She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the ‘feline devil’ by an iconic superhero – can you guess who?

She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?

In contemplating the life of Julie Newmar, a woman who has graced our screens with her captivating presence for more than six decades, I am struck by her remarkable journey. She danced her way into our hearts as a seductive cat-woman, yet her real prowess lies in her resilience and versatility.


She’s an alluring actress who showcases her cat-like qualities and versatile abilities that make her a formidable performer across multiple disciplines, including acting, music, and dance.

Initially, she embarked on her professional journey as an unrecognized dance artist. Later, she was cast as one of the seven brides in the legendary film Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, a timeless musical production.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share the journey of this radiant woman with blonde locks, now gracefully at 91. She captivated audiences on the grand stage of Broadway in plays like Silk Stockings and Li’l Abner, before making her mark on the small screen.

However, not until the airing of a 1966 superhero television series did she captivate numerous young males with her on-screen presence, portraying a wicked character in a form-fitting cat costume.

Can you guess who she is?

She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?

She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?
She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?
She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?

It’s Julie Newmar!

On October 24, the well-known TV antagonist was spotted uncommonly in public, venturing out from her residence in Brentwood, Los Angeles, on a scooter to retrieve an UberEats meal that had been delivered to her doorstep.

She wore an all black ensemble – cozier but reminiscent of her days as the first ever Catwoman – along with a pink panama hat.

Julie looked healthy as she posed by her stunning  rose garden – she’s an avid gardener.

In the early days of Batman on screen, Adam West’s portrayal was more about lighthearted, comic fun rather than the serious, brooding hero seeking justice against every villain he faced.

I was the one who took on the thrilling role as the initial Catwoman, the infamous anti-heroine often called the ‘felined demon’ – a term that carried a mix of contempt and admiration from the crime-fighting hero.

Her portrayal of Catwoman is generally seen as setting the standard for how we’d perceive the character in later versions – she was clever, seductive, and intelligent. Her background as a dancer and choreographer made her cat-like actions truly captivating.

She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?
She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?
She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?

Additionally, observing the behavior of two cats she had adopted proved useful. In an iconic scene where she tempted Robin by sucking a saucer of milk, she explained to Emmys.com that she refrained from licking it like a cat does, as actresses in the 1960s were not allowed to stick out their tongues on camera for decency reasons.

In addition, her dance experience was beneficial when she herself designed a scene where she twirled around to face the camera while descending a railing, then declared her intention to marry Batman to thwart Robin – she mentioned that she drew inspiration from renowned choreographers Bob Fosse and Jack Cole.

Initially, the part of Catwoman was proposed to Suzanne Pleshette. However, during her stay at her New York City penthouse, she received a call offering her the role, following a visit from her brother.

Even though she had no knowledge about Batman, upon hearing the phone conversation from her brother, he encouraged her to accept the role, which would result in her appearing in 13 episodes.

Instead of the tight catsuit symbolizing the alluring villain, she is the one who designs it. She adds an S-shaped curve to the waistline, just as she does with all her costumes, enhancing its fit on the body.

She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?
She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?

The modified costume has now been donated to the Smithsonian Institution. 

Julie started out as a ballerina with the Los Angeles Opera when she was 15 years old. 

After securing a job as both a choreographer and dancer at Universal Studios at the age of 19, she eventually landed her debut significant role as Dorcus, a bride in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

On Broadway, she was famously known by her name, having played leading roles in Silk Stockings and Li’l Abner. Her breakthrough role came as the captivating Katrin Sveg in The Marriage-Go-Round in 1961, eventually earning her a Best Actress Tony Award.

Julie’s enduring recognition stemmed from her frequent television performances. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall, this screen divinity was frequently cast in roles that showcased her Amazonian beauty, given her towering stature and athletic build, reminiscent of a dancer.

She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?
She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?

In her acting career, she initially played Rhoda the Robot on My Living Doll, followed by taking on the iconic role of Catwoman. Additionally, she appeared in various episodes for Star Trek, Route 66, The Twilight Zone, Bewitched, and The Monkees.

Over a period of two decades, she found herself in lower-budget productions as her prominent roles decreased. During this time, she also ventured into entrepreneurship and invested in the lingerie industry.

She had passionate romantic involvements with notable individuals, including novelist Louis L’Amour, whom she was set to marry, as well as actor Ken Scott and comedian Mort Sahl, with whom she was romantically involved.

In the year 1977, she tied the knot with attorney J. Holt Smith and they shared their deepest love through the birth of their son, John Jewel Smith.

Despite their divorce taking place in 1984, Julie continued unwaveringly to champion the cause of her son, who suffered from both a hearing impairment and Down Syndrome.

Additionally, she passionately supports the rights of individuals identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. This cause holds a deep personal significance for her, being closely connected through her brother, John, who identifies as gay.

2004 marked a challenging time for me as I found myself embroiled in a public dispute. My neighbor, the esteemed actor James Belushi, brought forth allegations against me, claiming I had instigated a relentless series of actions intended to force him out of his residence – a campaign of harassment, as he put it.

She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?
She is a seductive Tony winner and 60s TV actress who was called the 'feline devil' by an iconic superhero - can you guess who?

According to the document he submitted, he alleged that Julie (who was 71 at the time) damaged his fence and garden, and additionally accused her of snooping on his family and blasting music towards his yard. The actor asked for a compensation of $4 million as a result.

However, the dispute between them ended about two years later when Julie made an appearance on Belushi’s ABC sitcom “According to Jim.” In this show, she portrayed a children’s author who based a grumpy old man character on Belushi’s persona, thereby mirroring their relationship dynamic on-screen.

Julie has stepped away from the spotlight, devoting her time instead to nurturing her child and cultivating a garden filled with more than 80 different species of roses.

During an interview with Better Homes and Gardens in 2023, Julie expressed that while some folks adore dogs, her affection lies with plants. She believes it was her connection to gardens that sparked her love, as she felt most secure there as a child – spending time outdoors with her father in the yard.

Rosy-walled passages, standing tall on the ground surrounding her home, are designed for leisurely strolls and add a charming aesthetic.

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2024-11-10 16:54

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