Julie Sommars built a distinguished television career spanning over three decades, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated following through memorable roles like Assistant District Attorney Julie March on Matlock [1.1.2] and Jennifer Jo Drinkwater on The Governor & J.J. [1.2.5]. Born in Fremont, Nebraska [1.1.1], and raised across Iowa and South Dakota [1.1.5], Sommars transitioned from competitive high school public speaking [1.1.2] into a prolific acting career in Hollywood during the golden age of network television. Unlike many stars who chased tabloid headlines, she maintained a grounded approach to her craft before stepping away from the screen in the mid-1990s to pursue public service [1.1.5].
Early Life and Entry into Acting
Long before she stepped onto a soundstage, Sommars demonstrated poise under pressure. In 1958, while living in South Dakota, she made headlines as the only female delegate across the 48 states to win her state division in the American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest [1.1.2]. That national exposure and public speaking background helped pave the way for her arrival in Los Angeles.
She made her television debut in 1960 at the age of nineteen on The Loretta Young Show [1.1.3]. Throughout the early 1960s, television casting directors frequently called upon her for guest spots in popular westerns and anthology series. She appeared in multiple episodes of Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Fugitive, and Perry Mason [1.2.3]. These early guest roles allowed her to hone her craft alongside seasoned television veterans, establishing a reputation for reliability and versatility.
Breakthrough Success: The Governor & J.J.
Sommars achieved major household recognition in the late 1960s when she landed the co-lead role in the CBS comedy series The Governor & J.J. [1.2.5]. Running from 1969 to 1970 [1.2.5], the show starred Dan Dailey as a widowed Midwestern governor, while Sommars played his bright, independent daughter, Jennifer Jo "J.J." Drinkwater [1.2.5], who frequently served as his unofficial advisor and foil. Additional reporting by Vanity Fair highlights similar perspectives on this issue.
The role resonated strongly with viewers during a time of shifting social norms, presenting a young woman who was witty, politically astute, and fiercely independent. Her performance earned widespread critical praise, culminating in a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 1970 [1.1.2].
Film Ventures and Diverse Television Roles
While television remained her primary artistic home, Sommars branched out into feature films and made-for-TV movies during the 1960s and 1970s.
Key cinematic and special projects included:
- The Great Sioux Massacre (1965): Played the female lead, Caroline Reno, opposite Joseph Cotten in this historical western [1.1.2].
- The Pad and How to Use It (1966): Starred alongside Brian Bedford in this contemporary comedy [1.1.2], which showcased her lighter comedic timing.
- Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (1977): Joined the beloved Disney franchise as Diane Darcy, starring opposite Dean Jones and Don Knotts in the third installment of the Love Bug series [1.1.2].
- Episodic Guest Stardom: Appeared in prominent hits of the era including The Rockford Files, McCloud, Fantasy Island, and Magnum, P.I. [1.2.2]
Defining the Legacy: ADA Julie March on Matlock
For a generation of legal drama fans, Sommars is best remembered as Assistant District Attorney Julie March on the NBC hit series Matlock [1.1.2]. Joining the cast in its second season in 1987 [1.1.5], she portrayed a sharp, professional prosecutor who frequently went toe-to-toe with Andy Griffith's folksy yet brilliant defense attorney, Ben Matlock.
The dynamic between Matlock and ADA March provided the series with intellectual spark and warm camaraderie. Viewers enjoyed the subtle chemistry and mutual professional respect between the characters, which kept audiences invested across 94 episodes [1.2.3]. This standout performance earned her a Primetime Emmy consideration trajectory and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress on Television in 1990 [1.1.2]. She remained a staple of the show through its primary run until 1994 [1.1.2].
Transition to Public Service and Later Life
After wrapping her work on Matlock and making a final guest appearance on Diagnosis: Murder in 1994 [1.2.3], Sommars stepped away from professional acting [1.1.5]. Rather than seeking out perpetual retirement leisure, she redirected her organizational talents and public-speaking background toward civic engagement in California [1.1.5].
During the 1990s, she served on the California Commission on Judicial Performance [1.1.2]. Building on that legal governance experience, Governor Gray Davis appointed her to the State Bar Board of Governors in May 2000, where she completed a rigorous three-year term overseeing professional standards within the legal community [1.1.2].
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Julie Sommars' biggest acting role?
Her most widely recognized television roles were Jennifer Jo Drinkwater in The Governor & J.J.—for which she won a Golden Globe—and Assistant District Attorney Julie March in Matlock, which earned her a second Golden Globe nomination [1.1.2].
Did Julie Sommars win any major awards?
Yes. She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 1970 for The Governor & J.J., and received a Golden Globe nomination in 1990 for her supporting work in Matlock [1.1.2].
When did Julie Sommars retire from acting?
She concluded her acting career in the mid-1990s, with her final credited television appearances occurring around 1994 [1.2.3]. Following her retirement from entertainment, she dedicated her time to civic and judicial public service boards in California [1.1.5].
Is Julie Sommars related to Andy Griffith?
No relation exists between them. Their professional association was strictly collaborative, stemming from their time portraying opposing legal counsel on the television series Matlock [1.1.2].
