The Hidden Life of Lee Meriwether Catwoman Star Trek Munsters Time Tunnel documentary Batman 66

Today Cool Classics looks at the Life and Career of Lee Meriwether
In this documentary we take a look at her winning the Miss San Francisco and Miss California in 1954, then winning Miss America 1955. You get to see her first appearances on Television and in the Movies.
When I started this project, I was surprised that no one else had made a biography on Lee.
I could not let that go on, any longer!
Lee is a huge part of the Classic Television Era. It is time that she gets noticed for her contributions. Such as The Batman 66 Movie as Catwoman, Star Trek TOS as Losira in "That Which Survives", Dr Ann MacGregor on Time Tunnel, Tracey on the Original Mission Impossible TV Series, Recurring roles on Dr Kildare, 12 O'clock high and the New Andy Griffith Show. You can't forget Betty Jones and Baraby Jones or Lily Munster on The Munsters Today.
Learn about her Husbands Frank Aletter and Marshal Borden.
Along with her daughters Kyle Aletter Oldham and Lesley Aletter

[@devodavis6747]

I really enjoyed this, you did a wonderful job with this lovely tribute to Lee Ann. I have to tell you my "Catwoman story". When I was 16 (it was 1977!) I was working at a McDonald's in Charlotte, NC,. It wasn't busy, the middle of the afternoon. The place went mysteriously silent, and when I looked up, who had walked in but the incredible Lee Meriwether! She was stunning in black, knee-high stiletto-heeled boots, tight jeans, and a slinky black turtleneck. She was accompanied by two beefy fellows wearing sunglasses. I've certainly never forgotten that day!

[@CoolClassics]

Devo Davis, Thank You for the tip and the story! I Love hearing these interactions people have with actors and actresses. To me, you seen a rare one! Not many people have commented on meeting her. Again, thank you for the support and for being Cool! 😁👍

[@lucugurau4583]

She was a very beautiful

[@Swerv0.]

That’s awesome I live in charlotte currently I wish I was alive back then to see it unfold lol

[@tomjones2348]

I'm 65. For me, the women of this time period are the most beautiful. Excellent presentation.

[@douglasthompson9482]

Lee is a fabulous human being....I have loved her for ever. Thank you Lee for so much entertainment and integrity.

[@Switzer1234]

Forever, not for ever.😉

[@QueenBee-gx4rp]

Lee was a true Miss America, because she still is. How lovely she is and I truly enjoyed this. Still watch Barnaby Jones all the time.

[@bettyleeist]

Oh yeah!I forgot that Lee Merriweather was on the Barneby Jones show!And,I have this series!I bought it in;Park Rapids,Minnesota this fall.

[@bettyleeist]

I also want to say;thank you for posting this about Lee Merriweather!She was lovely,and even lovelier in those classic Hollywood costumes!🎃❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-fj8ok8ze5m]

Yes She is a good catwoman. My catwoman is Julie Newmar. Yes Adam West 1966 Batman series. I wish they had Lee Merriweather is season 3 instead of Eartha Kitt.

[@YAMISOOLD2009]

I had no idea what a big career she had. Thanks for summing it all up. A gorgeous and sweet woman!

[@scottdavidson526]

She was beautiful.

[@drsunshine1959]

I worked with Lee and she is truly a wonderful person - smart, funny, friendly and what a singing voice! Good bless you Lee .

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@TheHiphopjoe]

Lee and I were part of the same theatre company years ago here in California, TheatreWest. We never got to act together but we would sometimes see each other in the lobby during shows. She always had a smile on her face, was so friendly to everyone and no one in the company ever had a bad thing to say about her. Thank you for doing these videos. Love your channel.

[@CoolClassics]

Joe, that is very Cool! I am glad that you got to act and experience the stage in a place like that. Thank you for the nice comment 😁👍

[@scottdavidson526]

That's so cool.

[@michaelhungate7506]

I've always thought Lee is one of the most beautiful ladies I've ever seen. She's in her late 80s now and still looks good . Those eyes 👀!!!!.

