The original Catwoman, Julie Newmar, opens up at 90 from her verdant Brentwood garden, discussing her iconic career, raising her son with Down's syndrome, and her candid, often controversial, perspectives on men, Hollywood, and life's beauty.
At 90, screen legend Julie Newmar, celebrated as the original Catwoman, offers a rare glimpse into her life from her lush Brentwood 'secret garden,' an oasis she cultivates with her son, John, who has Down's syndrome. Newmar, whose acting career peaked decades ago, reflects on a life centered on beauty and self-evolution. Known for her statuesque presence and talent as a dancer and actress, she often played 'objects of desire,' winning a Tony for 'The Marriage-Go-Round.' Her iconic portrayal of Catwoman in the 1960s 'Batman' TV series, which she tailored herself, set the standard for successors, captivating audiences with playful sensuality and fostering a lasting fanbase, particularly within the queer and drag communities. Newmar shares her unique, and sometimes controversial, opinions on men and the #MeToo movement, asserting she 'loves men too much' and believes they are best suited to run the entertainment industry, citing positive personal experiences. She candidly discusses personal challenges, including a traumatic miscarriage and raising John alone after a brief marriage, learning sign language when he lost his hearing. Despite these, she maintains a remarkably positive and worry-free outlook, influenced by her Christian Scientist upbringing and a belief in finding joy, even extending to a belief in benevolent extraterrestrials. Beyond acting, Newmar successfully managed her family's real estate and even launched her own underwear line. She remains connected to the world, observing modern Hollywood from a distance, embodying a life lived with unwavering optimism and a focus on the metaphysical.
