As an eleventh generation American and a Mayflower descendant,
Julie Newmar has beauty and brains, a charming and seductive
sense of humor, and many talents that have made her a world class
act. Born Julia Chalene Newmeyer in Los Angeles, from an early
age, Julie studied classical piano, ballet, and every form of
dance her mother would drive her to lessons for, graduating high
school at 15, then spending a year in Europe with her mother and
brother. On her UCLA entrance exam, she scored a 99, staying only
six weeks, switching to Universal Studios as choreographer,
teacher, and dance double. Not yet 18, she was the original
"Golden Girl," a statue-come-to-life exotically dancing in
"Serpent of the Nile," that influentially predates Madonna's
similar scene in Like A Virgin Tour by decades. Julie was one of
the brides in the classic MGM musical "Seven Brides for Seven
Brothers," which began, along with her Golden Girl role, her
wisely regarded position as one of films most beautiful and
sexiest stars.
"Silk Stockings" was her first role on Broadway at 19, then the
very "Stupefyin' Jones" in "Li'l Abner." She won a Tony for her
first speaking role in the hit comedy "Marriage-Go-Round"
(Claudette Colbert and Charles Boyer). A contract with 20th
Century Fox provided a role in "The Rookie," and "The Maltese
Bippy." She also toured in the National Company, opposite Joel
Gray, in "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off," for which her
incredible legs were insured for ten million dollars.
Making the transition to T.V, Julie had many memorable song and
dance routines, but is best known for her comedic as well as
supernatural roles. She was the complex and alluring motorcycle
babe in two episodes of "Route 66" (a role created for her by
Stirling Silliphant) and starred in a "Twilight Zone" episode as
The Devil. She was demanded again by Jim Aubrey, President of CBS
for the lead in "My Living Doll" as Rhoda the robot, still a cult
sitcom favorite.
In 1966, she starred in the legendary role of Catwoman in T.V.'s
"Batman." Her brilliant comedic timing, stunningly lovely face,
and body to die for, made her the show's most popular villain.
Also widely popular was her appearance as April the Laundress in
"The Monkees Get Out More Dirt". On "Wide, Wide World of Sports,"
she made three parachute jumps. She was killed off in "Columbo"
but slayed audiences as Lola in "Damn Yankees." She was given a
chapter in the book "Mothers of Invention" for having created
"Nudemar," a new design in pantyhose, appearing in People
Magazine.
In 1991, Julie took on the Rosalind Russel role in "The Women,"
then astonished Broadway in a revival of "Li'l Abner," 42 years
after performing in the original production as Stupefyin' Jones
in the same costume. In her 60s, she became a modeling sensation
in Paris for Thierry Mugler and appeared among the fashion
world's most gorgeous divas in George Michael's music video "Too
Funky."
Few women have had a movie named after them. Julie's name
literally became box office via "To Wong Foo, Thanks for
Everything, Julie Newmar," a film from Stephen Spielberg's
company. Literary types from John D. MacDonald to Harlan Coben
have written characters based on Julie or alluding to Julie's
"special… beautiful and animated… incomparable
feminine" personality. She was persuaded by Adam West to re-make
Catwoman in his "Return to the Batcave." She also appeared in her
own "A&E Biography."
A feud over "quality of life" issues with neighbor Jim Belushi
ended amicably in a historic and hysteric guest spot on his show,
"According to Jim," which once again proved she's as active and
attractive as ever- Batman's formidable feline, Belushi's archly
attractive enemy.
From the '60s into the 21st century, Julie is still fascinating.
"Beauty is her business" as well as her passion for art and
design, and gardening, which have led to a rose, day lily, and an
orchid named in her honor. Her magnificent gardens are first
choice for L.A.'s top charity events. "Why not?" She whispers, "I
live in Paradise." Now pursing writing, she answers in her
upcoming new book "The Conscious Catwoman Explains Life on
Earth," how she still stays looking so young and hot. And in her
second upcoming book, "First Fantasy," she explores how the
feminine power of women influence men's decisions starting with
their first crush. As one of Hollywood hottest women, it's
something natural Julie would have experience in. And so when I
had the opportunity to talk with the hottest Catwoman on the
planet- Julie Newmar, I was understandably excited. But I had no
idea what was in store for me. Read on…
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www.JulieNewmar.com
© 2011, The Hollywood Sentinel.