[@CoolClassics]

I know that a lot of you have made suggestions and a couple of you even guessed that my next video would be on Al Lewis ( he has a great biography made by his son ) so that will do for him. I find it more fun to make documentaries on people that do not already have one made. Or if they have limited info out there. It makes it more surprising for us all 😁 Please leave some comments. I have ready every single one, even if I could not reply or hit like right then. I check the list throughout the day on my phone while working. Don't tell the boss🤣 💜

[@drucillacollins9431]

I'm watching your videos at work... shhhh!

[@spazbobstinkpants]

I feel I can speak for others in saying that some overlap in content with other channels is ok. Your thoroughness, style, and delivery easily set you apart making viewing here preferable. My internet had been out for 2+ weeks due to Hurricane Ian. This was one of the first channels I was catching up on. Lee & Yvonne were nice to come back to. Thnx

[@drucillacollins9431]

Yes I saw one on Jack Palance .... Ripley's Believe it or not! That was a cool show. It is fun to watch it now as some of the AMAZING technology is so out dated. LOL Wow we have come so far technologically in such a short time.

[@Vengeance1978]

Keep doing what you doing 👏

[@qkranarchist3015]

Yayyyyyyyyyyy, I adore Al 🤗😍♥️🤩🔥

[@r.hill.2369]

Lovely woman. Great career. I saw more of her than I realized as a kid.

[@harpersmythe658]

Lee Merriwether was always my favourite Catwoman. She was great in the Time Tunnel as well. I’m glad she is doing well and in good health 💗

[@scottdavidson526]

That's cool, but I have to go with Julie on that one, but Lee was very good as well.

[@darrylruiz2573]

Time Tunnel Batman Star Trek Barnaby Jones Mission Impossible. Miss America what a career and what a beautiful woman

[@CoolClassics]

👍

[@alancrisp1582]

😀 Great subject this time around. Have always been a fan of Lee Meriwether, since I was a boy 👦. I still can just remember watching her in The Time Tunnel.And loved her even more as Cat 🐈Woman in the 1966 movie. Nice to know that she is still with us today 😀😊.

[@CoolClassics]

Alan, I looked around KZbin and there are not many videos about her. To me, that is a shame, because she is a huge part of so many classic shows. I hope you enjoy the video 😁👍

[@alancrisp1582]

@@CoolClassics 😀 I concer with you.And thanks 😊for a great 👍video....

[@812guitars]

Wow. What a great career and life this lady had. I never knew this about the first Catwoman.

[@bwtv147]

She was the 2nd Catwoman. Julie Newmar was the first.

[@scottliberati5137]

She only played Catwoman once in the 1966 movie. This was released between the origiinal TV Catwoman and Eartha Kitt, the 2nd one.

[@ricknorman7193]

The Time Tunnel was FANTASTIC!!

[@scottdavidson526]

I can remember that show, vaguely. I was really young probably about four or five years old. I was born in 1962.

[@tumbleweed6492]

I loved this episode! Lee Meriwether is such a positive role model for me (I’m in my sixties, lol) I loved watching her, and especially remember her appearances in Batman and Star Trek. TV was so great back then. Long live Lee! ❤

[@CoolClassics]

👍💜

[@karenleemallonee684]

I loved hear about the life of Lee Meriwether, what a lovely woman! Thank you for another great video!!! 🌼

[@CoolClassics]

You are so welcome!

[@oriraykai3610]

She seemed to get better and better looking the older she got. That Star Trek look was gorgeous.

[@scottdavidson526]

Agreed. The name of the episode is "That Which Survives." She was beautiful in that episode.

[@samadams6487]

Oh yes Time Tunnel was one of my favorites and so was Lee Meriwether.

[@CoolClassics]

😁👍

[@icecol22]

I remember watching Lee Merriweather on Barnaby Jones in the 1970s as a child.I remember her doing some commercials too.I have to say,Lee was always beautiful. I never saw her as a young woman. She's stunningly beautiful!!! Her extraordinary looks made her perfect for both acting and modeling. 💛💛💛💛

[@Krullmatic]

You knocked another one outta the park, my good man! Your editing is getting better and better! Thanks once again for your hard work and awesome videos. I can't get enough of them!

