John Jewl Smith: What happened to Julie Newmar's son?

John Jewl Smith is the son of iconic actress Julie Newmar. John Jewl Smith’s mother is the first person to play Catwoman in the television series Batman (1966–1967). The actress, dancer, and singer, is also known for a variety of stage, screen, and television roles. She appeared in the music video for George Michael’s 1992 single “Too Funky” and had a cameo as herself in the 1995 film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.

She won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance as Katrin Sveg in The Marriage-Go-Round on Broadway in 1958, and she reprised the role in the 1961 film version. Aside from being a beloved actress, Newmar is also a mother and a wife. Who is Julie Newmar’s son?

John Jewl Smith: Bio Summary

How old is Julie Newmar’s son?

John Jewl Smith was born on February 25 1981 in the United States of America. He is 42 years old as of 2023. He is the son of Julie Newmar and her ex-husband J. Holt Smith. John Jewl is the only child of the couple. John is a miracle, as the actress went through three miscarriages before having him. During his birth, John Jewl’s mom Julie Newmar was 48 years old. To her, John is a highly developed human and a blessing to be around and as her only child, all she can offer is love and care.

Julie Newmar’s son John Jewl was born with Down syndrome

In 1977, the actress tied the knot with lawyer John Holt Smith, 4 years later, after 3 miscarriages the actress gave birth to a son, John Jewl Smith. The boy was a true miracle after all the actress had gone through. Julie Newmar’s son John Jewl was born with Down syndrome.

“John was born when I was 48, a last-minute baby,” Julie Newmar confessed. “He’s deaf and mute, so visual things are a delight to him… he’s such a highly developed human being he’s a blessing to be around.” John Jewl Smith lost his hearing to meningitis at the age of  3. In 1984, Newmar and John’s father J. Holt Smith went their separate ways.

ALSO, READ; J. Holt Smith: Where is Julie Newmar’s ex-husband now?

In an interview with Closer, Julie says it’s “very helpful” having a child with Down syndrome. “Parents should never feel like they have an afflicted child,” The actress also told the outlet, “He lives with me, and he’s a wonderful artist. As a matter of fact, he now has an exhibit at the Washington Reid Gallery in Culver City [Calif.].” The actress admits that her son changed her thoughts about life and love.

Julie Newmar and her son John Jewl Smith traveled a lot around the world.

John Jewl Smith’s condition doesn’t stop the mother and son from living their best life. The mother and son have traveled worldwide, especially to Bali and other parts of Southeast Asia when Julie was in her 60s. Now, they mostly “travel” around their home because Julie has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which has damaged her leg muscles, and John has scoliosis, which makes him unable to walk. She has two long-term helpers who manage household tasks, prepare meals, and care for John by transporting him to art classes and other activities.

The mother and son now bond over their particular fondness for gardens. The actress revealed to the LA times that John loves anything visual, “He’s deaf and mute, so visual things delight him. He’s such a highly developed human being he’s a blessing to be around.” Julie and  John always make a daily visit to their garden. On Sundays, they spend time camping in a 2-person chaise lounge where Julie enjoys catching up on her reading. They also explore the grounds on Julie’s electric scooter on other days, with John sitting on her lap.

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