Julie Newmar, born Julia Chalene Newmeyer on August 16, 1933, is a star in America1. She’s known for her roles on stage, screen, and TV. Her most famous role was as Cabwoman in the 1960s Batman series1.
She started as a dancer, appearing in small parts in the 1950s2. Her first Broadway show was in 1955. She won a Tony Award for her role in The Marriage-Go-Round in 19581.
In the 1960s, she became a huge star thanks to her role as Catwoman. This role made her a 1960s pop culture icon.
Key Takeaways
- Julie Newmar is a legendary actress known for her iconic portrayal of Catwoman in the 1960s Batman TV series.
- She won a Tony Award for her Broadway performance in The Marriage-Go-Round.
- Newmar began her career as a dancer and appeared in numerous films and TV shows.
- She was a 1960s sex symbol and pop culture icon.
- Newmar also ventured into entrepreneurship and real estate investing.
Early Life and Beginnings
Julie Newmar, a famous actress and dancer, was born Julia Chalene Newmeyer on August 16, 1933, in Los Angeles, California3. Her dad, Don Newmeyer, was a well-known physical education teacher at Los Angeles City College and played professional football in the 1920s. Her mom, Helene Jesmer, was a skilled fashion designer and real estate investor.
Newmar showed a love for the arts from a young age. She started dancing early and by 15, she was a prima ballerina with the Los Angeles Opera3. Her hard work and talent in dance led her to explore more arts, like philosophy, French, and classical piano at UCLA. She also worked as a choreographer and dancer at Universal Studios.
Childhood in Los Angeles
Newmar grew up in the lively city of Los Angeles, surrounded by art and opportunities3. Being the daughter of a famous physical education teacher and a fashion-forward mom gave her a unique view of the arts. This shaped her future performances.
Introduction to Dance and Theater
Newmar’s early love for the arts, her talent, and hard work set the stage for her successful career.
This led her to improve her skills and wow audiences worldwide with her famous performances3.
“I was born to dance, to act, to entertain. It’s in my blood, it’s in my soul.”3 – Julie Newmar
Broadway Breakthrough
Julie Newmar started her journey to stardom in 1955 with her Broadway debut. She played Vera in the musical Silk Stockings4. Her performance was captivating, and she soon took on the role of Stupefyin’ Jones in Li’l Abner in 19564. She played this role until the show ended in 19584.
Newmar’s talent and charm won her a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play. She received this award for her role as Katrin Sveg in The Marriage-Go-Round in 195845. This award made her a rising star, opening doors to TV and film roles5.
Newmar’s theater career wasn’t limited to The Marriage-Go-Round. She also starred in regional productions of Damn Yankees! and Irma la Douce4. Her versatility and talent made her a favorite among audiences, known for her powerful performances and memorable characters4.
“Julie Newmar’s Broadway debut in Silk Stockings was a true revelation, showcasing her incredible range and stage presence. She was truly a force to be reckoned with on the Great White Way.”
Newmar’s success on Broadway made her a beloved figure in the entertainment world. Her iconic performances left a lasting impact on theater history45.
Julie newmar: TV’s Legendary Catwoman
Julie Newmar became famous for her role as Catwoman in the 1960s Batman TV series6. She played the role for two seasons, wearing a unique, skin-tight costume that highlighted her figure6. Besides Newmar, Lee Meriwether and Eartha Kitt also played Catwoman, but Newmar’s version is the most iconic6.
Newmar’s powerful presence made Catwoman a standout in 1960s TV6. In the 1966 Batman film, Catwoman teamed up with the Joker, Penguin, and Riddler6. She used a special whistle to call her pet Hecate and had various tools like a whip and a maze for her crimes6.
Newmar’s Catwoman was known for her many disguises, including a Russian woman named Ms. Kitka6. Her character showed strong attraction to Batman and had a criminal side with feline traits6.
Julie Newmar is also famous for her role as Rhoda, a robot, in My Living Doll, known for her high IQ7. In 1975, she went skydiving three times while singing, feeling scared on the third jump7. She had a feud with Jim Belushi in 2004 over loud music, leading to a lawsuit that ended with her guest-starring on his show, According to Jim7.
Newmar’s Catwoman is seen as the ultimate Catwoman, thanks to her dazzling costume and captivating performance67.
Iconic Roles and Film Appearances
Julie Newmar shined on stage and screen, playing a wide range of roles8. She first hit Broadway in 1955 with “Silk Stockings”8. Later, she won hearts as Stupefyin’ Jones in “Li’l Abner”8. Her role as Catwoman in “Batman” in 1966 made her a pop culture icon8.
Memorable TV Guest Spots
Newmar’s charm and beauty landed her many guest roles on classic TV shows9. She was on “Route 66”, “The Twilight Zone”, “F Troop”, “Star Trek”, “Get Smart”, and “Bewitched”9. Her roles showed off her acting skills and range.