[@CoolClassics]

Thank You, I appreciate that! I was unsure about this one. Nobody has ever requested Lee before. I just felt like for she is under appreciated, for actually being so good and successful :)

[@Krullmatic]

@@CoolClassics Indeed! She's so gorgeous as well! I didn't know how accomplished she was! ✌️

[@Stax-ht9md]

I'm 65, so I love to hear about the actors that were a part of my childhood - Thank you for putting these great videos together!!!

[@CoolClassics]

I am glad that you found my channel and enjoy them :)

[@justsurfin5013]

That's nice. Sounds like she had a very sweet and supportive family

[@metaljack866]

All these shows mentioned in these videos bring back so many personal childhood memories ..

[@CoolClassics]

😁👍

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

It’s always so weird seeing Buddy playing a serious role. I know he did loads of great work, but still, for me I always just see Mr Clampet ❤

[@CoolClassics]

Yeah I still expect his line to start serious but end with a laugh, even on Barnaby Jones lol

[@hisoverlorduponhigh90]

What a gorgeous woman. I was the little boy watching Batman and the young man marveling at her beauty.

[@tuppy]

Oooh good morning from Australia and thank you for this!

[@CoolClassics]

Tuppy, I Hope you have a Great Day, Down Under 😁

[@pegschwalbach2500]

I loved this one, great job!

[@robertmorgan8104]

She answered the front door to my friend’s house across the street, when I was about 9-10 years old. She was friends of my friends’s parents. She was pretty and very nice.

[@tammynelson1190]

Another fantastic episode!!! Thank you

[@CoolClassics]

Thank you too!

[@milesbrown2]

Well done. Wonderful telling of a wonderful and talented woman.

[@keithjohnson5398]

I recall she came to our county fair for an appearance, maybe she was helping judge a contest. Would have been in the 70's in Victorville.

[@CoolClassics]

Cool!

[@scottdavidson526]

I loved it when she was on the Star Trek episode "That Which Survives." I believe that her character's name was Lucinda. Epic.

[@madiantin]

I loved this video! Thank you so much.

[@CoolClassics]

So glad! 💜

[@mrsbluesky8415]

So happy to see another great video ! Since Bill Bixby was mentioned I’d love to see you do one on him. The man was everywhere in the 60s, 70s maybe even 80s and I’ve always liked all his shows.

[@Aileil]

There's nothing quite like "The Lonely Man" playing poor Dr. Banner out after another episode, is there? "The Magician" was really neat too!

[@mrsbluesky8415]

@@Aileil The Magician! No one else remembers that show , I thought I dreamed it. Lol. Great one.

[@dwahnaslowdown8887]

Well done. I'm sure she'll be very happy with this video if she sees it. Lovely person.

[@CoolClassics]

😁👍💜

[@grettageragi9598]

That was a very enjoyable video. I’ve always loved Lee Meriwether and you did a great job. As you always do. Positively PURRfect!

[@CoolClassics]

Thank you kindly!

[@gailbirchall2163]

A very impressed woman and actress, amongst the few that we have had.

[@jehormaeche]

Thanks for this warm and excellent compendium. Always been a huge fan of hers.

[@scockery]

Julie Newmar was the first Catwoman. The movie was released between seasons 1 and 2. The studio chose to make the Batman 1966 movie without Newmar, because Newmar had a back injury, which she recovered from to appear in season 2. (Eartha Kitt took over in season 3 because Newmar was working on _McKenna's Gold_ )

[@davidlindsay9564]

I thought Julie wasn't able to do it as she was filming a movie (McKenna's Gold, maybe?) and so thats why they got Lee.

[@davidlindsay9564]

@@thefonzkiss There were huge delays in getting filming off the ground, but she might have bee committed as far as casting already.

[@ronjones1077]

A Classic, lady of class! Great presentation sir. Thank you from Alaska

[@CoolClassics]

Thank You Ron!

[@jimmyjames2022]

Great episode, thanks!

[@CoolClassics]

Thank You Jimmy! I really appreciate the support! 😁👍

[@rohnkd4hct260]

She was the best CATWOMAN!!! I grew up on TIME TUNNEL, STAR TREK, and LAND OF THE GAINTS. Had forgotten about her being on MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. I was 9 or so when I first saw her...... Loved her ever since. Still a fine looking lady!!!

