Eartha Kitt is an iconic American singer, actress, and activist, known for her distinctive voice and bold presence.
She achieved widespread fame with the 1953 holiday classic “Santa Baby” and her unforgettable role as Catwoman in the 1960s Batman television series.
During her career, she captivated audiences with her captivating voice, impressive performances, and ability to blend many genres and mediums—from Broadway to Hollywood and even voiceover.
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- Full name: Eartha Mae Keith
- Date of birth: January 17, 1927
- Age (as of 2008): 81 (deceased)
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: North, South Carolina, United States
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Singer, actor, dancer, activist
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
- Parents: Annie Mae Keith (mother); The father’s identity is unknown
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: John W. McDonald (married 1960–1965)
- Children: Kitt McDonald
- Relationship status: Divorced before death
- Religion: Christianity
- Ethnicity: African American and Cherokee
- Net worth: 4 million USD
Early life and education
Eartha Mae Keith was born on January 17, 1927 in a rural town in Northern South Carolina. Her mother, Annie Mae Keith, was of Cherokee and African descent, and her father was white, although his identity remains unclear.
Eartha’s early years were a difficult time. Her mother left her and her relatives to live with her boyfriend, causing Eartha to experience feelings of abandonment and abuse. At age 8, she was sent to live with a relative, Mamie Kitt, in Harlem, New York City.
There, Eartha began to rebuild her life, attending Metropolitan Vocational High School, which later became a performing arts high school. Her mixed-race heritage and upbringing in the segregated South profoundly shaped her identity and perspectives.
Personal life
Eartha Kitt married John W. McDonald, a real estate developer, on June 6, 1960. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1965. They had one child, Kitt McDonald, who later became a businesswoman and supported her mother’s legacy. Kitt’s relationships, like her career, are often subject to public scrutiny.
Known for her independent personality, she raised her daughter as a single mother, providing a stable and loving environment while continuing her challenging career. Eartha’s relationships outside of her marriage have remained largely private, reflecting her preference to focus on her family and professional life.
Career
Eartha Kitt’s career began in 1943 when she joined the Katherine Dunham Company, a famous dance troupe. Touring internationally, she became a popular performer in Paris nightclubs.
Her breakthrough moment came in 1952 with the 1952 Broadway play New Faces, where she performed songs such as “C’est Si Bon” and “Monotonous.”
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Kitt recorded hits such as “Santa Baby” and “I Want to Be Evil,” which highlighted her playful and provocative personality. In 1967, her role as Catwoman in the Batman television series showcased her unique charisma and snarling vocal style.
Kitt’s outspoken criticism of the Vietnam War at a 1968 White House luncheon led to a backlash among professionals in the United States, forcing her to focus on international performances.
She made her triumphant return to Broadway in the musical Timbuktu! in 1978, receiving a Tony Award nomination. In the years that followed, Kitt gained new fans as a voice actress, notably as Yzma in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove (2000), for which she won two Daytime Emmy Awards. .
prize
- Tony Award Nomination for Timbuktu! (1978) and Wild Party (2000)
- Two Daytime Emmy Awards for his role in the series The Emperor’s New Groove
- Posthumous Daytime Emmy Award for her guest role on Wonder Pets! (2010)
- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Net worth
Eartha Kitt’s net worth is estimated at $4 million. Her wealth comes from decades as a singer, actress and voice actress as well as international tours and Broadway shows.
Death
Eartha Kitt passed away on December 25, 2008, in Weston, Connecticut, at the age of 81. She died of colon cancer, surrounded by her daughter and close friends.
Argumentative
Eartha Kitt’s career has not been without controversy. Her most infamous moment came in 1968 at a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson. When asked his thoughts on the Vietnam War, Kitt expressed strong opposition, saying that the conflict was destroying families.
Her comments, although sincere, angered many political figures and led to the CIA filing a dossier labeling her a “sadistic nymphomaniac,” placing her on a blacklist from the entertainment industry. United States for many years.
Kitt also faced racial bias throughout her career, both as a performer and a biracial woman during the era of segregation. Despite these challenges, she remains unapologetic, using her platform to advocate for equality and justice. Her resilience in the face of adversity became an integral part of her lasting legacy.
Social Media
Cinema
- New Faces (1954)
- St. Louis Blues (1958)
- Anna Lucasta (1958)
- Boomerang (1992)
- The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
- Los (2003)
Record
- Santa Claus (1953)
- C’est Si Bon (1953)
- Just an Old-fashioned Girl (1956)
- Where’s My Man (1983)
Book
- The Fifth Child (1956)
- Confessions of a Sex Kitten (1989)
