September 5, 2013
The Nine Lives of Lee Meriwether
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 5 MIN.
Like her portrayal of the wily villainess Catwoman in the 1966 "Batman" movie, actress Lee Meriwether's beauty and popularity have endured through decades. Since becoming Miss America in 1954, Meriwether has appeared in countless television series, movies and stage productions. Her TV credits alone entail some of the most iconic shows of all time, including "Leave It to Beaver," "Dragnet," "Star Trek," "Dr. Kildare," "Mission: Impossible" and "The Love Boat." She also co-starred with Buddy Ebsen during eight seasons of "Barnaby Jones," for which she received numerous Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations.
Meriwether is now back on the big screen in not one but two LGBT-themed movies that are screening in Long Beach on Saturday, September 7 as part of the 20th Anniversary QFilm Festival. In Chad Darnell's dramedy "Birthday Cake," Meriwether plays the Alzheimer's-afflicted grandmother of one of the lead gay characters and will be present at the 12:30 p.m. screening as a special guest, answering audience members' questions afterward. Next, Meriwether gives a tour de force performance as a lesbian, former opera diva in Marc Saltarelli's "Remember to Breathe," which will screen at 2:35 p.m. as part of the festival's Women in Shorts program.
It was clear during a recent interview that the gracious Meriwether is still going strong.
You are best remembered as Catwoman, even though you only played her once (in the 1966 movie inspired by the hit television series, filling in for an unavailable Julie Newmar). Has that role been more of a blessing or a curse for you?
Oh, definitely a blessing. I think I was the most fortunate of all the gals who played her because I got to work with three great, classically-trained actors all at once: Burgess Meredith (the Penguin), Cesar Romero (the Joker) and Frank Gorshin (the Riddler). I also got to work with Adam West (Batman) and Burt Ward (Robin), which was fun and it has contributed to much work for me. I was also in a couple episodes of the series later, but in a different role. It was a wonderful experience. I love signing autographs and pictures for the kids too at the various comic book conventions.
You have devoted gay and lesbian fans and roles in movies like "Birthday Cake" and "Remember to Breathe." What has been your relationship to the LGBT community over the years?
It's interesting because I didn't realize until much later that I had such a following. It doesn't matter to me and I don't think of people in terms of their sexuality. When someone says to me, "You know, I'm gay," I always respond, "Really?" (Laughs). All the gay and lesbian filmmakers I know are doing such good work and are so talented. I just did another movie by a gay filmmaker, Jeffrey Johns, called "Waiting in the Wings." I think it's wonderful that there are now (LGBT) festivals all over the country where their work can be seen.
How did your roles in "Birthday Cake" and "Remember to Breathe" come to you initially?
I had worked with Chad Darnell before on his science-fiction Internet series, "Project: Phoenix," which I haven't seen yet but am really looking forward to. Then he called me and asked me to play this loony grandma in his new movie and I said, "Well, that won't be a stretch at all." (Laughs) Marc Saltarelli contacted me about "Remember to Breathe" and I asked him to send me the script. I was so moved; it's one of those roles you wait for and hope comes along.
Susan Blakely ("The Towering Inferno," "The Way We Were") plays your former lover in "Remember to Breathe." Had you worked with her previously? What was it like working with her on this film?
We looked at each other our first day on set and asked "Why haven't we worked together before?" Especially since I had worked with so many other actresses over seven and a half years on "Barnaby Jones." It's a dream come true to work with an actress like Susan who is so giving, so open to sharing.
Is there a particular role or project you've worked on that stands out for you as a personal favorite?
The roles I'm working on at the time are always my favorite. Right now is the play I'm working on, a beautifully written script by Bill Blinn, who wrote "Brian's Song" - he's a dear soul. It's called "A Short Stay at Carranor" and it's playing through Sunday, September 29 at Theatre West in Hollywood. I play Irene, who at 17 fell in love with a soldier boy and her parents won't let her continue the relationship. Late in life, they are together again with a chance to make it work. It's very poignant. (Meriwether won't be appearing in the play September 13-15 or 27-29.)
When you were crowned Miss America, did you have any idea you would go on to have a successful, 50-year-plus acting career?
I was in such a state of shock, I never even thought about the possibility of winning let alone having a career out of it. By the way, the pageant is moving back to New Jersey this year and all the former Miss Americas are invited back. I'll be there, which is the reason I have to miss one weekend of the play. It's all been wonderful.
For more information about "A Short Stay at Carranor" or to purchase tickets call 323.851.7977 or go to theatrewest.org. Don't miss the chance to meet Lee Meriwether in person at the West Coast Premiere of "Birthday Cake" during the QFilm Festival on Saturday, September 7.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