[@williamlloyd3769]

If you’re looking for suggestion, how about - Anna May Wong who had a very interesting and groundbreaking movie career.

[@CoolClassics]

Hmm, gonna look her up :)

[@williamlloyd3769]

@@CoolClassics - US Department of Treasury just announced she will appear on a new quarter.

[@johnstonejaxfldoxmebitch7388]

4D Man is great, I had no idea that was Lee Meriwether.

[@CoolClassics]

Me either. They played it on TV in 2020 and I didn't put two and two together. Then I go to make this video and I am like 😮

[@donaldhelgeson6769]

I had her on a flight back in the late 80’s at TWA. What a nice lady

[@CoolClassics]

Glad you enjoyed it Cindy :)

[@CwL-1984]

Lee Meriwether is one of the most beautiful women in television. The best Catwoman period.

[@CoolClassics]

😁👍

[@marioarguello6989]

I reckon so.

[@scottdavidson526]

Julie was IMHO. I still ❤️ Lee though.

[@eddiequist]

The sad thing about TIME TUNNEL's cancelation is that the show was doing well, but it also took up 3 sound stages (two for the Tunnel complex and one for whatever time period they were visiting) and the studio went throw a change of ownership and they wanted to free up the sound stages to concentrate on films not t.v..

[@CoolClassics]

Thanks for the info! 😁👍

[@scottliberati5137]

@@CoolClassics Lee & 2 male leads are still alive along a Sam Groom a tunnel lab tech.

[@bobw4541]

I'm 64 years old and I've watched all of these shows or most of them throughout my childhood in the 60s and 70s and every time I watch your videos I always find out something new it's incredible how you come up with all this information that I've never known thank you for doing what you do and please keep doing it there's probably millions upon millions of people who also want to know everything about these old TV shows thank you again Bob Queens NY

[@CoolClassics]

Bob, Thank You! I love when people like you, find the same Freaky Facts interesting!

[@OuryLN]

That Which Survives(Beauty, BTW) is my most favorite episode because I was sick when it was originally shown, and slept all night through the show. I had to wait a year for the rerun.

[@Huwoman]

Incredible & outstanding life & video. Thanks C C!

[@CoolClassics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@debbralehrman5957]

Thanks for another great video of someone who I love to watch growing up. And you're right about the Eartha Kitt video that was awesome. ❤

[@moonprincesst.s.h.4ever115]

Can you imagine Catwoman and The Incredible Hulk crossover? It's just amazing to know that these two people knew each other way back when.

[@CoolClassics]

I was hoping so badly that Lee was in an episode of the Hulk, so that I could show it :)

[@bookmouse2719]

Wow, I remember some of those shows! Especially Star Trek: "I have come for you!"

[@chrisUSA]

Back in the 60s and 70s I didn't watch TV much, but I remember Mrs. Meriwether and she was GREAT. She has led a fairy tale life. So smart and beautiful. She deserves greatness and the wonderful things that come her way. This posting reminded me of her and how great she is/was. All the best Ms. Meriwether!

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@Hondo0101]

I am so happy for her. What memories I have watching her as a kid.

[@azurephoenix9546]

I met Mrs Meriwether, gosh, I guess it's been 30 years ago now. I was doing Oliver and she was doing Picnic. I had gone over to watch her after my show was over and brought her some flowers backstage and she was just the most lovely and gracious lady! She sat and talked to me, some random 10 year old kid, while she removed her make up and gave me some advice on stage etiquette, presentation and projection. General theater things like that. I had just been accepted for understudy roles for a Broadway musical and I wasn't sure I wanted to begin a trajectory that would dominate my life and certainly inhibit my ability to do the things I really wanted to do with my life. She turned around and looked me dead in the eye with that mom look they get and told me that what I'm supposed to do with my life is what makes me feel like I'm more and more who I always was supposed to be. She probably didn't mean it the way I took it, but since she gave me that advice, I've pursued the study of history, religion, psychology and anthropology with vigor and fervor, but what I'm most proud of and think is most who I am is a wife and a mother of 8 children, none of whom would be here without that one piece of advice: be who you were always supposed to be. God bless her, she's a good lady.

