Whatever Happened to Julie Newmar? Why the Original ‘Batman’ Catwoman Left Hollywood
For decades, Julie Newmar found success on stage, television, and the big screen. She began as a dancer, appearing in several films such as The Band Wagon and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. She later won a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway comedy The Marriage-Go-Round and starred as the beautiful robot Rhoda Miller on My Living Doll. Of course, she became a television icon after playing Catwoman in the 1960s Batman series. Newmar portrayed the villain in the first two seasons, creating a seductive version of the character that remains a fan favorite today.
However, by the 1980s, Newmar’s acting had gradually slowed down while she focused on raising her son and managing real estate. Let’s find out what else she’s been up to in recent years in honor of her birthday on August 16. She is turning 93.
Why did Julie Newmar step away from acting?
Carl Frith/TV Guide/Everett Collection
In 1977, Newmar married Texas attorney J. Holt Smith and moved to Fort Worth, Texas, with him. Their son, John, was born in 1981 with Down syndrome. The marriage ended in divorce in 1984, leaving Newmar to raise John largely on her own.
In a 2026 interview with The Guardian, Newmar explained that she had wanted to become a wife and mother after spending so many years in show business. When doctors offered her the option of placing John in a care home, she immediately refused, saying it was too important.
When John was 3 years old, he developed meningitis and lost his hearing. Newmar enrolled in night school to learn sign language so she could communicate with him and help him understand the world around him.
She found success outside of Hollywood
Newmar was already exploring other interests before her acting career slowed down. During the 1970s, she received patents for specially designed pantyhose and a brassiere. Her pantyhose design included a shaping band intended to create a more flattering silhouette.
She also returned to UCLA to study real estate management. According to Newmar’s official biography, she took courses to operate her real estate business more effectively. She eventually managed her family’s Los Angeles properties and expanded the portfolio. Real estate gave her another way to support herself and her son without depending entirely on acting roles.
Did Julie Newmar completely retire?
Courtesy POSE Photos and The Hollywood Show
Newmar never disappeared from entertainment altogether. She continued appearing in films during the 1980s and was featured in George Michael‘s 1992 music video for “Too Funky.” She made a cameo as herself in the 1995 film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar reunited with several of her former costars for Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt in 2003.
She also returned to her most famous role by voicing Catwoman in Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders in 2016 and Batman vs. Two-Face in 2017. In 2019, she played Dr. Julia Hoffman in the audio drama miniseries Dark Shadows: Bloodline.
Newmar has also faced several health challenges, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, an inherited neurological condition that has affected her mobility, and a heart attack in 2018 that required a stent.
Today, Newmar lives in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles with John and spends much of her time enjoying her elaborate garden. She remains connected to her fans through social media and occasional convention appearances, including a rare appearance at the Hollywood Show in January 2026.
Tell us, what is your favorite Julie Newmar role?
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September 2020
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