman in the 1960s television series "Batman," recently made a public appearance in Los Angeles shortly before her 93rd birthday on August 16. Newmar, known for her captivating portrayal of the feline villain, was observed using a mobility scooter.
Newmar appeared stylish during her outing, wearing a blue button-up shirt tied at the waist with black pants, a straw hat, and black UGG slippers. The Tony Award winner has previously spoken about living with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, a neurological disorder affecting peripheral nerves.
Her career spanned television, stage, and film. Newmar's early life included training as a ballerina with the Los Angeles Opera at age 15. By 19, she was a choreographer and dancer for Universal Studios, before her first significant film role in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." She also performed on Broadway in "Silk Stockings" and "Li'l Abner," earning a Tony Award for Best Actress in "The Marriage-Go-Round" in 1961.
Newmar's height, 5'11", and dancer's physique often led to her being typecast as an exotic beauty. Her television credits include roles in "My Living Doll," "Star Trek," "Route 66," "The Twilight Zone," "Bewitched," and "The Monkees."
Her performance as Catwoman in the 1966-1967 "Batman" series is considered definitive by many fans. Newmar's background in dance and choreography informed her portrayal, allowing for expressive, feline movements. She even studied the behavior of cats to prepare for the role, including an iconic scene where she tempts Robin with milk. She was also instrumental in the design of the character's tight-fitting catsuit, sewing an S-curve seam into the waistline to enhance its fit. This modified costume has since been donated to the Smithsonian Institution.
Beyond acting, Newmar has pursued entrepreneurial ventures, including patenting a pantyhose design. She has also been involved in advocacy, notably for LGBT rights, stemming from her relationship with her brother John. She is a dedicated advocate for her son, John Jewel Smith, who was born with a hearing impairment and Down Syndrome.
Newmar has had notable public interactions, including a feud with actor Jim Belushi, who accused her of harassment in 2004. The dispute was later humorously addressed on Belushi's sitcom "According to Jim." More recently, Newmar made public statements regarding the film industry, suggesting that male executives "should" run it because "they do it best," reflecting on her own experiences in Hollywood decades before the #MeToo movement.