At 88, Lee Meriwether Has ‘Aged So Gracefully’ After Finding True Love With Second Husband While Doting On Daughters & Grandchild

Jul 27, 2023

Lee Meriwether is a captivating actress with a timeless charm whose career spanned several decades. Born on May 27, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, Meriwether's journey into the limelight began at an early age. With her beauty, poise and natural charisma, she won several beauty pageants in her youth, including the title of Miss California in 1954. The following year, she made history by being crowned Miss America 1955. Meriwether later told the Los Angeles Times that she didn't expect to win the pageant and ended up using her prize money to study with famed acting teacher Lee Strasberg after deciding to pursue acting.

Meriwether's striking looks and undeniable talent caught the attention of Hollywood executives, leading to her first significant acting opportunity. She made her film debut in 1959's "4D Man," where her onscreen presence drew critical acclaim. However, it was her role as Catwoman in the 1966 "Batman: The Movie" that truly launched her into the realm of stardom. Her portrayal of the iconic feline villainess became an instant classic, and fans still regard her performance with admiration and fondness.

Throughout her career, Meriwether showcased her acting prowess in a diverse range of roles. She displayed her dramatic skills in films like "The Undefeated" and "Angel in My Pocket," earning praise for her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters. 

However, it was on television that Meriwether cemented her presence in the hearts of millions. Besides her iconic portrayal of Catwoman in the "Batman" series, she graced the small screen in several successful shows. Notably, she played Betty Jones in the long-running series "Barnaby Jones," a role that earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She’s also fondly remembered for her roles in “The Time Tunnel,” “Mission Impossible” and “The Love Boat.”

Meriwether's legacy in the entertainment industry continued to shine brightly well after the 80s. In 1996, she took over the role of Ruth Martin from Mary Fickett on the popular soap opera “All My Children.” Even as she entered her 70s in the 2000s, Meriwether continued to book film, television and voiceover roles, as well as take part in stage plays. This carried on into the 2010s when she appeared in guest roles in popular television shows, such as “Desperate Housewives” and “Hawaii Five-O.” 

As such a stunning woman, speculation about Meriwether’s romantic life was rife in her younger years. In the 1950s, rumors abounded that she and Joe DiMaggio, the ex-baseball player famously divorced from Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe, were in a romantic relationship. The speculation turned out to be untrue, and by the end of the decade, Meriwether would walk down the aisle with somebody else.

Meriwether’s first marriage was to actor Frank Aletter in 1958. The couple had two daughters together before their marriage ended in divorce in 1974. Back then, their relationship garnered some media attention due to both being public figures in the entertainment industry.

After her divorce from Frank, Meriwether remained single for more than a decade before she finally met the love of her life. In Marshall Borden, a writer, producer, and director, Meriwether found the partner she had been searching for for so long, and the pair wed in 1986. Although they have no biological children together, they are enjoying a long-lasting marriage with more than three decades together.

Meriwether’s two daughters from her previous marriage also pursued careers in the entertainment industry. Her eldest, Kyle Aletter-Oldham, is an actress and mother of one, making Meriwether a grandmother. Her second daughter, Lesley Aletter, is a stuntwoman.

Meriwether appears in no rush to slow down if her Instagram is anything to go by. While we may be seeing less and less of her onscreen, Meriwether is still a constant feature at conventions and special events across the United States. In 2016, Meriwether took a stroll down memory lane when she participated in the year’s Miss California event, the very same one she had won many moons ago. She is also a staple at comic conventions, particularly featuring “Batman,” and posed with Kevin Smith at the 2016 Los Angeles Comic Con as well as with Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales and Phil Morris at another convention in 2017. 

Meriwether is also a doting mother to her two daughters, who often take to social media to pay tribute to their famous mom on special occasions. On Mother’s Day in May 2022, Lesley shared an adorable photo with her and her mother on the red carpet and captioned it:

“Can't be with momma today, but wanted to wish her a Happy Mothers Day to the world. 💐💝 #happymothersday #momma #bestmom #heartofgold #loveofmylife.”

Kyle also posted a lengthy tribute to her mom on her 88th birthday in May 2023 alongside a jaw-droppingly stunning portrait of Meriwether. She described her mom as a hard worker who “would sign autographs for 8 hours at conventions.” Kyle added that while “things have slowed a bit… she still loves tv.”

“She is exactly who she seems to be. She ALWAYS leads with kindness. She turned 88 today. I am so impressed by alllll the jobs she has had,” Kyle wrote. 

In an interview with AARP in 2013, Meriwether opened up about her seemingly unwavering energy. When asked whether she had any desire to slow down, she responded, “Oh no, it's fun. I love it.” In response to another question about how she manages to stay so invigorated and youthful, she explained:

“It's genes. My mother looked great at 96.”

She added that “it helps to have a good feeling about people. The laugh line is going to be there whether you like it or not, so keep it there — keep it in a laugh line.”

She also once revealed her go-to beauty product as “anything Estée Lauder makes.”

She added: “I’ve worn them for years. I remember finally being able to afford Estée Lauder when I was pregnant. I was saving money for it and I thought, ‘I'm going to take care of my skin while pregnant.’ Somebody told me it was good time to get in the habit of taking care of your skin while pregnant. As far as make-up, Kevin Aucoin has a great line.”

She also said she likes going to the gym and goes “regularly about three times a week.” 

“I have to stay strong otherwise I wouldn't be able to do half the things I'm doing,” she added.

Her efforts appear to have paid off, as fans everywhere have praised her for her radiant look. One fan commented:

“Lee has always been such a beautiful, elegant woman and carries herself so well. I sure wish the young ladies of today would aspire to this level of class and sophistication. I also love the fact she didn't go the plastic surgery route and she has aged so gracefully. She's a true, natural beauty both inside and out.”

What are your thoughts about Lee Meriwether’s eventful life and career? Don’t you think she looks just as stunning now as she did in her heyday? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to family and friends who’d love to read about what the star is up to these days!