Early Years
Yvonne Joyce Craig was born in in Taylorville Illinois, on May 16, 1937. She spent most of her adolescence living in Columbus, Ohio, but moved to Dallas Texas with her family in 1951.
During this time she became very interested in ballet. She applied and was accepted to Ballet Russe De Monte Carlo as its youngest corps de ballet member. At 20 she left the ballet company over creative differences and moved to Los Angeles to continue her career in dance.
Late 1950’s TV
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, instead of being employed as a dancer Craig found herself pursuing acting roles in both movie and in television. Her earliest roles on television included an episode of Perry Mason and Mr. Lucky. She also appeared on Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (she would appear on this show 5 times between 1959 and 1962, as a different character each time). She also starred in the movie Gidget during this time.
Movies and Marriage in the Early 1960’s
In 1960 Craig married Jimmy Boyd, famous for singing the song “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”. Two years later they divorced. Her 2 biggest roles during this time were High Time opposite Bing Crosby and Seven Women From Hell with future Batman co-star Cesar Romero.
Fit For A King
After her divorce, Craig began dating Elvis Presely. Their relationship lasted for a year and a few months in 1962-3. While dating, they starred in 2 movies together: Kissin’ Cousins and It Happened At The World’s Fair. Many banana and peanut butter sandwiches were enjoyed during filming.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEwQ6ZyMn_s
Batgirl
After guest starring in episode of The Wild Wild West and Man From U.N.C.L.E. Craig was cast in her most famous role, Batgirl on Season 3 of Batman. A much larger, recurring part than her previous forays into television, Batgirl was the daughter of Commissioner Gordon who would dress up as Batgirl and help Batman and Robin fight crime.
Other Roles
After Batman was cancelled following its 3rd season, Craig starred in her second most famous role, a green skinned Orion slave girl in the Star Trek episode “Whom Gods Destroy”. She also appeared in episodes of: Love American Style, Kentucky Jones, It Takes a Thief, The Mod Squad, Kojak and Emergency! and The Six Million Dollar Man.
Life After Acting
Eventually Craig left the lights of Tinseltown to pursue a career in real estate. In 1988 she married Kenneth Aldrich. Craig died at age 78 at her home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, on August 17, 2015, from breast cancer.
