Julie Newmar

Julie Newmar has long occupied a space in the pantheon of American entertainment icons, known for her versatility and spellbinding presence on both stage and screen. Her offbeat humor, statuesque beauty, and undeniable talent have secured her a legacy that stretches far beyond her most famous role. Born Julia Chalene Newmeyer on August 16, 1933, in Los Angeles, Newmar grew up in a household that was as eclectic as it was creative. Her mother, Helen Jesmer, was a prominent fashion designer, while her father, Donald Newmeyer, was a former professional football player, ensuring that artistic flair and physical prowess were both in her genes. From an early age, Julie displayed an unusual range of talents, culminating in a scholarship to the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles, where she majored in classical ballet. Her early professional years were marked by dance. In the 1950s, Newmar joined the prestigious Los Angeles Opera Company as a prima ballerina, but her ambitions stretched beyond the confines of the ballet stage. A 1952 appearance as the “Golden Girl” in the Ziegfeld Follies of Broadway hinted at her future versatility. Her striking physical appearance—a statuesque 5 feet 11 inches with an hourglass figure—made her a natural fit for roles that sought to capitalize on visual splendor, all the while masking her considerable academic and artistic intellect. It was on Broadway that Newmar initially made her mark. Her performance as Stupefyin’ Jones in the 1956 rendition of “Li'l Abner” was a testament to her ability to mesmerize audiences without uttering a single word. She reprised the role in the film adaptation, solidifying her place in the American cultural lexicon. Such roles demonstrated her knack for transforming peripheral characters into memorable icons, a skill she would draw upon throughout her career. Hollywood was the next logical step for Newmar, and the transition was seamless. Her film debut came in “The Band Wagon” (1953), but it was varied appearances on television that magnetized a broader audience. She guest-starred in everything from “The Twilight Zone” to “Route 66,” her adaptability allowing her to oscillate between comedy, drama, and fantasy with ease. However, it was her legendary portrayal of Catwoman in the 1960s television series “Batman” that truly entrenched her in pop culture history. Playing alongside Adam West and Burt Ward, Newmar’s Catwoman was a blend of charm, menace, and raw allure. She imbued the character with an intellectual wit, subtlety, and a feline grace that made her interpretation unique, rendering the role nearly as iconic as the Caped Crusader himself. The chemistry between her and West was palpable, adding a layer of complexity to their character’s antagonistic relationship. Though she donned the catsuit for only two seasons, Newmar’s version of Catwoman remains definitive, influencing portrayals by actresses who followed. Beyond the bat signal glow of Gotham City, Newmar displayed a keen interest in business and investing, amassing significant success in real estate throughout Los Angeles. Her intuitive design prowess emerged with the invention of the 'Nudemar,' a revolutionary line of pantyhose designed with anxiety towards comfort and allure. Her patents, including one for a brassiere and pantyhose, reflect a well-rounded intellect and a keen sensitivity to the practical needs of women, often overshadowed by her acting credentials. Despite her many professional commitments, Newmar has always found time for philanthropy. Her advocacy for issues such as gun control, and particularly her efforts in creating accessible environments for disabled individuals—spurred by her brother, John Newmeyer’s, physical disability—underlines her commitment to societal betterment. Her personal life, like many in Hollywood, has had its tribulations. In 1977, Newmar married lawyer J. Holt Smith, with whom she had one son, John. Her devotion to her son, who was born with Down syndrome, has been unwavering, and she's often spoken about the joy and perspective he brings to her life. Her experiences have fueled her advocacy for causes that support disabled children and their families. In the following decades, Newmar has remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, with frequent appearances at Comic-Con conventions, celebrating her role as Catwoman and engaging with a new generation of fans. Her interest in meditation and well-being became central tenets of her life philosophy, contributing to a serene presence that belies the intensity of the roles she portrayed during her career. Julie Newmar's legacy resides not only in the characters she has vividly brought to life but in her zest for reinvention, her commitment to intellectual and societal endeavors, and her graceful embodiment of a bygone era's glamour. It is this combination that ensures she remains an enduring mainstay in the annals of entertainment history, a personification of elegance, wit, and an unabashed intellect within a world prone to ephemeral stardom.