Lee Meriwether is an American actress, former model, and winner of the 1955 Miss America pageant. She is best known for her role as Betty Jones, secretary and daughter-in-law to Buddy Ebsen’s character in the long-running 1970s crime drama television series, Barnaby Jones.
Lee Ann Meriwether was born on May 27, 1935, in Los Angeles, California. Her early life in Southern California positioned her close to the heart of the entertainment industry, paving the way for her future career in television and film.
Meriwether's rise to national prominence began when she was crowned Miss America in 1955. Her poise, beauty, and charisma quickly caught the attention of talent scouts, helping launch her career in Hollywood. This achievement marked the beginning of a successful transition from pageantry to screen acting.
Meriwether gained widespread recognition in the 1960s, cementing her status as a versatile and charismatic actress. One of her most notable roles was in Batman: The Movie (1966), in which she portrayed both the villainous Catwoman and her duplicitous alter ego, Miss Kitka. Her performance opposite Adam West’s Bruce Wayne added a unique flair to the live-action Batman legacy.
She went on to star as Dr. Ann MacGregor in Irwin Allen’s science fiction television series The Time Tunnel. Appearing in 30 episodes, her character was instrumental in monitoring and aiding two time travelers lost across historical events. In a notable 1967 episode titled “The Kidnappers,” Dr. MacGregor’s usual role at the time control base was interrupted when she was pulled into the future, showcasing Meriwether's acting range in a rare on-screen departure for her character.
Continuing her work in science fiction, Meriwether made a guest appearance in the acclaimed Star Trek original series episode, “That Which Survives.” Her performance contributed to the series' legacy of spotlighting strong female characters during a formative time in television history.
Throughout her career, Lee Meriwether earned a reputation for being a prominent figure in classic science fiction and television. Her roles in landmark series such as The Time Tunnel and Star Trek helped cement her place in genre television history. Additionally, her enduring popularity as Betty Jones in Barnaby Jones further demonstrated her ability to balance drama and charisma in a mainstream procedural series.
| Birth Date: | 27 May, 1935 |
| Age: | 84 yrs |
| Occupations: | Actor Voice actor Television actor Model Film actor |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Los Angeles |
| Education: | City College of San Francisco |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American actress, former model |
| Spouse: | Frank Aletter[1958-1974] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 2 million |
