A mini-montage of the actresses who have played Batman's "love" interest. Halle's version is not included since I don't consider her an incarnation of the "Classic Catwoman". Who was your favorite?
Yup! Eartha Kitt was great as Catwoman, second only to Michelle Pfeiffer. The rest of them, Halle Berry, Julie Newmar, and Anne Hathaway are all trash!
I'm not just going by who is hot , I'm going by who fits the part by the voice the persona and the look and the figure , and my opinion is that Earthe kitt had all of that so eartha is my favorite
Almost every Catwoman poll I've seen Pfeiffer and Newmar wins and the rationale in the comments section is usually how sexy they look. Personally if you look beyond JUST how they look in their costume I don't see how anyone can objectively not pick Eartha Kitt (who by the way also looked great in her costume). And if she hadn't played the role in the mid 60s and Batman was allowed to be sexually attracted to a Black Catwoman, Kitt would've crushed it even more. Just watch an older Eartha Kitt in the movie Boomerang with Eddie Murphy for proof.
E A R T H A K I T T was purrrrrfect Surprise ! she has been singing and dancing in Cat - like style since the early 50's when she started out as a dancer. The dance company Ms. Kitt was in performed in France where Ms. Kitt got turned on to the French music and recorded many songs in French. Purrrrrrr ing before all of her French song recording sessions, Ms. Kitt would do vocal exercises that consisted of all those purrrrrssss and deep sexy growls, she would do these vocal exercises before recording and before singing in French at the many French clubs and cafes that she entertained at in real life. If YOU want to see a clip of her younger and pretty singing evil and cat like it's on RU-vid Earth Kitt song: ""I Want to be Evil"" she sung on the blk n ht tv show Nat King Cole she was excellent Ms. Kitt is also known for her voice over animation work as the voice of Yzma from The Emperor's New Groove and as Queen Vexus from MLAATR animated cartoon and in the movies Holes, Friday Foster, Ernest Scared Stupid playing wild characters in each She passed away of Cancer at the home of her daughter Kitt Shapiro on an actual actual Christmas Day, ironic because before her passing she heard her own holiday song on the radio, played every year called SANTA BABY from 1953 and has been played on the radio every year since it was released.
Eartha Kitt was always my favorite. RIP, Eartha. I separate the old TV series from the more current movies though; for the newer movies I really liked Michelle Pfeiffer.
"Yes, my dear, you will make a purrr-fect pinafore (double entendre to petite four), the type of garment no one will recognize you in or as -- [ha, ha] -- if you should pardon a final cutting remark!" Did Eartha Kitt write her own purrr-fect lines?
I remember growing up in the 90s and by chance watching the 60s series episode where Eartha Kitt's Catwoman had Batgirl all tied up. Eartha's performance stuck with me all these years later. Julie was great.. in fact they all did a good job imo but nobody comes close to Eartha Kitt. Also.. I think the mixed race ladies were my favorites. I just wish Halle Berry's had a better outfit.
She definitely put her own "paw print" on that Character. I loved her portrayal, but I am endeared to the campy antics of the women who created her on 60's television. Newmar and Kitt RULE!!
The reason that Lee and Eartha were brought in was because Julie was unavailable for the part at the times they were filmed. She was committed to other film projects forcing them to cast others in "her" role.
I believe that Julie Newmar was playing Selina Kyle, the true Catwoman; Lee Meriwether was a Russain spy named Ms. Kitka, and Eartha Kitt's character was a new Catwoman who took over the identity after Selina went to prison at the end of season two. It wasn't just new actresses playing the roles, the characters and stories were almost completely different with each actress.
from WIKIPEDIA: The original and most widely known Catwoman, Selina Kyle, first appeared in Batman #1 (Spring 1940) in which she was known as The Cat. Actresses Julie Newmar, Lee Meriwether, and Eartha Kitt introduced her to a large audience on the 1960s Batman television series. Michelle Pfeiffer portrayed the character in 1992's popular film Batman Returns. Halle Berry starred in a stand-alone Catwoman film in 2004, although only loosely based on the Batman character.
If you remember the TV series, there was no reference or mention made of the love/hate relationship between Adam West's Batman and Julie Newmar's Catwoman in the first two seasons after Eartha Kitt took over the role in season three, which suggested that Kitt was a different Catwoman. Newmar's Catwoman/Selina Kyle was seen being taken away to prison at the end of season two.
I grew up watching Julie Newmar as Catwoman as a little girl and she slowly became my idol growing up. I found it difficult watching other women play that roll such as Halle Berry or Michelle Pfeiffer.
Yes, actually, she did. All the actresses from the 60's played the Selina Kyle/Catwoman role. They were all the same comic book character from DC comics. They weren't meant to be a different characters - just replacement actresses since Julie Newmar wasn't available to play the part she originated. Halle Barry was not the DC comics original incarnation and therefore not included in this montage.
