Catwoman is a supporting antagonist in the 1960s Batman TV series and in the 1966 film.
Catwoman was played by Julie Newmar in the show's first and second seasons and by the late Eartha Kitt in the third and final season (who would later voice Yzma from The Emperor's New Groove). Lee Meriwether portrayed Catwoman in the 1966 film (which played in theatres in between Seasons One and Two) due to Newmar being unavailable at the time to play the role.
Catwoman (1966 Batman)
This version of the character was given neither a background nor an alter ego, but focused instead on her costumed aspects. The costume created for the series was similar to the green catsuit appearing in the comics at the time, though it was constructed by Newmar from black Lurex fabric. One of these costumes tailored for Newmar is part of the collection of the Smithsonian Institution.
Notes
- This is one of the most evil adaptations of Catwoman in film or television and one of the only ones never portrayed as an anti-hero or neutral character. This is also one of the few adaptions in which she is a full on villain, actually out to get Batman and commit evil schemes, as opposed to a simple thief.
- Julie Newmar made a return as Catwoman in the 2016 animated film Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders, this time as the changing antagonist being the tritagonist.
- It is unclear if the Catwoman from the third season, portrayed by Eartha Kitt, is intended to be the same character. However, their race change, slight personality change, and the fact that this Catwoman appears once more after Eartha's would suggest that they are two different characters.
- Catwoman later appears with a new costume and working with The Joker in The Lego Batman Movie.
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