In June 2017, following the passing of Adam West, I shared another exclusive chapter from my conversation with Burt Ward on Scoop B Radio. This segment focused on one of the most revolutionary casting choices in television history: Eartha Kitt as Catwoman. Today, in 2025—as we celebrate the legacy of barrier-breaking performances in the superhero genre—Ward’s “buttoned-up” reflections on the synergy between West’s Batman and Kitt’s Catwoman remain a masterclass in professional chemistry and cultural impact.
Reflecting on that dialogue today, Ward highlighted how Eartha Kitt didn’t just play a villain; she redefined the “feline” energy of the entire series.
A New Tonal Frequency: The Eartha Kitt Effect
When Eartha Kitt stepped into the role of Catwoman for the third season, replacing Julie Newmar, she brought a predatory elegance and a distinctive vocal delivery that shifted the show’s dynamic. Burt Ward recalled how Adam West adjusted his performance to meet Kitt’s unique energy.
“Eartha was absolutely spectacular,” Burt Ward told me. “She brought a different kind of intensity. While Julie [Newmar] was more of a statuesque, romantic foil, Eartha was pure energy. She had that wonderful ‘purr’ that was so authentic, it made everyone on set step up their game.”
In 2025, Kitt’s performance is recognized as a pioneer of “character-driven” villainy. Ward’s 2017 insight reminds us that the chemistry between Batman and Catwoman wasn’t just scripted—it was a reaction to the specific “rhythm” Kitt brought to the soundstage.
Breaking the Color Barrier in Gotham
In the late 1960s, the casting of a Black woman as a romantic foil and antagonist to a white lead was a radical move. Ward reflected on how Adam West and the production handled the potential controversy with complete professional grace.
“Adam and I never thought about the ‘social’ aspect in terms of race while we were filming; we just thought about the talent,” Ward remarked. “Eartha was a world-class entertainer. Adam had such respect for her craft. Their scenes together had this wonderful ‘cat-and-mouse’ tension that was purely about the characters.”
Looking back from 2025, this “talent-first” approach helped create one of the most iconic pairings in TV history. Ward’s “buttoned-up” perspective highlights that while the world outside was changing, inside the “Bat-Cave,” the focus remained on delivering a top-tier performance that transcended the politics of the era.
The Legacy of the “Cat-and-Mouse” Game
During our Scoop B Radio session, Ward noted that Kitt’s version of Catwoman was perhaps the most “dangerous” feeling for the Dynamic Duo because of her unpredictability.
“She was so slinky and moved with such grace that you really felt like you were dealing with a cat. Adam loved the challenge of playing against her because she was so quick-witted. It added a new layer to Batman’s resolve.”
As we move through 2025, and Eartha Kitt is celebrated as a pioneer for Black women in the “geek culture” space, Burt Ward’s 2017 tribute serves as a definitive eyewitness account of her greatness. She wasn’t just a replacement; she was a revolution in a catsuit.