[@baymaxc1647]

Just a Beautiful Soul! Thank You Lee for all the wonderful memories, god bless you and yours

[@mikehobart]

Remarkable. As a baby boomer, I watched all those TV shows, but I had forgotten she was in so many other series apart from TIME TUNNEL and BARNABY JONES. Thanks for reminding me.

[@CoolClassics]

Glad you found it interesting Michael :)

[@robertovalinhos27]

beautiful woman with wonderful voice and very friendly

[@julietrudgeon3433]

I just can't get enough of your fabulous videos!!!!! I've watched them multiple times. Can't wait for Al Lewis....I'm a huge Car 54 fan.

[@CoolClassics]

I appreciate that. But like I said in the pinned comment. Al Lewis Son made a Biography on him that included his whole family. No way I can do better than that one. :)

[@demonicusa.k.a.theblindguy3929]

When it comes to strolls down my tv, and movie memory lanes Cool Classics is the best.

[@CoolClassics]

Wow! Thank You! 😁

[@TheDarkelflover]

You have done two of the women who have played catwoman.. Eartha Kitt and Lee Merriweather but what about doing one on the original woman to play the cat?? Julie Newmar and im still waiting on The Rebels Nick Adams!!! Really like your channel

[@hishers251]

Another brilliant video, good to see Lee still alive and happy. Barnaby Jones, Time Tunnel…. Happy childhood memories of watching those shows.

[@macsnafu]

I first knew Lee Meriwether from Barnaby Jones, as I grew up in the 70s, but as an sf and comics fan, I naturally caught her in Star Trek, The Time Tunnel, and Batman. Not too long ago, I discovered the movie 4D man, but while it's an interesting movie, I don't think it was a great role for Lee. At least, I didn't think her character was all that likeable when the focus was on her character. But she was apparently on a lot more stuff than I realized. Furthermore, I didn't even know that there was a "New" Andy Griffith show, or a later Munsters series that she was in.

[@CoolClassics]

😁👍

[@lanadale1479]

Great to See her ...She is Lovely and Beautiful and Very Talented!!!

[@melindawood3644]

Thanks for this video. I have always loved Lee Meriwether. 💝

[@rustyrobinson8027]

Thanks again and best wishes from Columbus Ohio USA

[@CoolClassics]

Go Blue Jackets!

[@rustyrobinson8027]

@@CoolClassics yes sir

[@jeremybowers3181]

Wow! As a kid I had no idea there were three actresses that played Catwoman, thanks CC for filling me in. 😎👍 Another great one ma dude.

[@jeffyoung8726]

Absolutely LOVED this video! BIG Lee Meriwether fan. Always have been, always will be. In my book she was the sexiest "Cat Woman", although Julie Newmar is a close second!

[@CoolClassics]

👍

[@Facade953]

An enchanting beauty, a great person and a talented actress. Thank you for yet another magnificent life & career documentary.

[@densonsmith2]

James Darren from "Time Tunnel" was also on Star Trek! He played the holodeck character Vic Fontaine on DS9.

[@tumbleweed6492]

There was another guy (an actor) shown in this piece that I recognized in Star Trek. He played “Gary Seven” in the episode where they go back to 1960’s US during the space shuttle period. This man was so sexy. I remember the scene where he has a black cat named Isis. Anyone else remember this?

[@vincentfalsaperla]

@@tumbleweed6492 terri garr

[@schristy3637]

So glad to hear Lee Meriwether is doing so well. I did not know the Miss America stuff at all.GREAT VID!!

[@clivehunte3026]

Another fab episode. Can't wait for the next one.

[@laurastewart3588]

Lee has aged nicely. Great job as always.

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@raywood8187]

I never know who might pop up in these videos! I saw Robert Lansing, who played Gary Seven in the Star Trek "Assignment: Earth" episode.

[@carole3708]

She looks terrific!

[@ronbarr3590]

Not sure if it was mentioned, but Lee Meriwether was in 2 'small' movies now on Utube here. Waiting in the wings, and the sequel (3 or 4 years later) Still Waiting in the Wings. where she was finally given a chance to sing. And her characters name was ETHEL.

