Eartha Kitt's rise to fame began with her Broadway debut in the revue New Faces of 1952. Her standout performance in the show, particularly her rendition of "Monotonous," garnered significant attention and helped launch her career in the United States. The success of New Faces of 1952 led to a film adaptation in 1954, further cementing her status as a rising star2.

Kitt's recording career took off with the release of her first album in 1954, which included hits like "C'est Si Bon" and "I Want to Be Evil." However, it was her 1953 recording of "Santa Baby" that became a perennial holiday favorite, showcasing her distinctive voice and playful style13. These songs not only topped the charts but also solidified her reputation as a versatile and captivating singer.

In addition to her music career, Kitt made significant strides in film and television. She starred opposite Nat King Cole in the 1958 biopic St. Louis Blues and received an Academy Award nomination for her role in Anna Lucasta the following year1. However, one of her most iconic roles came in the 1960s when she portrayed the villainous Catwoman in the Batman television series. Her portrayal of Catwoman was marked by a unique blend of charm, wit, and seduction, making her a memorable character in the show's history134.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Kitt continued to build her career with various theater productions, television appearances, and hit recordings. Her ability to captivate audiences across different mediums showcased her immense talent and versatility as an entertainer13.

Eartha Kitt experienced a significant career resurgence in the 1970s, beginning with her triumphant return to Broadway in the musical Timbuktu! in 1978, which earned her a Tony Award nomination5. This marked the start of a new phase in her career, where she continued to captivate audiences with her theatrical performances. In the 1980s, she starred in the London West End production of Follies and later performed a one-woman show at the Shaftesbury Theatre to critical acclaim5. Kitt's versatility extended to voice acting, where she found a new generation of fans through her role as the villainous Yzma in Disney's The Emperor's New Groove (2000). Her performance was widely praised, earning her an Annie Award and two Daytime Emmy Awards for the subsequent series The Emperor's New School5. This period of her career highlighted her enduring talent and ability to reinvent herself across different entertainment mediums.

Eartha Kitt was deeply involved in social causes and civil rights activism throughout her career. In the 1950s and 1960s, she supported various initiatives, including the Kittsville Youth Foundation and the "Rebels with a Cause" group, which aimed to improve conditions for underprivileged youths in urban areas3. Her activism extended to her outspoken criticism of the Vietnam War, which culminated in a controversial incident at a White House luncheon in 1968. Invited by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, Kitt candidly expressed her views on the war's impact on American youth, stating that young people were rebelling and turning to drugs as a response to being drafted and sent to Vietnam145. Her remarks shocked the attendees and led to significant backlash, including being blacklisted by President Lyndon B. Johnson, which severely impacted her career in the United States14. Despite this, Kitt continued to use her platform to advocate for peace and social justice, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her principles34.