Why Eartha Kitt Replaced Julie Newmar as Catwoman

Eartha Kitt, an iconic American actress, singer, and civil rights activist, took over the role of Catwoman in the Batman television series during its third season in the 1960s. This transition happened because Julie Newmar, who originally played Catwoman, was either unavailable or faced scheduling issues due to her involvement in the film production of MacKenna's Gold.

Julie Newmar originally assumed the role of the loyal and alluring Catwoman in the Batman TV show for the first two seasons. However, in the third season, Eartha Kitt took over the role, marking a significant change in the iconic character. According to sources, Julie Newmar was busy filming MacKenna's Gold, a movie that was shot in Utah and Arizona. The logistics of flying back and forth from Hollywood to the film locations in Utah and Arizona would have made her less available for regular episodes of the Batman TV series.

Exploring the Reasons for Julie Newmar's Departure

One of the most popular explanations for Julie Newmar’s departure from the show was that she was working on MacKenna's Gold. The filming location of this picture was far from Hollywood, which would have created a significant commute for any actress contracted to work on the Batman television series simultaneously. However, this exit was not without controversy, as Burgess Meredith, another prominent cast member, was also involved in MacKenna's Gold but continued his work on Batman.

Interestingly, Burgess Meredith was a cast member who commuted between Hollywood and the film locations. This could suggest that he had a quicker filming schedule in MacKenna's Gold, allowing him more flexibility to work on both projects. The disparity in availability between the two cast members could also be attributed to Newmar’s perceived difficulty with commutes.

The Role of Scheduling Issues

It's often said that “scheduling difficulties” can be a convenient excuse for stars who choose to leave a show. For instance, a studio and a star might find themselves at odds over salary negotiations, leading to a polite public statement about scheduling issues. While this remains speculation, it's a plausible scenario that could explain why Newmar left the show.

Nonetheless, Julie Newmar maintained her connection to the iconic character of Catwoman. She lent her voice to the animated series, continuing to voice the character in two animated features in 2016 and 2017. This further illustrates her enduring influence on the character, even after her stint on the live-action Batman television series.

The Legacy of Eartha Kitt's Catwoman

Eartha Kitt’s portrayal of the character in the 1966 television series has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Kitt’s performance brought a sophisticated and charismatic edge to the character, differentiating her from the previous interpretation by Julie Newmar. This change in the interpretation of Catwoman ultimately cemented Kitt’s place in the annals of the Batman franchise.

Both Newmar and Kitt contributed uniquely to the character of Catwoman, reflecting the evolving nature of the character over time. While Julie Newmar left under circumstances that remain somewhat enigmatic, Eartha Kitt’s portrayal opened up new dimensions of the character, providing viewers with a Catwoman who was smarter, more cunning, and undeniably more engaging.