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Iconic 60s Actress Julie Newmar Spotted in LA on Mobility Scooter at 91

BBG News

A well-known actress, who gained prominence during the 1960s, was recently seen enjoying a casual outing in Los Angeles.

In a peaceful residential area, the renowned star, who collaborated with celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Adam West over the span of many years, enjoyed a leisurely scooter ride under the radiant sunshine.

It turns out that the individual who received a Tony award is none other than Julie Newmar, aged 91, and she gained fame for portraying Catwoman on the Batman television show during the 1960s.

She dressed in a relaxed manner, sporting a pair of gray pants, a light blue shirt, and black slippers.

Born in Los Angeles in August 1933, I nurtured my love for the stage from an early age, transforming that passion into reality as a dedicated dancer.

As a teenager, Julie stood out as a leading ballerina with the Los Angeles Civic Grand Opera Company.

During the early 1950s, she played several unacknowledged parts, such as appearing as a chorus member in the 1953 film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell.

Next year, I couldn’t contain my excitement when Julie graced the screen in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, back then known as Newmeyer on the silver screen!

1959 saw Newmar’s stellar performance in the Broadway production “The Marriage-Go-Round,” which fetched her the prestigious Tony Award for Outstanding Female Actor in a Play.

Two years on, she too graced the screen in the movie version of the stage play, where both Susan Hayward and James Mason were already cast.

Based on her performance, Julie garnered a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer. 

Between the years 1996 and 1967, the actress played the role of the first live-action Catwoman in the television show ‘Batman.’ This series also featured Adam West and Burt Ward as its main characters.

In a 2023 interview with the Television Academy, Newmar characterized the role as “alluring, enticing, and richly sensual.

She commented, ‘I found the role suited me as I put effort into making it realistic, and my unique sense of humor seemed to match the character.’

In all, Julie made an appearance in 13 episodes of the series, and it was Eartha Kitt who assumed the character’s role during the third season.

In regards to the success of the series, Newmar attributed it to the show being in color. 

In 1966, only a small number of TV series were shown in color. Producer William Dozier from 20th Century Fox knew its aesthetic appeal. He then assembled top-notch writers and invested in high-quality color cinematography.

She added, ‘It’s worth mentioning that the camera was sometimes angled to add an additional touch of exaggeration or over-the-top style, which was quite novel on television at the time.’

In a conversation with Closer back in 2023, the actress revealed if she had realized that the part of Catwoman would eventually hold such an iconic status.

Absolutely! What I meant was, there’s no doubt about it. You feel joyful while doing it, and those around you are encouraging. Moreover, the script was simply fantastic.

Everything else was just as great. Both Adam West and Burt Ward played their roles wonderfully. Occasionally, things just seem to fall perfectly into place like this.

various actresses such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Anne Hathaway, Halle Berry, and more recently, Zoe Kravitz, have taken on the role of Catwoman in different productions over time.

When asked about her preferred representation of the character, Julie responded without hesitation, ‘Michelle Pfeiffer, definitely.’

1. “She has no limits; she’s simply extraordinary. I adore her most because she outshines everyone else as an actress. Her inventiveness added remarkable depth to her role.”

2. “She is unstoppable in everything she does, and that’s why she’s my favorite. She’s beyond compare when it comes to acting. She brought a unique touch of creativity to the character she played.”

3. “There’s nothing she can’t do; she’s absolutely remarkable. I love her more than anyone else because she stands head and shoulders above others in acting skills. Her creativity really elevated the role she portrayed.”

4. “She has no bounds, she’s exceptional. She’s my favorite for a reason – she outperforms everyone else as an actress. The way she infused her creativity into the character was truly captivating.”

5. “There’s nothing she can’t accomplish; she’s simply outstanding. I admire her most because she surpasses all others in acting talent. Her innovative approach to the role added a rich layer of depth.”

Julie has also been featured on a variety of other TV shows such as The Love Boat, Columbo, The Defenders, The Twilight Zone, Star Trek, and The Beverly Hillbillies.

In addition to her part in Batman, she previously held a main role in the 1964-1965 science fiction sitcom titled “My Living Doll.

In her performance, she embodied a prototype robot character named Rhoda, which Newmar described as the most demanding role of her career.

Julie shared with the Television Academy that she was more like a highly intelligent toy than a human, as she lacked relatable emotions and this could disrupt the pacing of the show.

The actress stated that it was the most difficult task she’s ever encountered, the greatest hurdle in her professional journey.

After several weeks of work, I managed to bring it to life in such a way that my actions and behavior felt instinctive, as if my body had become the character itself. In time, performing as Rhoda felt like second nature to me.

Julie’s last credited role was in 2017 when she voiced Catwoman for Batman vs. Two-Face. 

Newmar has dabbled in other business ventures over the years, such as real estate. 

As the star approaches her 92nd birthday, the Hollywood icon enjoys spending time on the internet. 

I’m deeply fond of computers, the web, and the incredible global network they provide for accessing ideas and connecting with people. It’s truly a remarkable advancement, and I enjoy both expressing my thoughts through writing and engaging in thoughtful contemplation.

As a devoted admirer, I’d rather stay put than step foot in a studio, it moves at a snail’s pace. I’m thriving exactly where I am now because things are happening at lightning speed. I believe I’ve reached the pinnacle of my journey in life, as I shared with Closer magazine.

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2025-05-17 16:55

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