Julie Newmar’s Catwoman Lives On
Julie Newmar was the very first Catwoman, so it comes as no surprise, given Anne Hathaway‘s role as Catwoman in the new Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises, that the two are being compared.
NorthJersey.com reports that Newmar, who was the first to play Selina Kyle (aka Catwoman) in an onscreen adaptation of the Batman comic book series, made her debut in the 1960s. She plays the on-again, off-again love interest of superhero Batman, who just so happens to be his arch-nemesis.
Newmar’s portrayal of the cat burglar, with her almost unreal hourglass figure, has fans sending her mail 50 years later. She confesses that most of the mail has been “particularly from boys who say, ‘You made me realize I was a boy!’ ”
Julie Newmar was a Broadway veteran before her role in the 1960s Batman series. She appeared in “The Marriage-Go-Round,” where she won a Tony Award, and also in “Li’l Abner,” where she played Stupefyin’ Jones both on the stage and the screen versions. Newman, who stands at 5-foot-11, had a perfect hourglass figure (38-23-38), and must have been an obvious choice for creators of the TV series when they were casting their Batman series.
For Newmar, however, she didn’t know what to think when offered the role. In a 2002 interview, the now 78-year-old actress recalled:
“Actually…when the call came, I said, ‘Batman? What’s that?’ But my brother John leaped off the couch and said, ‘Do it!’ “
The actress was an instant hit, and it appears that her latest successor, Anne Hathaway, is the same way. Hathaway, who stars opposite Christian Bale in the recently released film “The Dark Rises,” has said that she took her new role very seriously. She reportedly didn’t even want to put on the costume until she completely understood her interpretation of the Catwoman character. When she finally donned the clingy black leather suit, Hathaway stated:
“The first time I was in it… I just got a chill. I remember thinking, ‘This is going to be extraordinary.’ “
And while Julie Newmar’s portrayal of Selena Kyle was comic book-perfect, it seems that fans like Kelsea Stahler, writer for Hollywood.com, believe that Anne Hathaway’s portrayal could relate better to the modern-day woman. Stahler wrote:
“Hathaway’s Kyle is no picnic. And she’s certainly no role model. She is, however, a woman that most contemporary audiences can truly relate to and understand. On one hand, she spends her time using men as playthings in her scheme to better her life. But on the other, she sees her role as almost modern day, feminist Robin Hood.”
Do you remember watching Julie Newmar’s iconic portrayal of Catwoman in the 1960s Batman TV series?
Check out the video below to see Julie Newmar playing Catwoman:
Tags : anne hathaway, Anne Hathaway Catwoman, anne hathaway selena kyle, batman, catwoman, julie newmar, julie newmar anne hathaway, julie newmar catwoman, julie newmar selena kyle, selena kyle
Posted: July 27, 2012
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Jul 28, 2012
On one hand, she spends her time using men as playthings? Don't all cunts from America do this in reality? Where's the sci-fi element?
Jul 28, 2012
Should have hired Newmar over Tathaway.
Jul 28, 2012
At the risk of copying Pokemon…. this is ME-OWTH!
Jul 28, 2012
Hathaway is hot but Newmar was sexy.
Jul 28, 2012
I think Eartha Kitt was the first ''CATWOMAN''! bUT what the hell, Ive been wrong before!
Jul 28, 2012
Lee Meriweather was the first Catwoman, idiot.
Jul 28, 2012
Why do Newmar have her legs gapped open during the interview. I hope he finished the interview without getting cat juice and cat hair on him. The best catwoman is Anne Hathway. She is human and she do not over do the cat routine. The rest of them were to kitty catty.
Jul 28, 2012
I guess only us old guys know about Newmar….SEX KITTEN is a good adjective….she had those intangibles…the walk, the voice, her movements….sure there are prettier women but they didn't have her qualities…she could have men begging for it if she wanted to.
Jul 28, 2012
Actually, that is not entirely true. While Lee Meriweather was the first to play Catwoman in a movie, which came out in July 1966, Julie Newmar played Catwoman in the Batman series, which began in January 1966. While it is a matter of months, Julie Newmar is recognized as the first to play Catwoman.
Jul 28, 2012
Eartha Kitt took over for Julie Newmar in the third season of the Batman TV show.
Jul 28, 2012
Julie Newmar was, is and always will be the best Catwoman ever!
Jul 28, 2012
It looks like your the idiot Angie. You owe someone an apology .
Jul 28, 2012
Julie Newmar defines Catwoman. Every other Catwoman disappoints.
Jul 28, 2012
Ertha Kitt bought a new flavor to Catwoman, but Julie Newmar was funny, extrrrremly sexy and like me, didn't like Robin! And what a bod she had!
Jul 28, 2012
Julie will always be the best! Lee next, then Eartha, Hathaway. Michelle/Hallie are tied for last, but it really isn't their fault. Their movies were produced/directed terribly.
