Now in her early nineties, the iconic star remains as captivating as ever. Here’s a look at her life since her peak in show business, including how she spends her time and the achievements she values most.
The actress, best known for her unforgettable portrayal of Catwoman in the action series “Batman,” continues to be admired even in her older years. Online users often describe her as ‘so beautiful’ while reflecting on her transformation.
While widely admired for her beauty, the actress has always sought recognition for her talent, a drive that defined her career. She made her Broadway debut in 1955 as the ballerina in “Silk Stockings” and captivated audiences as Stupefyin’ Jones in “Li’l Abner.”
The actress pictured on January 1, 1955 | Source: Getty Images
On television, the Los Angeles native took memorable roles, including Miss Devlin in “The Twilight Zone” and Rhoda the Robot in the cult favorite “My Living Doll.”
The actress on the set of “Li’l Abner,” 1959 | Source: Getty Images
In 1966, she stepped into her most iconic role, Catwoman, in the hit series “Batman.” Although a film commitment prevented her return for the third season, her performance remains legendary.
The celebrity in a promotional portrait for “Batman” on January 1, 1966 | Source: Getty Images
The television star’s portrayal of Catwoman left a lasting impression, earning her adoration from fans across generations. In a reflective interview, she shared that for decades, strangers have approached her to declare, “Catwoman! You were my first turn-on!”
The celebrity in a promotional portrait for “Batman” on January 1, 1966 | Source: Getty Images
She admitted that the recognition often made her feel as though she were “walking on air.” Known for her warm and approachable nature, the Hollywood star continues to attend pop culture conventions, where she delights in meeting fans.
The actress on the set of “Batman,” 1966 | Source: Getty Images
She finds joy in connecting with admirers during these encounters. Notably, her cultural impact has been immortalized by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, which added her iconic catsuit to its entertainment collection.
The actress on the set of “Batman,” 1966 | Source: Getty Images
The celebrity called the honor thrilling and noted that Catwoman’s blend of beauty, cunning, and power, along with her chemistry with Batman, continues to captivate audiences.
(L-R) Burgess Meredith, Cesar Romero, Burt Ward, Adam Wes and the actress on the set of “Batman,” 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Her enduring influence on pop culture is paralleled by her deeply personal journey as a mother. In 1977, she married attorney J. Holt Smith, and in 1981, they welcomed their son, John, who was born with Down syndrome.
J. Holt Smith and the actress photographed at their wedding reception on August 5, 1977, New York. | Source: Getty Images
The mother of one has spoken about how parenting John changed her perspective, calling it “very helpful” and emphasizing that parents should never view their child as afflicted.
The celebrity and John Smith at her 51st birthday party on August 16, 1984, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Moreover, she credits John with expanding her outlook on life and teaching her the meaning of unconditional love. For her, he is the greatest blessing and the source of what makes her life truly fulfilling.
The actress attends the kick-off party for Cedars-Sinai Hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Appearance and Self-Esteem Program on August 29, 1989, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
For the actress, being a mother remains her greatest source of pride. In another interview, she shared that John, who faces multiple challenges, including being nonverbal, deaf, and having limited mobility, has become her guru.
The actress pictured at the “Gypsy Awards” on February 11, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
She explained that his presence inspires her to be more open, free, and giving, attributing this growth to the unconditional love he brings into her life. When praised for her outlook, she humbly expressed her gratitude for having him in her life.
The celebrity attends the Seventh Annual GLAAD Media Awards on March 10, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In a moment of vulnerability, she once revealed on Facebook that she had suffered a heart attack. The celebrity shared how two paramedics rushed her to St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, where a dedicated medical team, led by Dr. Steven Levine, provided immediate care.
Within 40 minutes, a stent was implanted, alleviating the severe pain she described as “like perforating needles from groin to throat.” The star further called the experience a “miracle of loving hands” and reassured her followers that she was feeling well.
The actress during the TV Land Awards on March 19, 2006, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
Amid these life-changing experiences, the veteran star found inspiration for her creative pursuits, including the publication of her memoir, which offers a deeper look into her extraordinary journey.
The celebrity pictured at the DPA garden party gift suite on May 30, 2008, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Ahead of its launch, she described the project as an exploration of her life, “Who do I know better than me?” The book also includes what the actress called “witchy tales,” which she believes readers will find as captivating and surprising as she did while recounting them.
The celebrity attends the “Batman: The Complete Series” DVD release presentation on July 24, 2014, in San Diego, California. | Source: Getty Images
When asked about how she spends her time, she shared, “I love the computer. I love the internet. I love the immediate resource of ideas and people around the world.”
The actress attends day 2 of Chiller Theatre Expo on October 24, 2015, in Parsippany New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images
She also expressed her appreciation for the advancements of modern technology, noting how much she enjoys writing and thinking. Notably, the star prefers the speed and convenience of working from home over the slower pace of going to a studio, adding that she feels she is at the epitome of her life.
The actress attends the book launch party for new book “Elvira, Mistress Of The Dark” on October 18, 2016, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
In addition to her digital interests, the triple threat also finds joy in gardening. Her front yard, filled with roses, serves as the entrance to a fantastical space featuring flower-filled rooms, tree ferns, and fountains, all set behind a wall marked with a wry “No Dogs Please” sign.
The actress at the Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con on June 24, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
“Some people love dogs. I love plantsss,” she remarked in another interview. Her love of gardens stems from her childhood, where she felt safest outdoors in the yard with her father.
The actress attends the 3rd Annual CatCon on August 12, 2017, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite a demanding career, the public figure always nurtured her love for gardening. “When I was touring, I remember putting plants on the edge of the windowsill in the kitchen wherever I was staying,” she said. The sight of growing plants gives her a sense of comfort and order.
The sense of fulfillment she finds in her work and surroundings also encompasses her philosophy on beauty and self-acceptance. At 91, the beloved actress, Julie Newmar continues to inspire with her elegance and once shared her thoughts on embracing beauty during a public presentation in Los Angeles once.
She emphasized that beauty begins with self-love and encouraged everyone to embrace their potential, adding, “We can all be more marvelous.” The public figure’s beauty has not gone unnoticed by her social media followers, who frequently shower her with praise.
In response to a photo she shared from her garden, comments ranged from “So beautiful” to “Beautiful as always” and “Such a classy woman.”
Julie Newmar’s life is a testament to embracing creativity, connection, and self-appreciation. Her journey continues to inspire as she thrives in every chapter with elegance and authenticity.
