Julie Newmar, the first actress to bring Catwoman to life on the big screen, etched her name in Hollywood history and became a ’60s beauty icon with a successful career. However, her life took a profound turn when she welcomed her son, John, in 1981.
#1. A Life-Changing Journey: Julie Newmar’s Motherhood
Newmar, who preferred to keep her personal life private, married lawyer John Holt Smith in 1977. After three miscarriages, she gave birth to her son, John Jewl Smith, in 1981. John was a miracle baby, born when Newmar was 48.
#2. The Miracle Baby: John Jewl Smith
Newmar’s son John was born with Down syndrome. Three years later, he lost his hearing to meningitis. In 1984, Newmar and John’s father parted ways, leaving Julie to raise John alone. Despite the challenges, she found the experience “very helpful” and positive. “Parents should never feel like they have an afflicted child,” she says.
#3. Navigating Down Syndrome: Julie Newmar’s Story
The 89-year-old star considers her son a blessing. “John is what makes my life great. He’s the cause of the great expansion of my outlook on life. He’s responsible for my understanding and practice of unconditional love,” Julie shares openly.
#4. A Positive Experience Despite Challenges
John, now 42, lives with his mother and is a talented artist. He even had an exhibit at the Washington Reid Gallery in Culver City. Julie and John have traveled extensively, especially to Bali and other parts of Southeast Asia, sharing a love for gardens. John, who is deaf and mute, delights in visual things. “He’s such a highly developed human being; he’s a blessing to be around,” Julie says.
#5. Unconditional Love: Julie Newmar’s Blessing
Due to Julie’s Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which damaged her leg muscles, and John’s scoliosis, which makes him unable to walk, they now mostly “travel” around their home. Julie has two long-time assistants who manage household tasks, prepare meals, and help care for John, taking him to art classes and other activities.
#6. John’s Artistic Talents: A Mother’s Pride
Julie and John make daily visits to their garden. On Sundays, they spend time camping in a two-person chaise lounge where Julie enjoys reading. On other days, they explore the grounds on Julie’s electric scooter, with John sitting on her lap.
#7. Traveling the World Together
Celebrities like John C. McGinley, Amanda Booth, and Catherina Scorsone are advocates for Down syndrome, understanding the challenges and joys of having a loved one with the condition.