Jul 28, 2012
Come on, Batman is a comic book. All the characters are comic book. Anne Hathaway may have done a superb job as a "human" Catwoman, but that is something different. Julie Newmar was Catwoman. As womanly as she was in real life, when the costume was on, Newmar was Catwoman, nothing else.
Jul 28, 2012
I may be mistaken, but I think her first tv series was "My Living Doll", starring with Robert Cummings. "Does this compute"?
Jul 28, 2012
this article is incorrect.
Ms. Newmar was not the first catwoman.
Lee Meriwether was the first actress to play the character.
and ann hathaway sucks.
Jul 28, 2012
Lee Meriwether was the very first Catwoman.
Jul 28, 2012
you are correct.
even now Ms. Newmar looks more gorgeous than that hank hathaway.
Jul 28, 2012
As I already stated in a different reply:
Actually, that is not entirely true. While Lee Meriweather was the first to play Catwoman in a movie, which came out in July 1966, Julie Newmar played Catwoman in the Batman series, which began in January 1966. While it is a matter of months, Julie Newmar is recognized as the first to play Catwoman.
If you Google "First Catwoman Actress," then you can find this information.
Jul 28, 2012
As I have already stated in a previous comment, Julie Newmar began playing Catwoman in January 1966. The Batman movie with Lee Meriwether came out in June 1966. While it is simply a few months difference, Newmar was the first Catwoman. This information is easily accessible via Google. Rest assured, I have done my research…
Jul 28, 2012
hathaway is nowhere near as hot as any of the woman who played catwoman before her.not pretty at all.
Jul 28, 2012
hathaway is nowhere near as hot as any of the woman who played catwoman before her.not pretty at all.
Jul 28, 2012
An hourglass figure and not a minute wasted.
Jul 28, 2012
You don't have to be a diehard Batman fan to know Lee Meriwether was the first Catwoman. She was only in the pilot, and the role was later played by both Newmar and then Eartha Kitt. Incorrect facts are par for the course with these online writers.
Jul 28, 2012
Earrtha Kitt was great playing catwom becayse of her cat purr.
Jul 28, 2012
Julie Newmar was the second Cat Woman!
Jul 28, 2012
You are correct…Yahoo screws up again!
Jul 28, 2012
Actually, if you look at IMDB.com, along with other sites, you can see that Julie Newbar played in 9 episodes in 1966, and 4 in 1967. Eartha Kitt took over in Season 3. Lee Meriwether played Catwoman in 1966 as well, however, the film was released in June 1966. The first episode Newbar appeared in was "The Purr-fect Crime" (16 March 1966). Of course, if you have documented proof that Meriwether appeared as Catwoman first, I would like to see it. I can assure you, however, that I have done my research.
Jul 28, 2012
Newmar, not Newbar.
Jul 28, 2012
You are correct, Julie Newmar. Now, do you have an answer for my response, other than to critique my spelling mistake? I would like to make sure that my writing is factual.
Jul 28, 2012
Julie Newmar was, and still IS, the cat's meow.
Jul 28, 2012
I think it was in this order: Julie Newmar in the series, then Lee Meriweather in the movie, then Eartha Kitt, which Adam West said was the sexiest Catwoman and the one he most wanted to KISS!!! Great taste, that man!
Jul 28, 2012
Melissa, I don't think they care.
Jul 28, 2012
Very true
Jul 28, 2012
Lee Meriweather was also Dr.Macgreger on time tunnel 1966-1967..
Jul 28, 2012
Was the mask really intended to conceal her identity? lol Any five year old would know who she was/is with that flimsy mask. Sort of like a thong for the face. '-)
Jul 28, 2012
sumwontoluv She only played Catwoman once. She was the second catwoman & was only in the 1966 movie. That came out after the series had already been on tv for atleast 6 months. Julie Newmar wasn't available to do the movie. She was off in Mexico or Spain doing another movie. The 66 movie was done to sell the tv series overseas. Google it, if you think I'm wrong.
Jul 28, 2012
You are correct Jack!
Jul 28, 2012
Greg some of this Generation Dumb Ass can't take being proven wrong. Much less admit to it. They usually have no idea what their talking about. Generation Cosmo Kramer!! GGiiddiieee UUUppppp!!! LMAO Instead of insulting others intelliigentie with smart ass remarks or attack on other's grammar mistakes. They need to get lives & try google & learn something!
Jul 28, 2012
Julie Newmar was always the best and sexiest catwoman! I have never been a fan of Hathaway, but surprisingly I think she is the 2nd best Catwoman now! She resembles Newmar, and was sexy. Halle Berry was hotter, but black…
Jul 28, 2012
she set the bar so high good luck to other actresses to just equal what she started! muah, julie!
