Lee Meriwether Net Worth
Lee Meriwether has built a long-lasting career in Hollywood spanning television, film, and modeling. Best known for portraying Catwoman in the 1966 film adaptation of Batman and starring in the hit detective drama Barnaby Jones, Meriwether amassed an estimated net worth of $800,000 through decades of work in entertainment.
Her success story began long before Hollywood fame, starting with beauty pageants and evolving into a respected acting career that stretched across more than six decades.
| Lee Meriwether Net Worth | $800,000 |
| Date of Birth | May 27, 1935 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California |
What Is Lee Meriwether’s Net Worth?
Lee Meriwether has an estimated net worth of $800,000. Her wealth primarily comes from acting, television appearances, modeling work, and long-running roles in popular TV productions.
She gained national recognition after winning the 1955 Miss America title, which opened doors in television and entertainment. Over time, she became one of the familiar faces of classic American television.
Early Life
Lee Meriwether was born on May 27, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, to parents Ethel Mulligan and Claudius Meriwether. She spent much of her childhood in San Francisco after her family relocated from Arizona.
Meriwether attended George Washington High School before studying at City College of San Francisco. Her life changed dramatically in 1954 when she won the Miss San Francisco competition. She later captured the Miss California crown and ultimately became Miss America 1955.
Following her pageant success, she joined NBC’s “Today” show as one of the program’s “Today Girls,” helping launch her television career.
Acting Career Breakthrough
Meriwether began appearing on television during the 1950s with guest roles in shows such as Dragnet, Leave It to Beaver, and Perry Mason.
During the 1960s, she steadily built her acting résumé with appearances in major television productions including The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Hazel, and The Time Tunnel, where she played scientist Dr. Ann MacGregor.
Her biggest breakthrough came in 1966 when she portrayed Catwoman in the film version of Batman. Although other actresses portrayed the character on television, Meriwether’s performance became one of the most memorable versions of Catwoman from the era.
‘Barnaby Jones’
In 1973, Meriwether landed the role that would define much of her television career — Betty Jones on Barnaby Jones.
She starred alongside Buddy Ebsen throughout the series’ run until 1980. Her performance earned both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, further cementing her place in television history.
Over the years, she continued appearing in major television productions including:
- Mission: Impossible
- Fantasy Island
- The Love Boat
- The Munsters Today
- All My Children
- Desperate Housewives
Her role as Ruth Martin on All My Children introduced her to a younger daytime television audience during the late 1990s and 2000s.
Film Career
Although television became her primary platform, Meriwether also appeared in several films over the years.
Her film debut came in the 1959 science-fiction movie 4D Man. She later starred in films including:
- Batman
- Namu, the Killer Whale
- The Undefeated
- The Ultimate Gift
She remained active in independent films well into the 2010s.
Personal Life
Lee Meriwether married actor Frank Aletter in 1958, and the couple had two daughters before divorcing in 1974.
In 1986, she married Marshall Borden.
Despite decades in Hollywood, Meriwether largely maintained a private personal life while continuing to work steadily in television and film.