Julia Chalene Newmeyer, born on August 16, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, is the eldest of three siblings. Her father, Don, was a former professional football player, and her mother, Helene Jesmer, was a performer in the Follies of 1920 who later became a fashion designer known as Chalene. Julie began studying piano, dance, and ballet at a young age, graduating high school at just 15. She toured Europe with her family before becoming the prima ballerina for the Los Angeles Opera and attending UCLA, where she focused on classical piano, philosophy, and French.
Seeking opportunities in New York, she debuted on Broadway in “Silk Stockings” in 1955. She received recognition for her role as Stupefyin’ Jones in “Li’l Abner,” although she preferred to be celebrated for her comedic skills, saying, “Tell me I’m funny, and it’s the greatest compliment.”

In 1964, she portrayed Rhoda the Robot in “My Living Doll,” gaining a cult following, and in 1966, she was cast as Catwoman in the iconic series “Batman.” Newmar had a busy career in the ’60s and ’70s, making guest appearances on numerous television shows and touring with productions like “Damn Yankees.”

In 1977, she launched her own line of pantyhose called Nudemar. In the ’80s, she balanced film roles with motherhood and real estate studies, and even in the ’90s, she remained active in theater and fan conventions.