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Besides tv's Batman, I really didn't follow much of Newmar's career, but her role as Catwoman was enough for me. I loved that show. I loved all of the celebrity super villains.
Newmar portrayed Catwoman 12 times (Eartha Kitt played the role once and Lee Meriwether took over the role for the 1966 film). I also believe that Newmar's Catwoman was the best and most challenging to Batman.
Newmar played Catwoman as vulnerable and misunderstood and compared herself to Batman. I really think that bejangled the Caped Crusader more than her crime capers. There was a great dynamic going on there. I am a bit surprised Newmar never had a spin-off show.
I told her that she had a big impact on Laurie. She smiled and said something like, "That's sweet." Maybe she just thought I was trying to be nice. However, she (as the Catwoman) probably had an impact on a lot of smart, young women. I don't think she was as powerful as Mary Tyler Moore, but that's another story.
Julie Newmar and me in Novi, MI-May 2009.