@saurian11 - small correction: Lee didn't play the character when Julie was done with it. Lee played the character in the 2 hour 1966 movie version (released between season 1 and season 2 of the TV show). Julie was unavailable to portray the character (due to other acting commitments) so they cast Lee in the role. Julie returned to the role in season 2 of the TV series. In season 3 Julie was, again, unavailable & Eartha took over the TV series role.
its hard too say which one i like the most, i think they all played the role beautifully! i would just like to say R.I.P to eartha kitt, you will be sadly missed.
(Spring 1940) in which she is known as The Cat. She is usually depicted as an adversary of Batman, known for having a complex love-hate relationship with him. In her first appearance, she was a whip-carrying burglar with a taste for high-stake thefts.[4]"
They were all meant to be the same woman, just different actresses playing the same role. Julie Newmar was the 1st actress to play the role and she did for seasons 1 & 2. But she wasn't available for the movie (filmed between seasons 1 & 2) so they hired Lee Meriwether to fill the role. Then Julie couldn't come back for season 3 so then they brought in Eartha Kitt to take over the role. It was never meant to be a 'different' Catwoman.
Eartha Kitt: Best impression of catwoman. She put her own individual stamp on the character. Purrrfect. Michelle Pfieffer: Was funny and sexy Lee Meriwether: Cool Julie Newmar: She did a good job
I recently watched the 1966 movie and I have to apologize to Lee Meriwether for my earlier bum rap. She had her own take on the Catwoman which wasn't really bad at all. When she's sitting on the flying umbrella and purring it is hilarious!
Each Catwoman had their own strength. Julie Newmar was a seductive Catwoman. Lee Merriwether was sneaky and tricky. Eartha Kitt was the meanest and funniest.
My good Jesus I have NOT heard that original Batman song since I was a TODDLER....😂😂😂 🌸EARTHA KITT....THE GREATEST that ever did it. She totally possessed the character of a CAT WOMAN, her body and curves were banging screaming 100% WOMAN & her famous PUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRR was the cherry on top🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Its hard to point out but Julie Newmar had the most ingredients as Catwoman from the comic book not to mention she played it with such fun, charm, humour, sexy bravado and she had the romantic thing with Batman. Eartha Kitt was awesome in style,villiany and the ultimate in feline perfomance. However she wasnt given the romantic hints with Batman as with Newmar. Kitt definitly brought the essence a cat nemisis to life.
That was the voice talent of Adrienne Barbeau the actress who played the daughter of Bea Arthur's "MAUDE" character in the 70's TV series! Just a little factoid for you!!
At the time there was only the 1 Catwoman from the comic books and there was no explanation for the "change" in character, It was just "Catwoman" and they were always saying "Catwoman is back in Gotham". I think since they couldn't get Julie back, they just went for a different "spin" on her character whilst not technically changing her. Kind of like "Darrin" from BEWITCHED and "Becky" from ROSEANNE. Just a different actress for the role, like all the RIDDLERs (2) & MR. FREEZEs (3).
I actually got to see Eartha perform in her cabaret act 3 times during the late '90s with the last time being in like 1999. She was AWESOME and to hear her do the purrrr in purrrrson is AMAZING. I got to attend her "after-party" once and met her and spoke French to her (she actually complimented ME on my French! I was all WOW!!). Because I learned French, I can do the purrr, too - it comes from the throat (not rolling the tongue). But no one does it like Eartha, may she Rest In Peace.
Maaan, there's so many beauties playing this part and they all do it oh so well! Each one plays the part of the ferocious, yet voluptuous feline in every purrrrfect way. I love em' all!
I've met Julie, Eartha and Lee. Eartha complimented me on my French (which is a highlight of my life!). All 3 ladies were very sweet and down to Earth and very grateful that we are still fans. Lovely ladies, indeed!
You're description works for me. Julie embodied the curvaceously criminal yet campy "Catwoman is the Top DOG around here", Michelle brought to life the psychotic dichotomy, Eartha seems to have that sexy, slinky evil down purrfectly.
Rank 1) Eartha Kitt 2) Michelle Phieffer 3) Anne Hathaway 4) Lee Merriweather 5) Julie Newmar Kitt and Phieffer especially did a great job in this role, taking on cat-like mannerisms to incorporate with the dialogue. Phieffer did a good job in showing the aggressive, but vulnerable side of Catwoman. Kitt was just flat out a great character actress. She made the role iconic for her.
lol, sorry I actually just found out about that one too. You are right she was meant to look like Julie Newmar, the other villains that broke out aren't played by the actual actors either(you can tell the cackles they give are audio edited in and since you only see them from the back most of the time). Did they ever explain what happened to the Julie Newmar Catwoman? Eartha Kitt was a different Catwoman.
Julie Newmar is the end all Cat Woman. No one can compare to her beauty and incredible body. Love the flippant cattitute as well! Though Eartha gets cool points for vocal ability. Purfffect!
Actually, Heddy Lamarr was Bob Kane's original inspiration for Selina Kyle/Catowoman. Anne Hathaway stated in an interview that she even based her performance on Heddy Lamarr by observing Lamarr's body movements and speech patterns in her movies.
