Catwoman may be one of DC Comics’ most enduring antiheroes, but over the decades, it is the actresses behind the black catsuit who have helped define her legacy on screen.
First introduced in 1940 in Batman comics by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Selina Kyle — initially known simply as “The Cat” — has evolved from jewel thief to complex femme fatale. Her darker reinvention in the 1980s by writer Frank Miller deepened the character’s psychological edge, paving the way for decades of live-action portrayals.
From classic television to blockbuster cinema, here are the actresses who have brought Catwoman to life.
Julie Newmar (1966–1967)
Julie Newmar was the first actress to portray Catwoman in live action, starring opposite Adam West in the Batman television series.
Her performance helped define the character’s flirtatious, playful villainy during the show’s early run. Newmar later said the role allowed her to fully express storytelling through movement and physical performance, calling the costume especially expressive.
Lee Meriwether (1966)
Lee Meriwether took over the role in the 1966 Batman feature film after Newmar was unavailable.
This made her the first actress to portray Catwoman in a live-action theatrical movie. Meriwether later described working alongside the film’s iconic cast as a memorable and formative experience.
Eartha Kitt (1967–1968)
Eartha Kitt became Catwoman in the final season of the Batman TV series, making history as the first Black actress to play the role.
Though her run was brief, her portrayal is widely regarded as iconic. Kitt later described the role as one of her most enjoyable performances, highlighting its importance in her career and survival in the entertainment industry.
Michelle Pfeiffer (1992)
Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance in Batman Returns remains one of the most celebrated interpretations of Catwoman.
Originally set to be played by Annette Bening, the role ultimately went to Pfeiffer, whose intense, whip-wielding portrayal became instantly iconic. Her version of Selina Kyle — torn between vulnerability and vengeance — is still considered a benchmark for the character.
Pfeiffer has since expressed openness to returning to the role, saying she enjoyed the experience once she fully settled into it.
Halle Berry (2004)
Halle Berry headlined Catwoman (2004), a standalone film that marked one of the earliest major female-led superhero movies.
Although the film was widely panned by critics, it later gained cultural notoriety and became a box-office success globally. Berry has defended her decision to take on the role, describing it as an opportunity to represent women of color in the superhero genre.
She even revisited the film years later with a lighthearted anniversary post, showing continued affection for the character despite its reception.
Anne Hathaway (2012)
Anne Hathaway brought Catwoman into Christopher Nolan’s grounded The Dark Knight Rises, delivering a sleek and tactical version of Selina Kyle.
Hathaway initially believed she was auditioning for Harley Quinn before discovering the true role. Her portrayal combined agility, intelligence, and emotional complexity, making her a key figure in the trilogy’s conclusion.
Camren Bicondova (2014–2019)
Camren Bicondova played a younger Selina Kyle in the TV series Gotham, which explored Batman’s early universe.
Her performance focused on Selina’s survival instincts and street-smart evolution over multiple seasons. An adult version of the character was later portrayed by Lili Simmons in the series finale.
Zoë Kravitz (2022–present)
Zoë Kravitz became the latest actress to step into the role in The Batman opposite Robert Pattinson.
Her version of Selina Kyle is more grounded and emotionally layered, portrayed as a thief navigating moral ambiguity in Gotham’s corrupt underworld. Kravitz studied feline movement and combat styles to shape the character’s physicality, bringing a more realistic edge to the role.
Her performance has been widely praised as a fresh evolution of Catwoman for a new generation.
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