The 1960s was a golden age for television, and with it came a wave of stunning, enigmatic femme fatales who captivated audiences. These women weren’t just beautiful—they were smart, sophisticated, and often dangerous, adding intrigue to every show they appeared in. Whether they were cunning spies, alluring villains, or mysterious love interests, they had a way of leaving both the leading men and the viewers completely mesmerized. Their charm, confidence, and striking looks made them unforgettable, and even decades later, they remain some of the most iconic figures in television history.
1. Diana Rigg as Emma Peel (The Avengers)
Diana Rigg’s Emma Peel wasn’t just gorgeous—she was effortlessly cool, witty, and could hold her own in a fight. As the stylish and sharp-witted partner of John Steed, she redefined what it meant to be a femme fatale. Whether she was taking down enemies with martial arts or delivering biting one-liners, she had a magnetic presence that kept audiences hooked. Her mod fashion, complete with leather catsuits and high boots, made her a fashion icon as well as a television legend. According to Remind, a new Diana Rigg biography will give more details about Rigg’s remarkable life.
Peel wasn’t just eye candy—she was an equal to her male counterpart, breaking the mold of the typical damsel in distress. Her intelligence and physical prowess made her one of the first true action heroines on television. Diana Rigg’s natural charisma made Emma Peel the perfect combination of brains, beauty, and danger. Even today, she remains one of the most influential femme fatales in television history.
2. Julie Newmar as Catwoman (Batman)
Julie Newmar’s Catwoman was the ultimate feline temptress, purring her way through Gotham with a mix of seduction and menace. With her sleek black catsuit and sultry voice, she had Batman (and viewers) completely under her spell. She played the character with a playful yet dangerous charm, making it impossible to tell whether she truly wanted to defeat Batman—or romance him. Her chemistry with Adam West’s Caped Crusader made their scenes together electric. It’s no surprise, given Newmar’s fascinating rise to fame, as outlined by Television Academy.
Newmar’s version of Catwoman became the definitive one for many fans, thanks to her perfect balance of elegance and mischief. Whether she was plotting a heist or flirting with Batman, she always seemed to be in complete control. Her confidence and smoldering looks made her one of the most unforgettable femme fatales of the era. Few villains have ever made being bad look so good.
3. Barbara Bain as Cinnamon Carter (Mission: Impossible)
Barbara Bain’s Cinnamon Carter was more than just a pretty face—she was an essential member of the Mission: Impossible team. As a master of disguise and manipulation, she used her beauty and intelligence to outwit enemies in high-stakes espionage missions. Whether she was seducing a mark or slipping into a dangerous situation undetected, she always remained poised and elegant. Her role was groundbreaking, proving that a woman could be just as cunning and capable as her male counterparts. Bain’s own disposition has been described by NBC10 Philadelphia as positively exploding with energy.
Bain’s icy cool demeanor made her performances all the more compelling, giving Cinnamon a mysterious allure. She brought a level of sophistication and class to the show, elevating every scene she was in. It was no surprise that she won three consecutive Emmy Awards for the role. With her beauty, intelligence, and calm under pressure, Cinnamon Carter was the perfect femme fatale for the world of international espionage.
4. Anne Francis as Honey West (Honey West)
As one of television’s first female private detectives, Anne Francis’s Honey West was both glamorous and deadly. She could take down bad guys with judo moves, charm her way into exclusive parties, and outwit criminals—all while looking flawless. With her cat-print outfits and pet ocelot, she had a style all her own, setting her apart from the typical TV heroines of the time. Her confidence and independence made her a trailblazer for women in action roles.
Honey West wasn’t just a beauty—she was smart, resourceful, and fearless. Anne Francis played her with a mix of sass and sophistication, making her a standout character in an era when female leads were still rare. Though the show only lasted one season, it left a lasting impression. Decades later, Honey West remains a cult favorite, proving that femme fatales could be both fierce and fabulous.
5. Zsa Zsa Gabor as Erika Tiffany-Smith (Gilligan’s Island)
Zsa Zsa Gabor brought her signature glamour and European charm to Gilligan’s Island as Erika Tiffany-Smith, a wealthy socialite who turned heads the moment she arrived. With her elegant outfits, diamond-studded accessories, and unmistakable accent, she was the very definition of sophistication. Unlike the rest of the castaways, Erika didn’t seem too concerned about being stranded—she was more interested in pursuing the Professor. Her flirtatious yet self-absorbed nature made for a hilarious contrast against the logical and reserved scientist.
6. Yvonne Craig as Batgirl (Batman)
Yvonne Craig brought an extra dose of excitement to Batman as Barbara Gordon, the Commissioner’s daughter who secretly fought crime as Batgirl. With her bright purple costume, fiery red hair, and undeniable confidence, she was a scene-stealer every time she appeared. Unlike some of the damsels in distress in other ’60s shows, Batgirl didn’t wait around to be rescued—she jumped right into action. Her martial arts skills and quick wit made her a force to be reckoned with, proving that she was just as capable as Batman and Robin.
Beyond her crime-fighting skills, Yvonne Craig had an irresistible charm that made her one of the most beloved characters on the show. Whether she was as Barbara Gordon or Batgirl, she exuded a mix of sophistication and playfulness that made her unforgettable. Her interactions with villains, especially the many femme fatales of Gotham, were always charged with intrigue and energy. Even though her time in the Batman series was brief, her legacy as one of the coolest and most stylish heroines of the 1960s lives on.