Jul 28, 2012
When I watched "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES" a few days ago, it was a little shakey at first, due to all the.
anarchy and chaos,, but as we were reintroduced to "Selina Kyle", it was a slow, but rewarding expirience,
because the simularities between Anne Hathaway and Julie Newmar were incredible! this version of the.
charecter played out, more like Bruce Wayne's ally, instead of the typhical villianess. but of course, this is a.
change of pace for Ms Hathaway, being a far cry from "THE PRINCESS DIARIES", she delivered this current.
role with promise-nor will it surprise me, if she returns again,, as long as they don't repeat the direction.
that the 2004 Halle Berry movie took, that was God Awful! but the comparison between Hathaway and.
Newmar was inevitable,, and it worked very well in the new movie's favor! but Julie Newmar will always be.
the first version of Catwoman, even though for contractual reasons, she was replaced by Eartha Kitt-who.
wasn't too bad, either,, or Lee Merriweather, who played the charecter in Fox's 1966 feature.
Jul 28, 2012
They used this gag repeatedly during the 60s series…Batman and Catwoman would be having a potentially romantic moment;Batman:"What about Robin?' Catwoman:"We'll kill him." Funny, in a tiwsted sort of way…and as someone who actually is old enough to remember watching the series during it's original run, I have to say, Julie Newmar set the standard for all subsequent Catwomen.
Jul 28, 2012
okay, julie first, eartha next, lee meriwether was in the movie. michelle and halle, and now anne.
Jul 28, 2012
Absolutely, she was the most cat like and my favorite too.
Jul 28, 2012
I'm exactly the same age as Julie Newmar. Although I may not be as foxy, I have only one thing to say. 50s rule!
Jul 28, 2012
Selina Kyle was the true identity of Catwoman but her real name was never used on the television series.
Jul 28, 2012
Julie Newmar played Catwoman on the television series, Lee Meriwether played her in the feature film (which was released after the first season ended production, and she replaced Newmar when the last named proved unavailable) and Eartha Kitt played her in the third season, though her romantic affections for Batman were never mentioned).
Jul 28, 2012
Julie Newmar IS sex. If you watch that whole episode(where she steals Chad & Jeremey's voices) you'll see some very provocative poses and camera angles. Wow.
I'm not a Batman fan, but when I heard Anne Hathaway was going to play Cat Woman, it gave me a reason to go see the movie. Both actresses are great and sexy/hot in their own ways. Anne Hathaway has already proven her acting ability in other roles. I don't think a "comparison" should be made.
Jul 28, 2012
Hmm, I too thought Eartha Kitt was the first catwoman.
Jul 28, 2012
Eartha Kitt was the very first Catwoman. People didn't like the interracial coupling with Adam West, so she was replaced with Julie Newmar.
Jul 28, 2012
I think Eartha Kitt was the sexiest Cat Woman, then Julie Newmar, then Lee Merriweather, haven't seen Hathaway yet but Berry and Phiifer were horrible.
Jul 28, 2012
Julie is Catwoman.
Jul 28, 2012
Julie Newmar was amazing as was Eartha Kitt! Too bad they had to deal with a horrible script and the wooden acting of one Adam West!
Jul 29, 2012
Nope she was the last!
Jul 29, 2012
Nope she was the last!
Jul 29, 2012
Eartha Kitt was the best Catwoman, but she was too good for the times. The mere fact that she got a chance at all to play the role shows how good she was. She could not be denied. But, Catwoman has to be a romantic interest for Batman, and they weren't having that in the '60s…yet.
Jul 29, 2012
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Jul 29, 2012
There will NEVER be another Catwoman like her. Thanks for everything Julie Newmar;).
Jul 29, 2012
I watched batman faithfully as a kid, and julie newmar was always my favorite catwoman. why? because she showed the most vulnerability, even within that tiny characterization of catwoman. whenever her and batman met, there was always the sense that it was going to turn out badly because we are who we are. still love her.
Jul 29, 2012
If she was the second one, who was the first?
Jul 29, 2012
I loved Newmar best, but Kitt had the best purr
Jul 29, 2012
Ha! Well I'm an old gal and I remember here quite well! I wanted to BE her! LOL
Jul 29, 2012
Julie is a goddess and the greatest. I met her a few years ago, and she was easily 6' in her sock slippers!
But Anne wasn't terrible either – actually, the best part of the movie.
But they had her channeling Holly Golightly more than anyone else.
Jul 30, 2012
Ms Newmar is catwoman, Anne is not even on the same planet with sex apeal, she looks like a little teenager playing grown up, get real yall…
Jul 30, 2012
I was honored to escort Ms. Newmar through The Consious Life Expo in LA in March 2012, Where she was a speaker and Celebrity Guest! She's AMAZING! Love you Julie!
