Eartha Kitt, American actress and singer (d. 2008)
Eartha Mae Keith, famously known as Eartha Kitt (January 17, 1927 – December 25, 2008), was an iconic American artist whose multifaceted career spanned decades, encompassing singing, acting, comedy, dance, and impactful activism. Renowned for her uniquely captivating and highly distinctive singing style—often described as a purring, sultry, and versatile vocal delivery—Kitt left an indelible mark on popular culture. Her voice, capable of spanning three octaves with effortless grace, made her a global sensation. Among her most celebrated recordings are the timeless 1953 hit "C'est si bon" and the perennial holiday classic "Santa Baby," which continues to charm audiences every Christmas season.
Her extraordinary charisma and talent were so profound that legendary filmmaker and actor Orson Welles, after discovering her performing with the Katherine Dunham Company in Paris, famously declared her "the most exciting woman in the world."
A Dynamic Career: From Dance to Broadway and Beyond
Kitt embarked on her illustrious career in 1942, initially joining the prestigious Katherine Dunham Company as a dancer, which provided her with a foundational background in performance and global exposure through touring. Her transition to Broadway saw her debut in the 1945 original production of the musical Carib Song, showcasing her emerging theatrical versatility.
The early 1950s marked her significant rise in the music industry, with six of her recordings charting within the US Top 30. These hits underscored her eclectic range and playful persona. Notable examples include the hauntingly beautiful rendition of the Turkish folk song "Uska Dara" and the mischievously charming "I Want to Be Evil." Her international appeal was further solidified by recordings such as the UK Top 10 song "Under the Bridges of Paris" (1954) and "Just an Old Fashioned Girl" (1956). Demonstrating remarkable longevity and adaptability, Kitt also achieved success much later with the dance-pop track "Where Is My Man" (1983), which became a popular club hit, introducing her to a new generation of fans.
Iconic Roles and Unwavering Activism
Beyond the stage and recording studio, Eartha Kitt captivated television audiences with her unforgettable portrayal of Catwoman in the third and final season of the iconic television series Batman in 1967. Her distinct purring voice and sleek, agile movements made her an unparalleled Catwoman, cementing her status as a cultural icon and a fan favorite interpretation of the character.
However, her career faced significant challenges in 1968 following a pivotal incident at a White House luncheon. During a "Women Doers" luncheon hosted by then-First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, Kitt bravely voiced her strong anti-Vietnam War sentiments, stating her belief that American youth were rebelling because they were being "snatched off from their mothers to be shot in Vietnam." This courageous, yet controversial, stance led to her being blacklisted in the United States, severely impacting her professional opportunities for nearly a decade and even resulting in surveillance by the CIA. This period highlighted her unwavering commitment to social justice, despite personal cost.
Resilient Comeback and Lasting Legacy
Despite the severe repercussions, Eartha Kitt's resilience shone through. A decade later, in 1978, she made a triumphant return to Broadway in the original production of the musical Timbuktu!, a role that earned her the first of her two prestigious Tony Award nominations. Her second nomination followed in 2000 for her compelling performance in the original production of the musical The Wild Party, further solidifying her enduring impact on musical theatre.
Kitt also shared her extraordinary life story and philosophical insights through three candid autobiographies: Thursday's Child (1956), Alone with Me (1976), and I'm Still Here (1989), offering invaluable perspectives on her journey and experiences.
A new generation discovered Eartha Kitt through her memorable voice acting roles, particularly as the delightfully villainous Yzma in the Disney animated film The Emperor's New Groove (2000). Her unique vocal delivery, perfectly embodying the eccentric and ambitious character, contributed significantly to Yzma becoming a beloved animated villain. She reprised the role in the direct-to-video sequel Kronk's New Groove (2005) and the animated series The Emperor's New School (2006–2008), for which she earned two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program. Additionally, she appeared in the live-action film Holes (2003).
Even after her passing, her legacy continued to be recognized. Eartha Kitt posthumously received a third Daytime Emmy Award in 2010 for her guest performance on the children's animated series Wonder Pets!, a testament to her timeless appeal and diverse contributions to entertainment across multiple mediums.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eartha Kitt
- What was Eartha Kitt's signature singing style?
Eartha Kitt was celebrated for her highly distinctive singing style, often characterized as a sultry, purring, and incredibly versatile vocal delivery. She possessed a remarkable three-octave vocal range, allowing her to effortlessly transition between playful, seductive, and dramatic tones, making her voice instantly recognizable.
- What are Eartha Kitt's most famous songs?
Among Eartha Kitt's most iconic and enduring recordings are the 1953 hits "C'est si bon" and the Christmas novelty song "Santa Baby," which remains a holiday classic. Other notable songs include "Uska Dara," "I Want to Be Evil," and the dance-pop track "Where Is My Man."
- Why was Eartha Kitt's career impacted in the late 1960s?
In 1968, Eartha Kitt's career in the U.S. significantly deteriorated after she made strong anti-Vietnam War statements during a "Women Doers" luncheon at the White House hosted by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Her outspoken criticism led to her being blacklisted and placed under surveillance by the CIA, severely limiting her professional opportunities for nearly a decade.
- Which iconic TV character did Eartha Kitt portray?
Eartha Kitt famously portrayed the iconic villain Catwoman in the third and final season of the popular 1960s television series Batman in 1967. Her unique voice, feline grace, and commanding presence made her portrayal a memorable and beloved interpretation of the character.
- What notable Disney character did Eartha Kitt voice?
Eartha Kitt voiced the delightfully villainous character Yzma in the highly acclaimed Disney animated film The Emperor's New Groove (2000). She reprised this role in the direct-to-video sequel Kronk's New Groove and the animated series The Emperor's New School, for which she earned multiple Emmy Awards.
- How many Emmy Awards did Eartha Kitt win?
Eartha Kitt won a total of three Daytime Emmy Awards. Two were for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for her voice work as Yzma in The Emperor's New School (in 2007 and 2008). She posthumously won a third Emmy in 2010 for her guest performance on the children's animated series Wonder Pets!.