Cult Classic Movie Roles
Newmar also shined in cult classic films8. She was in “Mackenna’s Gold” and “The Maltese Bippy” in 19698. Even in George Michael’s “Too Funky” music video in 1992, she made an impact8. Her unique style and performances made her a favorite in movies and TV.
| TV Guest Spots | Cult Classic Films |
|---|---|
| Route 66 | Mackenna’s Gold |
| The Twilight Zone | The Maltese Bippy |
| F Troop | Too Funky (Music Video) |
| Star Trek | |
| Get Smart | |
| Bewitched |
“Julie Newmar’s irresistible charm and captivating presence made her a true icon of stage and screen.”
Julie Newmar’s talent and beauty made her unforgettable in TV, film, and on Broadway8910.
Inventor and Entrepreneur
Beyond her captivating performances, Julie Newmar was a talented inventor and entrepreneur11. In the 1970s, she got two U.S. patents for pantyhose with a special design, called “Nudemar.”11 Her work showed her business skills and spirit, beyond acting.
Patented Lingerie Innovations
Newmar made a big impact in fashion with her unique lingerie designs11. She also came up with an “invisible” bra, inspired by the famous Marilyn Monroe11. Her inventions proved her creativity and business smarts, aiming to improve women’s fashion.
Her work wasn’t just about looks; it showed her technical skills and problem-solving11. Her patents for seamless pantyhose and hidden bras showed she understood what women wanted in their clothes11. Through her work, Newmar made a lasting impact on fashion, proving she was a true renaissance woman with many talents.
“My pantyhose and bras were designed to make women feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. That was always my goal as an inventor.”
– Julie Newmar
Personal Life and Advocacy
Julie Newmar‘s life outside of acting has caught a lot of attention12. She married John Holt Smith in 1977 and had a son, John Jewl Smith, four years later at 4812. Sadly, her son lost his hearing to meningitis at a young age12.
Marriage and Motherhood
Newmar and Smith divorced in 1984, but she’s kept a strong bond with her son, now 42 and an artist12. They’ve traveled a lot, visiting places like Bali and Southeast Asia12. Newmar also has two assistants who help with household tasks and care for John12.
Newmar is a big supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, especially for her gay brother, John Newmeyer13. She’s also been active in her community, fighting to ban leaf blowers in Los Angeles13.
LGBTQ+ Rights and Community Activism
Newmar was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which affects her balance and mobility12. Despite this, she remains a successful entrepreneur and artist13.
“I’ve always been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and I’m proud to have used my platform to support my brother and other members of the community.”
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage | Newmar was briefly engaged to novelist Louis L’Amour and had relationships with comedian Mort Sahl and actor Ken Scott before marrying lawyer J. Holt Smith in 1977. They divorced in 1984. |
| Motherhood | Newmar had one son, John Jewl Smith, in her 40s. John has a hearing impairment and Down syndrome. |
| LGBTQ+ Advocacy | Newmar has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, particularly advocating for her gay brother, John Newmeyer. |
| Community Activism | Newmar has been actively involved in her local community, including efforts to ban leaf blowers in Los Angeles. |
| Health Condition | Newmar was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological condition affecting her balance and mobility. |
Lasting Legacy as a Bombshell Icon
Julie Newmar became a 1960s bombshell icon with her captivating presence and unique looks14. She played Catwoman in the famous Batman TV series, setting the standard for the role14. Her performance was elegant, graceful, and playful, winning over many fans14. She was the first actress to play Catwoman live, making her the go-to for the role for over 50 years14.
Newmar was more than just a sex symbol, aiming to show her many talents14. She won a Tony Award for her Broadway comedy, proving her acting skills14. Her impact on pop culture as a 1960s sex symbol and a pioneering female character in Batman is still felt today14.
Her impact goes beyond acting15. She, along with stars like Jayne Mansfield and Rita Moreno, faced tough societal expectations but made their mark15. These women left a lasting impact on entertainment and culture15.
Newmar’s Catwoman is still a beloved character in the Batman series14. Her charisma and flair set the standard for future Catwomen14. As a trailblazer, Julie Newmar’s legacy continues to inspire and captivate fans across generations14.
Renaissance Woman: Talents Beyond Acting
Julie Newmar was more than just Catwoman16. She was a trained dancer and pianist since she was young16. Her love for the arts made her a choreographer at Universal Studios early on16.
Newmar didn’t stop at acting. She ventured into inventing lingerie and real estate16. She even improved neighborhoods in Los Angeles with her investments16. Her love for gardening led her to fight for cleaner air in LA, showing her care for the environment16.
Dancer, Singer, and Choreographer
Newmar shone on both the big and small screens16. Her tall and elegant look made her a standout, like a Renaissance painting16. Her performances won over fans and industry folks, opening many doors for her in Hollywood16.
Real Estate Mogul and Gardening Enthusiast
Newmar’s life story is a tale of timeless beauty and passion16. She’s more than just a star; she’s a symbol of strength and versatility16. Her beauty and charm still win over fans, proving her lasting impact in showbiz16.
Newmar’s Catwoman role made a lasting mark, making her a true Hollywood legend16. Her many talents and achievements show she’s a true Renaissance woman16. She inspires others to follow their dreams with courage and determination16.
