Eartha Mae Kitt was a remarkable woman who rose from a humble and troubled childhood to become one of the most celebrated and versatile performers of the 20th century. She was a singer, dancer, actress, activist, and icon who captivated audiences with her distinctive voice, exotic beauty, and charismatic personality. In this blog post, we will explore some of the highlights of her life and legacy, and why she remains an inspiration for generations of artists and fans.
Eartha Mae Kitt was born on January 17, 1927, in North, South Carolina, to a Cherokee and African American mother and a white father she never knew. She was raised by relatives in Harlem, New York, where she endured poverty, abuse, and racism. She found solace in music and dance, and at the age of 16, she joined the renowned Katherine Dunham Company, touring the world as a dancer and singer. She learned several languages and developed a cosmopolitan outlook that would shape her career.
In 1950, Eartha Kitt made her acting debut in Paris, playing Helen of Troy in Time Runs, an adaptation of Faust directed by Orson Welles, who called her “the most exciting woman in the world”. She soon became a sensation in Europe and America, with her sultry renditions of songs like “C’est Si Bon”, “Santa Baby”, and “I Want to Be Evil”. She also starred in Broadway shows such as Mrs. Patterson (1954-55) and Shinbone Alley (1957), and films such as St. Louis Blues (1958) and Anna Lucasta (1959). She was praised for her originality, elegance, and wit, and became a symbol of glamour and sophistication.
In 1968, Eartha Kitt’s career suffered a major setback when she publicly criticized the Vietnam War at a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson. She was blacklisted by the entertainment industry and the government, and faced hostility from the public. She moved to Europe, where she continued to perform and record, but with less visibility and success. She later revealed that she had been under surveillance by the CIA for years, and that her outspokenness had cost her dearly.
In 1978, Eartha Kitt made a triumphant return to Broadway with the musical Timbuktu!, earning her first Tony Award nomination for her role as Shaleem-La-Lume. She also resumed her television and film career, most notably playing Catwoman in the third season of Batman (1967-68), and Yzma in The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) and its sequels. She received two Grammy Award nominations for her albums Back in Business (1994) and A Cabaret Christmas (1997), two Emmy Award nominations for her voice work on The Emperor’s New School (2006-08), and a second Tony Award nomination for her role as Dolores in The Wild Party (2000). She also became an activist for various causes, such as civil rights, LGBT rights, environmentalism, and children’s welfare.
Eartha Kitt died on December 25, 2008, at the age of 81, from colon cancer. She left behind a daughter, Kitt Shapiro, who runs a lifestyle brand inspired by her mother’s legacy. She also left behind a legacy of artistic excellence, cultural influence, and social courage that continues to inspire people around the world. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame , a plaque on the Wall of Fame at the Apollo Theater , and induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame . She was also awarded the Women’s International Center Living Legacy Award , the NAACP Image Award , and the Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal . She is widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of all time, and as a trailblazer for women and minorities in show business.
Eartha Mae Kitt was more than just a performer; she was a force of nature who defied conventions and expectations. She was a woman who lived by her own rules, who spoke her mind, who followed her heart. She was Eartha Kitt..