Eartha Kitt had never seen Julie Newmar's portrayal of Catwoman before she agreed to play the character on Batman

"I'm approaching Catwoman in my own way," said the actor.

Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution

Stepping into another actor's shoes is one thing, but what do you do when asked to fill another actor's claws?

Such was the case with Eartha Kitt, who took on the role of Catwoman after Julie Newmar. Kitt, a well-known singer and actress, was no stranger to performing. But one can't help but wonder if she felt nervous taking on an existing role when audiences were so accustomed to seeing Newmar as the feline fiend on their television set.

The new role was no problem for Kitt; she didn't spend long nights stressing about it. Kitt said that she was careful to avoid anything related to Newmar's portrayal so she could come to play the character with new eyes and her take.

"I never saw Julie play the part," said Kitt during an interview with The Sioux City Journal. So, I'm not trying to be either like her or unlike her. I'm approaching Catwoman in my own way."

Luckily, while Kitt herself wasn't a villain in any sense of the word, she found that audiences had no problem accepting her as Catwoman due to her previous performances. "People have always associated me with a feline something-or-other because of the way I move while singing," said Kitt.

The actor's stage career served her well in the Batman role. "I began my career as a dancer, and I found I could utilize dance movement in this role," said Kitt. "Cats move in a tremendously slinky, rhythmic way. I didn't consciously set out to add cat mannerisms. They're just there, I guess. It's fun to talk with your body as well as with words. I've been having a marvelous time. In fact, you might say everything about Catwoman is right up my alley."

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6 Comments

Badge714 13 days ago
I remember not watching Batman for the 1st time when Kitt came on trying to be Catwoman. Julie Newman or no one.
cperrynaples 13 days ago
If you listen to Santa Baby, you'll get why Eartha was chosen for the show!
Her club act was legendary for it's sensuality and her effect on the male customers.
That was before my time, I wonder if it was ever filmed as no doubt the networks
made her tone it down when she would sing and dance on a variety or talk show.
Inkwell765 14 days ago
Eartha was probably the first time a black performer took on a traditionally Caucasian role. This was the era when DC was vetoing black characters in the comics!
Bapa1 15 days ago
Eartha Kitt was great as Catwoman. In the 80's saw her in concert in a club down here is SoFL.
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