Of the TV series Catwomen, Julie Newmar is by far the top kitty. Like RedheadRevolver said, looks and cattitude. And I like her voice as well. (Eartha Kitt never did it for me as catwoman.)
@Cypha1 - No, Eartha was the THIRD actress to play Catwoman during the 1960's campy genre. Julie Newmar is technically the original Catwoman from the TV series playing the character during the first 2 TV seasons. Lee Meriwether played the role in the big screen movie. Eartha didn't take over the role until season 3 (when they added Batgirl). Eartha may be YOUR #1 choice, but she is NOT the originator of the role.
Hey, whoever put it together did a great job, especially loved the "I am Catwoman, hear me roar" line and the "Meow" ..... that's why I picked it - it was awesome editiing......
I met Eartha Kitt and Lee Meriwether while I lived in Atlanta. I met Eartha at Planet Hollywood and got an autograph and a hug from her. Met Lee at the 2006 Dragon*Con and she gave me a hug as well. They're VERY sweet ladies!!
Eartha Kitt. Nailed the purr, and the only one out of all of them with the BEAUTIFUL feline facial features, the high cheek bones, the cat-like eyes...***sigh*** PURRRRRRfect. RIP.
Eartha Kitt is my favorite catwoman and she had the voice for it and her voice gives me the creeps and the willies and goosebumps and i can recognize her voice from about 300 yards away.
My favourite Catwoman was Michelle Pfeiffer from Batman Returns. Her Catwoman was not only sexy, beautiful, adventurous and feisty, but also downright deranged too. I wish the Catwoman movie that was made had her back playing the character, had her against better villains, and all elements of DC Comics were included in the film.
Eartha Kitt!!! The voice and the body. I like Julie Newmar too. She brought romance and evil in 1 person. Michelle Pfeiffer was also super. I like Lee's eyelashes.. Hell, I Like all 4 of them.
@lbCharmed1 Halle Berry's Catwoman doesn't count because it had nothing to do with Batman or Gotham city, They even changed her alter-ego's name from Selina Kyle to Patience Phillips
Well hopefully by the time you read this - you'll have gotten my full explanation I sent to you. No disrespect meant to Halle - she just wasn't a different face that had the name Selina Kyle AKA "CATWOMAN". These women were all supposed to have been 1 person. Halle's portrayal was a totally different person/character. That's all.
Of the four choices, I would say that my favorite is Eartha Kitt- She embodied the sexy, sultry, evil Catwoman better than the rest, though Julie Newmar was wonderful as well. Too bad, though, that Eartha didn't show up as Catwoman in many episodes. RIP, Eartha.
Um, the ORIGINAL Catwoman's alter Ego was Selina Kyle - check the comic books. The the portrayal of her as a "shy secretary" was created as part of the movie with Michael Keaton. Just like the character Max Shrek. None of TV show villains(except for King Tut) ever showed who their everyday persona was. But the 60's character was based on the comic book Selina Kyle/Catwoman. And those 3 actresses played the role of 1 fictional female character. Penelope wasn't THAT CATWOMAN.
Will always be Michelle for me, and though I love the purple suit comic version with the dark hair (ala 90's), and the BTAS original, I loved Returns and PsychoticSexy Catwoman rules! I have a feeling that Anne Hathaway as the new Selina Kyle in Nolan's films will resemble Julie Newmar's version more
No Catwoman has surpassed Michelle Pfieffer in my opinion, she just has it all the lips,eyes,voice,body everything's perfect. Batman returns was spectacular and if it wasn't for her great acting the movie wouldn't have been as great. When I think of Catwoman I think of the one and olny Michelle.
What does Obama have to with this??? This a montage of the women who portrayed SELINA KYLE. Whether they are Black, White, Latin - that doesn't matter. It was only meant to compare the portrayals of each actress in a singular role of Selina Kyle's "Catwoman".
I think they all did great in their own ways. They worked the character well using their own styles. I especially like Kitt's purr = P I think I understand where you're coming from with the Halle Berry's version of Catwoman. I believe it's because her position was that of an anti-hero or tragic-hero, rather than a thief/villain, and I personally did think when watching the film for the first time 'isn't she a bit out of character?'. She played it well, but they narrated her role wrong.
"I'm just an old fashioned cat, committing old fashioned crime, not sophisticated I just steal what isn't mine. I'm just an old fashioned crook dressed as a feline. I want an old fashioned bat, wearing old fashioned tights, not sophisticated heck ill even steal a dime".... (something something, that's about as far as I could get)
Julie Newmar, no one else can compare... she was so sexy, so witty, mischevious... and her and Batman had great chemistry and sexual tension, even amidst the hilariously campy shenanigans of the '60s show.Kitt never had that dynamic with Batman (possibly because censors wouldn't allow it in racially divided times), which is such a large part of who the character is.Pfeiffer is hot and interesting and Meriwhether is an okay Newmar stand-in, but Newmar is the ultimate catwoman. Never saw Halle's
