Eartha Kitt

Pop Singer

Eartha Kitt was an American singer and actress known for her highly distinctive singing style and her 1953 recordings of "C'est si bon" and the Christmas novelty song "Santa Baby". Kitt began her career in 1942 and appeared in the 1945 original Broadway theatre production of the musical Carib Song.

Full Name

Eartha Mae Keith

Birthday

Jan 17, 1927

deathday

Dec 25, 2008

AGE

BORN

United States

BIrth SIGN

Capricorn

RElationship

Height

5′ 4″

Net Worth

$4M

About

Eartha Mae Kitt was born on January 17, 1927, in North, South Carolina. She was the daughter of Annima and Joseph Kitt, both of whom were African-American sharecroppers. Her parents separated when she was young and Eartha went to live with her grandmother in New York City. When she was 8 years old, her mother sent for her to come back home and she lived with her mother and stepfather in Harlem.

At 14 years old, Kitt began singing at the Apollo Theater and soon after started performing professionally as a singer. In 1943, Kitt auditioned for a spot in the Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe and got accepted. She toured with the troupe throughout Europe during World War II. During this time she made appearances on Broadway which led to her signing a recording contract with RCA Victor Records in 1951.

Kitt's career blossomed in the 1950s as she released many hit records such as "C'est Si Bon," "Uska Dara," and "Santa Baby." She also found success on television appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show multiple times. In 1967, Kitt was cast in the role of Catwoman on Batman making her the first African-American actress to play the iconic role. She also acted in numerous films including Boomerang!, Anna Lucasta and Stoungheart's Law among others.

In addition to acting and singing, Kitt was also an activist who spoke out against racism and poverty throughout her career. She even appeared before a Congressional Committee asking for changes to be made regarding Vietnam War policies. Throughout her life, Eartha Kitt won numerous awards including Tony Award nominations for Best Actress in musicals called Timbuktu! And The Wild Party. She passed away on December 25th 2008 at 81 years old from colon cancer but left behind an impressive legacy that will live on forever.

Life Timeline

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1927</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Eartha Kitt is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On January 17, 1927, Eartha Kitt was born in North, South Carolina.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1943</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Kitt Moves to New York City</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">At the age of 16, Kitt moves to New York City to pursue a career in show business.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1953</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Broadway Debut</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Kitt makes her Broadway debut in "New Faces of 1952." </p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1954</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Records & Releases "Santa Baby"</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Kitt records and releases her classic Christmas song "Santa Baby." </p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1967</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Kitt Becomes Catwoman on Batman Series</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Kitt lands role as Catwoman on ABC's Batman TV series. </p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1979</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Grammy Nomination</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Kitt is nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2008</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Death of Eartha Kitt</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On December 25, 2008, Kitt passes away at the age of 81.</p></div>

Why We Love Them

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> She was a Pioneer in the Music Industry</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Eartha Kitt was a pioneer in the music industry. She was one of the first African American singers to become successful in mainstream popular music, paving the way for many other artists who followed in her footsteps.</p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> Her Iconic Style</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Eartha Kitt had an iconic style that is still remembered today. Her unique voice and fashion sense made her stand out from her peers. She often wore outlandish costumes and had a wild hairstyle that added to her allure.</p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> She was an Activist</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Eartha Kitt was a passionate civil rights activist. She spoke up against racial and gender discrimination, and she was outspoken about injustice throughout her career. She used her fame and influence to promote social justice causes and inspire change.</p></div>

Interesting Facts

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Born in South Carolina</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Eartha Kitt was born on a cotton plantation in the town of North, South Carolina. Her parents were never married and she was adopted at an early age.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> First African American Actress to Play Catwoman</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Eartha Kitt became the first African American actress to portray Catwoman on the 1960s Batman TV series.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Broadway Star</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Eartha Kitt starred in numerous Broadway musicals, including "New Faces of 1952" and "The Wild Party". She also performed in Las Vegas and in USO tours.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Grammy Award Winner</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Eartha Kitt won two Grammy Awards, one for Best Spoken Word Album for "An Evening With Eartha Kitt" and one for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance for her album "Live at the Waldorf Astoria".</p></div>