Julie Newmar, 92, Dazzles Fans as the Original Catwoman
A timeless icon, Julie Newmar continues to captivate audiences decades after first donning the catsuit. The 92-year-old actress recently appeared at a public meet-and-greet at the Hollywood Show in Los Angeles, looking radiant and energetic as she connected with fans.
Newmar rose to prominence portraying Catwoman in the live-action Batman series from 1966 to 1967, a role that cemented her place in pop culture history. While the show is now considered a campy classic, Newmar’s glamour remains undiminished. She shared photos from the event on Instagram, showcasing a vibrant outfit, flawless makeup, and a youthful glow.
Wearing a green sweater and sheer choker, Newmar posed for selfies with attendees, radiating a playful and mischievous spirit. Her signature silky white hair was styled in a voluminous bob reminiscent of her Catwoman days, complemented by scarlet lipstick and long lashes. “Thank you’s to everyone I met at the Hollywood Show. I am still floating with happiness,” the actress wrote in a comment on her post.
Born Julia Chalene Newmeyer, Newmar’s career extends far beyond Gotham City. She first gained recognition starring in the 1954 Oscar-winning musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Just two years later, she earned a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in The Marriage-Go-Round on Broadway.
However, it was her portrayal of Catwoman alongside Adam West that truly defined her career. Newmar originated the role in the ABC adaptation of the Batman comic, captivating viewers with her seductive and cunning performance. She was later replaced by Eartha Kitt in the show’s third season due to scheduling conflicts, with Lee Meriwether taking on the role in the 1966 film adaptation.
In a 2018 interview, Newmar offered insights into her approach to the character, revealing she once meticulously defined “Who is Catwoman, according to Julie Newmar?” She described the villainess as “playful, hit man strategy, lording over others, hatching plots, diabolical webs of deceit, satisfaction ensured—almost S&M, meaning safely manipulated, in charge of all that exists, and greed, greed-greed.”
Newmar revisited her iconic role decades later, lending her voice to the animated films Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders (2016) and Batman vs. Two-Face (2017). The character of Catwoman has since been reimagined by numerous actresses, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway, and Zoë Kravitz, each bringing their own interpretation to the feline villain.
The actress’s enduring appeal is also celebrated in the 1995 comedy To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, starring Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo. The film features the main characters carrying an autographed photo of Newmar, and she even makes a memorable cameo appearance.
https://www.instagram.com/julieneumar/ – Julie Newmar shared photos from the Hollywood Show on her official Instagram account.
Julie Newmar’s continued presence in the public eye is a testament to her talent, grace, and the lasting impact of her unforgettable portrayal of Catwoman.
