It’s not every day you spot a true Hollywood icon out and about just soaking up the sunshine—and that’s exactly what happened this week in Los Angeles.
Julie Newmar, the legendary actress who lit up screens in the 1960s and captured hearts as the original Catwoman, was seen enjoying a relaxed scooter ride through a peaceful neighborhood.
At 91 years old, Julie is keeping things casual and lowkey, dressed in comfortable gray trousers, a soft blue shirt, and black slippers.
Despite the decades that have passed since her heyday, she still carries that timeless star quality.
From Ballerina Beginnings to Broadway and Beyond
Born right here in Los Angeles in August 1933, Julie’s passion for performing started young.
As a teenager, she was a leading ballerina with the Los Angeles Civic Grand Opera Company.
Her early years in showbiz were filled with small roles, including dancing as a chorus girl in the classic 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell.
By the mid-1950s, Julie had started to make a name for herself on the big screen.
In 1954, she appeared in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers credited as Julie Newmeyer. But her real breakthrough came in 1959 when she starred in the Broadway play The Marriage-Go-Round, earning a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress.
Breaking Through with Catwoman on the Batman Series
Julie’s most famous role—and the one that still defines her career—is undoubtedly Catwoman from the 1960s Batman TV series.
From 1966 to 1967, she appeared as the first live-action Catwoman, starring alongside Adam West and Burt Ward.
In a 2023 interview, Julie described Catwoman as “sexy, seductive, sensuous” and said the role fit her perfectly.
She worked hard to bring the character’s physicality and sharp humor to life, making those 13 episodes unforgettable.
Later, Eartha Kitt took over the role for the third season, but Julie’s portrayal remains iconic.
Julie credits much of the show’s success to it being filmed in color—a novelty at the time—and to the creative vision of producer William Dozier.
She remembers how the unique camera angles and campy style added an extra spark that made the series stand out.
Reflecting on an Iconic Role and Fellow Catwomen
When asked if she ever imagined Catwoman would become such a legendary character, Julie was candid.
She said the joy of acting and working with great co-stars like Adam West and Burt Ward made it a fun experience that just clicked.
Over the years, many other actresses have taken on Catwoman, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Anne Hathaway, Halle Berry, and Zoe Kravitz.
Julie names Michelle Pfeiffer as her favorite, praising her for her incredible creativity and skill.
A Diverse Career Beyond Batman
Julie’s talents extended far beyond the Batman series.
She appeared in popular TV shows like The Love Boat, Columbo, Star Trek, The Twilight Zone, and The Beverly Hillbillies.
Before Batman, she starred in the sci-fi sitcom My Living Doll (1964-1965), playing Rhoda—a robot prototype.
Julie described this as the toughest role of her career because she had to embody a character with no real human emotions, making her movements and timing challenging to master.
Her dedication paid off, and she eventually made Rhoda’s robotic movements feel natural on screen.
Julie’s last credited acting role was in 2017 when she lent her voice to Catwoman in Batman vs. Two-Face.
Life Today and Looking Ahead
Outside of acting, Julie has explored other ventures like real estate.
Now approaching her 92nd birthday, she enjoys spending time online, embracing the digital age.
She told Closer magazine how much she loves the internet for its fast pace and instant access to ideas and people worldwide.
“I love the computer. I love the internet.
I love the immediate resource of ideas and people around the world,” she said.
This is huge progress, and I like to write and think.
If I had to go to a studio all the time, that would be slow.
I love where I am now because things move quickly. I think I’m at the epitome of my life.”
Julie Newmar’s journey from ballerina to Hollywood icon is a story of talent, determination, and timeless charm—a true gem in the entertainment world who still shines brightly today.