Back in Time Today
They schemed, seduced, and stole every scene they were in—and they did it all with jaw-dropping style. The 1960s gave us a golden era of television where even the “bad girls” lit up the screen with old Hollywood glam and timeless allure. These villainesses didn’t just stir up drama—they made it look good. Here are 12 of the most stunning female TV villains from the ’60s you may have forgotten were absolutely dazzling.
1. Number Two (Various Actresses)
The constantly rotating role of Number Two included several women who ruled with icy precision. Mary Morris stood out with a hauntingly chic authority in a role that redefined power and poise.
Each actress brought a unique flair to Number Two, making the character both unpredictable and intriguing. Their performances were marked by a blend of elegance and ruthlessness, captivating audiences with every episode.
Mary Morris, in particular, left a lasting impression with her commanding presence and stylish demeanor. The role of Number Two remains a testament to the captivating power of enigmatic villainesses.
2. Miss Giddens (Deborah Kerr)
Though best known for the film, Kerr’s eerie role inspired many ‘60s Gothic TV tropes. Her beauty contrasted chillingly with the darker undertones of possession and suspicion.
Miss Giddens was a character wrapped in mystery, her intentions as shadowy as the settings she inhabited. Deborah Kerr’s performance was both haunting and entrancing, capturing the audience’s imagination with her nuanced portrayal.
Her ability to convey both vulnerability and menace in equal measure made Miss Giddens a standout character, influencing gothic storytelling in television. The chilling allure of her presence lingered long after the screen faded to black.
3. Angelique Bouchard (Lara Parker)
This witch didn’t need a broomstick—just piercing eyes and hypnotic beauty. Her romantic vengeance as Barnabas Collins’ scorned lover made her a dangerous delight.
Angelique’s presence was a blend of ethereal charm and dark magic. Her love turned to revenge was both captivating and chilling, making her a complex character on ‘Dark Shadows.’
Lara Parker’s portrayal brought depth to Angelique, transforming her into a timeless icon of supernatural villainy. Her ability to enchant and ensnare made her one of the most memorable characters in the series.
4. Barbara Bain as Cinnamon Carter
Barbara Bain’s Cinnamon Carter was a villain with a twist, a character whose allure and intelligence made her a captivating presence in the spy world. As part of the Mission: Impossible team, she operated in shades of gray, balancing her charm with a keen sense of strategy. Bain’s portrayal brought depth to a role traditionally dominated by men, offering a fresh perspective on what a villain could be.
Her ability to switch personas, from a seductress to a strategist, showcased her versatility and made her a formidable opponent. Bain’s Emmy-winning performance elevated the character, making Cinnamon Carter an unforgettable icon of 1960s television.
Did you know? Barbara Bain was the first actress to win three consecutive Emmys for Best Dramatic Actress, thanks to her role in Mission: Impossible.
5. Catwoman (Julie Newmar)
Sleek, sly, and dripping in black leather, Julie Newmar’s Catwoman pounced onto the screen with feline finesse. Her sultry purr and deadly charm made her a villain you secretly rooted for. With each calculated move, she captivated viewers, blending seduction with criminal genius. Her iconic performance redefined villainy with a glamorous twist.
Catwoman’s allure was undeniable; she exuded both danger and elegance. The contrast between her sharp claws and graceful movements held audiences spellbound. Julie Newmar’s portrayal became the gold standard for villainesses, setting a high bar for those who followed. Her feline grace was truly unforgettable.
6. Madame Marova (Diana Rigg-style archetype)
Though not Diana Rigg herself, multiple one-off villains tried to match her leather-clad mystique. These femmes fatales often looked like they belonged in a Bond film.
Madame Marova was a character of intrigue and sophistication, her presence marked by an enigmatic allure. Her style and cunning made her a formidable opponent in ‘The Avengers.’
The role showcased the timeless appeal of a well-dressed villainess, blending espionage with elegance. Madame Marova’s portrayal remains a highlight of the series, embodying the classic allure of spy dramas.
7. Lara Parker as Angelique (Dark Shadows)
Lara Parker’s portrayal of Angelique in “Dark Shadows” brought a bewitching allure to the screen. With her piercing gaze and elegant demeanor, Angelique was both captivating and chilling. Her complex relationship with protagonist Barnabas Collins added depth and intrigue to the storyline.
Parker’s performance was a masterful blend of vulnerability and menace. Angelique’s ability to enchant and terrify in equal measure made her a standout character in the series.
Did you know? Lara Parker was just 28 years old when she took on this iconic role, cementing her place in TV history.
8. Dr. Loveless’ Assistant Antoinette (Phoebe Dorin)
She wasn’t just the musical companion to Dr. Loveless—Antoinette often assisted in his diabolical schemes. With her elegant style and mysterious aura, she added unexpected glamour to villainy.
Antoinette’s presence on screen was both enchanting and sinister. Her poised demeanor and cunning intellect made her a force to be reckoned with. As she played her melodies, one couldn’t help but be drawn into her web of intrigue.
Phoebe Dorin’s portrayal infused the character with a unique blend of sophistication and menace, ensuring Antoinette remained a memorable part of ‘The Wild Wild West.’ She was a true enigma.
9. Dr. Cassandra Spellcraft (Ida Lupino)
Ida Lupino played a psychedelic sorceress with flair. Her colorful costume and hypnotic stare gave Batman yet another beautiful brainiac to battle.
Dr. Cassandra Spellcraft was a character of whimsy and intellect, her magical prowess matched only by her vibrant personality. Ida Lupino’s performance brought a delightful eccentricity to the role.
Her unique blend of charm and cunning added a new dimension to Batman’s roster of villains, making her an unforgettable adversary. Dr. Cassandra Spellcraft’s enchanting presence left a lasting impression on the series.
10. Cloris Leachman – The Twilight Zone (“It’s a Good Life”)
In a chilling performance, Leachman was stunning and subdued as a terrified mother under supernatural control—her quiet dread made her unforgettable.
Her character’s fear was palpable, drawing viewers into a tense narrative where the ordinary became extraordinary. Cloris Leachman’s portrayal was both haunting and memorable.
Her ability to convey a deep-seated terror with subtlety and grace added a poignant depth to the episode. This performance remains a highlight of ‘The Twilight Zone,’ showcasing Leachman’s exceptional talent and versatility as an actress.
11. Magda Gabor – Burke’s Law
Yes, one of the glamorous Gabor sisters played a killer in this stylish detective series. Dripping in diamonds and flirtation, she played deadly with a wink.
Magda Gabor’s character was the epitome of elegance and danger, her every move calculated with charm. Her performance added a layer of sophistication to ‘Burke’s Law.’
Her portrayal of a glamorous villainess was both captivating and deadly, leaving audiences enthralled. Magda Gabor’s presence on screen was a testament to the allure of combining beauty with malice.
12. Rowena (Anne Francis) – The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Anne Francis’ cool blonde beauty and espionage flair made her a standout in a show already brimming with Cold War chic.
Rowena’s character was a blend of sophistication and cunning, her every move a calculated step in the world of espionage. Anne Francis brought depth and charisma to the role.
Her portrayal added a layer of intrigue and elegance to ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,’ making Rowena an unforgettable character. The combination of beauty and brains made her a standout villainess of the era.