Jul 30, 2012
Ann Hathaway is cute, not sexy. She's very miscast. Even with padding in the suit she doesn't cut it.
Julie Newmar is Catwoman. Halle Barry isn't bad either.
Jul 30, 2012
I remember the first Batman TV show. We weren't used to the campy shows, and we loved it. Julie Newmar was great as Cat Woman, but (and I'll probably hear about this) I saw an interview of her a couple days ago. She's had some major face work done. It was as if she almost couldn't open her mouth. It just killed me, cause I thought she'd age gracefully. Maybe I'm wrong about the work. If so, let me know.
Jul 30, 2012
Other way around. Kitt was Catwoman in Batman's final season. Newmar was first.
Jul 30, 2012
julie newmar was the perrrrrrrrrfect catwoman even! enuffff said.
Jul 30, 2012
george clooney was the best cat woman.
Jul 30, 2012
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Jul 30, 2012
Anne Hathaway may be hot But to me Julie Newmar is still the true sexiest Catwoman ever. and not Halle Berry or Michelle Pfeiffer's unattractive versions of the feline criminal.
Jul 30, 2012
Anne Hathaway may be hot But to me Julie Newmar is still the true sexiest Catwoman ever. and not Halle Berry or Michelle Pfeiffer's unattractive versions of the feline criminal.
Jul 30, 2012
Anne Hathaway may be hot But to me Julie Newmar is still the true sexiest Catwoman ever. and not Halle Berry or Michelle Pfeiffer's unattractive versions of the feline criminal.
Jul 30, 2012
I always thought Earrtha Kitt was the first Catwoman. Wasn't SHE in the oringinal black & white Batmans?
Jul 30, 2012
I always thought Earrtha Kitt was the first Catwoman. Wasn't SHE in the oringinal black & white Batmans?
Jul 30, 2012
She had some good "tangibles",too.
Jul 30, 2012
I think Eartha Kitt made history as a female black character in a featured role that wasn't a servant or other minor character. I think there was no reference ever to her race. So the silly Batman tv show turns out to be racially significant.
Jul 30, 2012
I think Eartha Kitt made history as a female black character in a featured role that wasn't a servant or other minor character. I think there was no reference ever to her race. So the silly Batman tv show turns out to be racially significant.
Jul 30, 2012
What's sad is the old guys on here commenting are still jerking their member to Newmar. That's almost vomit-inducing. Old guys, please stop that, disgusting.
Jul 30, 2012
You wouldn't know a good movie if it bit you in your ugly ass. Hathaway's Catwoman was more human and realistic, the boner factor was not needed because it's demeaning. Hathaway can and should kick your nuts to oblivion. Nolan's films are genius.
Jul 30, 2012
Joe Sanchez the grammar Nazi, and Mexican. Whoulda thunk it????
Jul 30, 2012
Joe Sanchez the grammar Nazi, and Mexican. Whoulda thunk it????
Jul 30, 2012
Melissa needs a hobby, or a life, or both.
Jul 30, 2012
Melissa needs a hobby, or a life, or both.
Jul 30, 2012
I don't care what anyone says, none of the actresses who played Catwoman can hold a candle to Julie. Many were beautiful – like Michelle & Lee – but total package, including off the charts sexiness goes to Julie hands down!
Jul 30, 2012
I don't care what anyone says, none of the actresses who played Catwoman can hold a candle to Julie. Many were beautiful – like Michelle & Lee – but total package, including off the charts sexiness goes to Julie hands down!
Jul 31, 2012
Julie Newmar is an icon of the '60's…one of that era's top 'sex-symbols.' Why else would anyone tolerate that show anymore, other than to get a glimpse of her in that cat suit! And although her role as 'Catwoman' will always be her most famous… she also appeared in 'The Twilight Zone', 'Route 66,' & other t.v. shows of that era (although not as scantily clothed as in 'Batman').
Jul 31, 2012
they should have given Miss Numar.
Aug 2, 2012
She was a great robot in "My Living Doll" too.
Aug 8, 2012
what is thaaattttttttttttttttt
Aug 8, 2012
what is thaaattttttttttttttttt
Aug 8, 2012
i love you dear
Aug 8, 2012
i love you dear
Aug 8, 2012
why did u sayyyyy dat? U want I smash u where u stand ?
Aug 8, 2012
why did u sayyyyy dat? U want I smash u where u stand ?
Aug 8, 2012
i love u darling
Aug 8, 2012
i love u darling
Aug 8, 2012
love u dear
Aug 8, 2012
Hmm I love u only if you dont accuse me
Aug 8, 2012
who accuse u there?
Aug 8, 2012
why u erase all? I wont chat u 3 months!
Aug 8, 2012
why u erase all? I wont chat u 3 months!
Aug 8, 2012
U !!
Aug 17, 2012
Cool!