Conclusion
Julie Newmar’s legacy is huge, going way beyond her famous Catwoman role in the 1960s Batman series. She was known for her tall stature at 5 feet 11 inches17. Her talents and efforts have made her a lasting 1960s icon.
She won a Tony award17 for her Broadway performances and also made a mark with her lingerie designs17 and real estate projects. Newmar’s influence and impact are still seen today.
Newmar is most famous for playing Catwoman, but she was much more. She was a talented, versatile, and caring person. Her skills in many languages17, her smart writing in her memoir17, and her work for animal welfare17 show her wide range of talents.
She was successful in theater17 and showed her geeky side with her love for science fiction17. Newmar’s legacy as a1817 true icon of the 1960s and beyond still inspires people of all ages. Her work in entertainment and her role as a body positivity icon make her a true Renaissance woman. Her legacy will last for many generations.
FAQ
Who is Julie Newmar?
Julie Newmar is a famous American actress, dancer, and singer. She played Catwoman in the 1960s Batman TV series. She also won a Tony Award for her role in The Marriage-Go-Round on Broadway.
What was Julie Newmar’s career path?
Newmar started as a dancer in the early 1950s, landing small roles in films. She made her Broadway debut in 1955 and won a Tony Award in 1958. Her big break came in the 1960s as Catwoman on Batman.
What other notable roles did Julie Newmar have?
Besides her famous stage work and Catwoman role, Newmar appeared in many TV shows and movies. She played various roles, often as a seductive or Amazonian beauty, in shows like Route 66 and Star Trek.
What were Julie Newmar’s entrepreneurial and inventive pursuits?
Newmar was an inventor and entrepreneur. In the 1970s, she invented pantyhose with a special design, called “Nudemar.” She also created an “invisible” bra and invested in real estate. She even fought to ban leaf blowers in Los Angeles.
What was Julie Newmar’s personal life like?
Newmar was engaged to Louis L’Amour and had relationships with Mort Sahl and Ken Scott before marrying J. Holt Smith in 1977. They divorced in 1984. She has a son with hearing and Down syndrome. Newmar supports LGBTQ+ rights, especially for her gay brother, John Newmeyer.
How is Julie Newmar remembered today?
Newmar is remembered as a 1960s bombshell icon. Her looks and charm made her a sex symbol and pop culture icon. Her Catwoman role is still a beloved villain in the Batman series.
Source Links
- Julie Newmar – Actress, Dancer, Inventor, Businesswoman, Real Estate Investor – https://www.tvinsider.com/people/julie-newmar/
- Julie Newmar: A Look at the Life, Loves and 70-Year Career Of The Original Catwoman – https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/julie-newmar-look-life-loves-160534466.html
- Julie Newmar – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Newmar
- Julie Newmar – File 770 – https://file770.com/tag/julie-newmar/
- Julie Newmar, the original Catwoman: ‘MeToo? Men are men and women are women’ – https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/julie-newmar-original-catwoman-metoo-men-men-women-women/
- Catwoman (Dozierverse) – https://batman.fandom.com/wiki/Catwoman_(Dozierverse)
- How Julie Newmar Became a TV Icon – https://www.emmys.com/news/mix/julie-newmar-catwoman-interview
- Julie Newmar | Actress, Soundtrack – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0628325/
- Julie Newmar: A Look at the Life, Loves and 70-Year Career Of The Original Catwoman – https://www.firstforwomen.com/entertainment/movies-shows/julie-newmar-movies-and-tv-shows
- Julie Newmar – The Official Masterworks Broadway Site – https://masterworksbroadway.com/artist/julie-newmar/
- The History of Pantyhose and Nylon – https://theinventors.org/library/inventors/blpantyhose.htm
- “Batman” Star Julie Newmar Sacrificed a Lot For Her Son With Down Syndrome, But He Rewarded Her Greatly – https://brightside.me/articles/batman-star-julie-newmar-sacrificed-a-lot-for-her-son-with-down-syndrome-but-he-rewarded-her-greatly-813062/
- A Surreal Moment in Time – My Review of Julie Newmar’s “The Conscious Catwoman Explains Life on Earth,” Giveaway, and Q & A | Zee & Zoey’s Cat Chronicles – https://zeezoey.com/blog/a-surreal-moment-in-time-my-review-of-julie-newmars-the-conscious-catwoman-explains-life-on-earth-giveaway-and-q-a/
- Catwomen: Julie Newmar – http://wordsseemoutofplace.blogspot.com/2018/08/catwomen-julie-newmar.html
- Julie Newmar – Timeless Beauty: The Breathtaking Actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age Part 2 – https://www.heraldweekly.com/timeless-beauty-the-breathtaking-actresses-of-hollywoods-golden-age-part2/18
- Julie Newmar: Biography, Age, Height, Figure, Net Worth – https://meh-metallbau.com/julie-newmar-biography-age-height-figure-net-worth/
- 22 Enigmatic Facts About Julie Newmar – https://facts.net/celebrity/22-enigmatic-facts-about-julie-newmar/
- Why didn’t Julie appear in season 3? – http://66batman.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=860
