Net Worth Ranker
What Is Julie Newmar’s Net Worth?
Julie Newmar, a celebrated American actress, singer, dancer, and entrepreneur, has amassed a substantial net worth of $50 million. This financial accomplishment is a testament to her diverse career in entertainment, shrewd real estate investments, and entrepreneurial ventures. She is best recognized for her iconic portrayal of Catwoman in the 1960s “Batman” television series and for her role as Katrin Sveg in “Marriage-Go-Round.” Her net worth reflects a career spanning several decades, including acting roles, stage performances, entrepreneurial endeavors, and strategic real estate investments.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Julie Chalene Newmeyer on August 16, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, Julie Newmar’s early life provided a foundation for her future success. Her father, Don Newmeyer, a former professional football player with the Los Angeles Buccaneers, instilled discipline and a strong work ethic. Her mother, Helene (Jesmer), a fashion designer, influenced her sense of style and creativity. Newmar’s early exposure to the arts included ballet training, leading to performances with the Los Angeles Opera in 1945. She took on various small, uncredited roles in films during the early 1950s, such as “She’s Working Her Way Through College” (1952) and “Just For You” (1952). In 1953 alone, she appeared in seven films, including “The I Don’t Care Girl,” “The Farmer Takes a Wife,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” and “The Band Wagon.” Her first notable film role came in 1954 as Dorcas in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” These early roles showcased her versatility and set the stage for her ascent in Hollywood.
Iconic Roles and Awards
Julie Newmar’s portrayal of Catwoman in the “Batman” television series (1966-1967) remains one of her most memorable roles, contributing significantly to her public recognition and career longevity. Appearing in 13 episodes, her interpretation of the character established her as a cultural icon. Another key role was her performance as Katrin Sveg in the film adaptation of “The Marriage-Go-Round” (1961), which earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer. In 1958, she won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for the stage production of “The Marriage-Go-Round,” underlining her talent and versatility in both film and theater. She starred alongside Gregory Peck in the 1969 western film “Mackenna’s Gold” and led the 1971 television movie “The Feminist and the Fuzz.” Her later roles include Dr. Zarma in the 1985 science fiction horror film “Evils of the Night” and a self-portrayal in the 1995 road comedy “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar,” which grossed $47.8 million worldwide. Newmar also provided voice work for animated projects, including Martha Wayne in the 2010 animated series “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” and Catwoman in the animated films “Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders” (2016) and “Batman vs. Two-Face” (2017).
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Patents
Beyond her acting career, Julie Newmar has demonstrated entrepreneurial acumen through several patented designs. She holds two U.S. patents for pantyhose designs and one for a bra design. The bra, marketed as the “Nudemar,” was designed to be nearly invisible, reflecting her innovative approach to fashion and functionality. The specific patent numbers and filing dates for these designs can be accessed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database. Although exact revenue figures from these patents are not publicly available, they contribute to her overall net worth by generating royalties and licensing fees. These entrepreneurial ventures underscore her multifaceted talents and ability to generate income outside of traditional entertainment roles. Her patents reflect a keen eye for design and functionality, showcasing her creative and business acumen.
Real Estate Investments
A significant component of Julie Newmar’s $50 million net worth is attributed to her strategic real estate investments in the La Brea/Fairfax area of Los Angeles. Her father initiated these investments in the 1940s, and Julie later expanded the portfolio, playing a key role in the redevelopment and revitalization of the area. Specific addresses and detailed financial records of these properties are not publicly available. However, real estate in this area has appreciated significantly over the years, boosting her asset value. Her role in the area’s redevelopment suggests a commitment to community improvement and a keen understanding of market trends. While precise details of property acquisitions and values remain private, her real estate holdings form a substantial pillar of her net worth, demonstrating her astute investment strategies and business foresight.
Television Career
Julie Newmar’s television career includes a range of roles, starting with an appearance in “The Phil Silvers Show” (1957). She appeared in two episodes of “Route 66” in 1962 and played Miss Devlin in “The Twilight Zone” episode “Of Late I Think of Cliffordville” (1963). From 1964 to 1965, she starred as Rhoda Miller in the science-fiction sitcom “My Living Doll,” for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. Her 13-episode stint as Catwoman in “Batman” (1966-1967) remains a career highlight. During the 1960s, she also appeared in “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Star Trek: The Original Series,” and “Get Smart.” In the 1970s, she had roles in “Bewitched,” “Columbo,” “The Bionic Woman,” and “Love Boat.” She played Zarina in two episodes of “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” (1980). Her appearances in “CHiPS,” “Fantasy Island,” and “Hart to Hart” further expanded her television portfolio in the 1980s. Newmar made cameo appearances as herself in episodes of “Half Nelson” (1985), “Hope & Gloria” (1995), and “Melrose Place” (1996), showcasing her enduring appeal.
Stage Performances
Julie Newmar’s involvement in theater began with a stage production of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” in 1940. She made her Broadway debut in the musical “Silk Stockings” (1955). She also performed in “Ziegfeld Follies” and “Li’l Abner.” A significant milestone was her Tony Award win in 1958 for “The Marriage-Go-Round.” She participated in the musicals “Damn Yankees” and “Stop the World – I Want to Get Off” during the 1960s. In 1982, she was cast in “In the Boom Boom Room” but was later replaced during rehearsals.
Personal Life
Julie Newmar was once engaged to Western novelist Louis Dearborn L’Amour. She married attorney J. Holt Smith on August 5, 1977; they divorced in 1984. They have one child, John Jewl Smith, born on February 5, 1981. In 2013, Newmar received a lifetime achievement award from the Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing organization in Los Angeles, reflecting her advocacy for gay rights. Julie appeared in English singer George Michael’s 1992 music video “Too Funky,” along with fashion models Linda Evangelista, Tyra Banks, and Beverly Peele.
