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As the first actress to play Catwoman onscreen, Julie Newmar, whose name is
synonymous with elegance, beauty, and a dash of mischief, cemented her
position in entertainment history. Julie brought the renowned feline femme
fatale to life with her commanding presence, amazing figure, and seductive
charm, forever changing the landscape of comic book adaptations as well as
the hearts of fans everywhere.
Newmar, who was born in Los Angeles, California, on August 16, 1933,
started her journey toward fame when she enrolled at the University of
California to study classical piano and dance. She performed with major
ballet groups, such as the Los Angeles Opera and the San Francisco Opera,
because to her commitment and talent. The six-foot-tall beauty discovered
that she was too tall to pursue dance as a career and switched to
acting.
She was given the opportunity to play Catwoman in the popular television
series "Batman" in 1966, a part that would come to define her career and
become her most recognizable representation. The role was wonderfully
embodied by Newmar, who had a statuesque form, nicely arched eyebrows, and a
seductive voice. She managed to strike a balance between sensuality,
intellect, and a hint of mischief.
Catwoman, played by Newmar, was a formidable opponent. She became a fan
favorite and an immediate pop cultural phenomenon thanks to her slinky
motions, the way she moaned her lines, and her flirtatious exchanges with
Adam West's portrayal of Batman. Her portrayal of the character became a
classic and served as a model for subsequent Catwoman portrayals in movies
and television.
Newmar received several honors over her lengthy career, including a Tony
Award for her performance in the Broadway musical "The
Marriage-Go-Round."
Even while Newmar's profession brought her a lot of joy and fulfillment,
her home life—especially her time with her son—was what gave it
meaning.
In addition to giving a mesmerizing performance as Catwoman, Newmar's
career spanned well beyond the borders of Gotham City. She showcased her
acting flexibility by participating in a variety of movies, TV series, and
theatrical performances. She played prominent parts in "Seven Brides for
Seven Brothers," "The Rookie," and the 1995 movie "To Wong Foo, Thanks for
Everything! Julie Newmar," which jokingly spoofs her well-known Catwoman
image. She established her reputation as a skilled actor and performer
thanks to her skills and presence on stage and screen, which mesmerized
viewers and critics alike.
Newmar had a long list of well-known men in her personal life, including
comic Mort Sahl and actor Ken Scott, but it was a lawyer named J. Holt Smith
who truly won her heart. After their 1977 wedding, she moved away from the
glamorous world of Hollywood to live with him in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite
being divorced in the end, they only had one kid together, John Jewl Smith.
When John was three years old, he contracted meningitis, which left him deaf
and dumb. John was born in 1981 with Down syndrome.
Newmar gave her all to parenting because she realized she had to stand up
and take responsibility for John. Newmar, who is now 89 years old, and her
wheelchair-using son, 42, are unbreakable companions.
She told the LA Times, "John was a last-minute baby, born when I was 48.
"He's deaf and dumb, so visual things are a thrill to him. He's such a well
evolved human being.
When she was in her 60s, Newmar accompanied John on excursions to far-flung
locales like Bali and other Southeast Asian towns. After learning that she
had Charcot-Marie-Tooth illness, which rendered Newmar's leg muscles too
weak to move on their own, this had to alter. She still appreciates what the
natural world has to offer, despite this.
The mother-and-son team typically spends their days outside in the company
of lush vegetation and fresh air since Newmar has developed such a love for
plants. John's scoliosis causes him to frequently move around on his
mother's lap while they go in her motorized wheelchair.
"We spend around 10 to 20 minutes in one location to observe what is
happening since nothing happens in the garden unless you are motionless. The
garden helps me recover from all of my left brain work. I recommend that you
simply go to a garden and sit still for 10 minutes if you become really
worked up or stressed out, she told the LA Times.
She also raved over John's artistic ability, which has led to the
exhibition of his pieces at esteemed galleries. She said of her "adorable"
kid, "He lives with me, and he's a wonderful artist," to Closer Weekly.
Additionally, she said in an interview with Closer that having a kid with
Down syndrome was "very helpful" and that "Parents should never feel like
they have an afflicted child."
It is obvious that Newmar loves her kid unconditionally. She stated to the
outlet:
"He is the reason my view on life has greatly expanded. He is to blame for
my acceptance and application of unconditional love. What makes my life
wonderful is John.
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