[@StepUPNJ]

Great job as always, CC!

[@CoolClassics]

Thanks again!

[@larapollock4510]

Wow! That was impressive! There's lots of things I never knew about Lee. Thanks for doing a great job with the research & clips.

[@CoolClassics]

Thank You Lara :)

[@Switzer1234]

THERE ARE (not THERE IS) a lot of things I learned.

[@rayharvey1330]

One of the HOTTEST women evar! 🤤

[@alicel3992]

Excellent 👏🏼👏🏾👏🏿👏🏻 And with happy ending 👍🏻👍🏻 Tight knit family 😇🥰 Wish I had that🙄

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@yoshiike1]

Thanks for your time.

[@CoolClassics]

My pleasure! 😁

[@battlestar6364]

Another cool documentary! Thanks for entertaining me and teaching me about this amazing woman!!!

[@janieanderson3988]

Time Tunnel was a favorite show of mine when I was a kid!

[@daveduncan8004]

This was great I remember Lee when she was in Star Trek and Barnaby Jones she was really good I’m glad to see that she’s doing well because she was always our favorite thanks again you’ve answered all my questions appreciate you

[@TPaine1776]

She has always been simply AWESOME!

[@andyjay9346]

I watched many of those 60s and 70s sci-fi TV shows at the time in Australia. LOL Amazing how a lot of them use the same sound FX! ⚡🎭📡

[@jdbarr769]

That which survives both scared the crap out of me as a child and intrigued me! Another time less episode is wolf of the fold.

[@lindac6919]

THank you! We so much enjoy the Cool Classics!

[@nashhall694]

Another cool classic, I loved this one. Thanks for making it 🥰👍🙏

[@CraigFarangBa]

Thank you for posting this! I've always loved Lee Meriwether.

[@CoolClassics]

Me too!

[@miltoncordonero1029]

I remember Catwoman she was beautiful 👍

[@drucillacollins9431]

Came across your channel and have binge watched every episode. I was born in Missouri the same year as you. I really enjoyed all the blasts from the past. It reminded me how much I loved the Friday Fright Night theater . I then cued up a Vincent Price Marathon. I loved watching his movies. They still hold up. Some of the other scary movies that were shown on FFN I have rewatched and was like, I cannot believe this scared me. I remember all the Seals and Croft shows...Chips...and EMERGENCY... remember that one ... "Rampart...". I look forward to seeing your upcoming videos!

[@CoolClassics]

Vincent Price is a St Louis native too :) I used to watch Emergency, even as kid. We had the best of the reruns and the current shows, growing up when we did. 👍

[@drucillacollins9431]

@@CoolClassics There are a lot of fond memories! Oh and Twilight Zone! My Mom got me into that one. 🙂

[@kandipiatkowski8589]

I got a chance to meet Lee at a DeLorean convention in 2008. I think the only place I saw her in Batman, but later on I saw her on Match Game reruns.

[@72PRODIGALSON]

I tell you... If you released a video, every day (Not saying you should put in ALL that work for us), I'd be right here for every single one of them!!!!!! I LOVE these videos!!!!!!!!!

[@drucillacollins9431]

I second that !

[@CoolClassics]

I appreciate that! I want to make them faster, but have not found a way to do that yet :)

[@72PRODIGALSON]

@@CoolClassics Perfection takes time and your videos are perfect!

[@LadyCin611]

Wow! What an incredible body of work! Well done, you! This was a fantastic video. Thank you.

[@NerdThingsAndMore]

Thanks for the video.

[@erictroxell715]

I'm AMAZED at your research!!!. I hope you do well. I learn so MUCH of these great people. Thank u so much

[@CoolClassics]

I appreciate that!😁👍

[@rona5945]

You have so much incredible detail on all your videos, it's always such a pleasure to watch!

[@CoolClassics]

Thank you very much for noticing! I try to find as many clips as I can. I also like the Freaky Facts that pop up :)

[@chapterblaq]

She seems like a sweetheart cause I was watching an old episode of Space Ghost: Coast to Coast like 2 days ago and she said "for my money I'd say Eartha [Kitt] was the best Catwoman". She didn't have to big up Eartha like that. She was being for real.