7. Carolyn Jones as Morticia Addams (The Addams Family)
Carolyn Jones redefined gothic glamour as Morticia Addams, the mysterious and mesmerizing matriarch of The Addams Family. With her long black gown, striking dark hair, and smoky voice, she exuded an eerie elegance that made her one of television’s most captivating femme fatales. Though she was a loving wife and mother, there was always a sense of mischief and danger about her, making her all the more fascinating. Her devotion to Gomez was unwavering, but there was no denying that Morticia could have any man wrapped around her finger if she so desired.
Jones’s portrayal of Morticia was equal parts seductive and sophisticated, making her one of the most iconic TV characters of all time. Her wit and intelligence made her more than just a beauty—she was a woman with depth, charm, and a dark sense of humor. Whether she was tending to her carnivorous plants or casting an icy glance at an uninvited guest, she commanded attention in every scene. Morticia Addams proved that femme fatales didn’t always have to be spies or criminals—they could be devoted, loving, and still have an air of mystery.
8. Lee Meriwether as Catwoman (Batman)
While Julie Newmar made Catwoman famous on TV, Lee Meriwether brought her own take on the role in Batman: The Movie (1966). With her piercing blue eyes and sleek cat suit, she embodied all the grace, intelligence, and cunning of the classic femme fatale. Her Catwoman was both elegant and unpredictable, keeping Batman guessing whether she was friend or foe. Meriwether brought a unique blend of sophistication and danger to the character, making her a memorable part of Batman’s rogues’ gallery.
Even outside of her turn as Catwoman, Meriwether continued to bring mystery and allure to television. She played secret agents, detectives, and scheming villains throughout the ’60s and ’70s, proving her versatility as a femme fatale. Her ability to switch from charm to menace with just a glance made her a favorite among fans of the genre. Whether as Catwoman or another sultry, enigmatic character, Lee Meriwether always left an impression.
9. Barbara Eden as Jeannie (I Dream of Jeannie)
Barbara Eden made magic—literally—as Jeannie, the playful, mischievous genie in I Dream of Jeannie. While she often used her powers to help (or frustrate) Major Nelson, there was always a hint of mystery behind her bright smile. Jeannie’s charm wasn’t just in her ability to grant wishes—it was in the way she effortlessly wrapped everyone around her finger. Whether she was playfully teasing or flashing her dazzling eyes, she had a way of leaving viewers spellbound.
Unlike the traditional femme fatale, Jeannie wasn’t scheming or dangerous—but she did have a sly, unpredictable side that made her irresistible. She could manipulate situations to get what she wanted, often leading to comedic but clever outcomes. Eden’s performance was filled with warmth and charm, making Jeannie one of the most beloved female characters of the decade. With her flowing harem outfit and undeniable charisma, she remains one of the most iconic television beauties of all time.
10. Elizabeth Montgomery as Serena (Bewitched)
While Elizabeth Montgomery was best known for playing the sweet and lovable Samantha in Bewitched, she also played her alter ego—Serena, the troublemaking, free-spirited witch. Unlike Samantha, who tried to live a normal suburban life, Serena fully embraced her powers and had no interest in following the rules. With her dark hair, sparkling eyes, and playful grin, she was the rebellious femme fatale of the supernatural world. Every time she appeared, chaos—and a little bit of flirtation—was sure to follow.
Montgomery clearly had a blast playing Serena, and it showed in every scene. She brought an energy and wildness to the character that made her a standout, often stealing the show from Samantha. Serena had no problem using her magic to stir up trouble, whether it was turning people into animals or manipulating situations to her advantage. She was the perfect mix of beauty, mischief, and power—everything a great femme fatale should be.
11. Stefanie Powers as April Dancer (The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.)
As a female counterpart to The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Stefanie Powers’ April Dancer brought beauty, brains, and martial arts skills to the world of espionage. She was an international spy who could hold her own against any villain, proving that femme fatales weren’t just dangerous—they could be heroes too. With her stylish wardrobe, quick wit, and undeniable charm, she gave the spy genre a much-needed feminine touch. Powers’ performance made April Dancer a standout character, even if the show itself was short-lived.
12. Nancy Kovack as Nona (Star Trek)
Nancy Kovack was a standout femme fatale of the 1960s, appearing in various TV shows, but one of her most memorable roles was as Nona in Star Trek. In the episode A Private Little War, she played the seductive yet manipulative wife of a tribal leader on a war-torn planet. Using her beauty, intelligence, and cunning, she tried to influence Captain Kirk and others to gain power for herself. With her exotic wardrobe, hypnotic presence, and a deep understanding of manipulation, she was the perfect sci-fi femme fatale.
Kovack had an uncanny ability to make any role magnetic, and Nona was no exception. She wasn’t just a love interest—she was a schemer, willing to use charm and deception to get what she wanted. Her portrayal of Nona made her one of the most fascinating one-time characters in Star Trek, proving that beauty and ambition could be a dangerous combination. Whether on Earth or in the final frontier, Kovack had a way of captivating audiences and leaving them wanting more.
