Eartha Kitt: Singer, Actress, and Iconic Catwoman
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Eartha Kitt, born Eartha Mae Keith on January 17, 1927, in North, South Carolina, was an American singer, actress, and dancer renowned for her distinctive voice and captivating performances. Overcoming a challenging childhood, Kitt rose to international fame with hits like "Santa Baby" and iconic roles such as Catwoman in the 1960s Batman series, earning acclaim across stage, screen, and music.
Kitt's Early Life and Struggles
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Eartha Kitt's early life was marked by significant hardship and adversity. Born on a cotton plantation in South Carolina, she was the daughter of a Cherokee and African American mother and an unidentified white father. Abandoned by her mother at a young age, Kitt was left in the care of abusive relatives and forced to work in cotton fields. Her mixed-race heritage led to rejection and mistreatment from both black and white communities. At the age of eight, she moved to Harlem, New York, where she lived with an aunt and began to flourish. Despite these early challenges, Kitt's talent and determination propelled her to success, starting with her involvement in Katherine Dunham's dance troupe and later as a celebrated nightclub singer in Paris
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Eartha Kitt's Broadway Breakthrough and Hits
britannica.com
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 star
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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 style1
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. 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 history1
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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 entertainer1
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Kitt's Singing Career and Hits
britannica.com
Eartha Kitt's singing career was marked by her distinctive voice and a series of memorable hits that showcased her versatility and unique style. Below is a summary of her most notable achievements and top songs:
- Kitt's career began in the 1940s as a member of the Katherine Dunham Company, where she performed traditional and burlesque shows, eventually becoming fluent in multiple languages due to her extensive travels1.
- Her breakthrough came with the 1953 recordings of "C'est Si Bon" and the Christmas novelty song "Santa Baby," both of which became iconic hits23.
- Other notable songs include "Uska Dara" (1953), "I Want to Be Evil" (1953), "Under the Bridges of Paris" (1954), and "Just an Old Fashioned Girl" (1956)2.
- Kitt's ability to sing in seven languages and her captivating cabaret performances further solidified her reputation as a versatile and talented singer1.
- In the 1980s, she made a successful return to the music scene with the hit "Where Is My Man" (1983), which became a favorite in dance clubs2.
- Throughout her career, Kitt released numerous albums and live recordings, consistently showcasing her unique vocal style and theatrical flair13.
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Eartha Kitt's Legacy (Photos)
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Awards and Nominations
Eartha Kitt's illustrious career was recognized with numerous awards and nominations across various entertainment mediums. Below is a summary of her most notable accolades:
Kitt's achievements reflect her versatility and enduring impact on the entertainment industry, spanning from her early days on Broadway to her celebrated voice acting roles in animated films.
| Year | Award | Category | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Hollywood Walk of Fame | Star on the Walk of Fame | Recording 5 |
| 1966 | Primetime Emmy | Outstanding Single Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Drama | I Spy 1 5 |
| 1996 | Image Award (NAACP) | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series | Living Single 5 |
| 2000 | Tony Award | Best Featured Actress in a Musical | The Wild Party 3 |
| 2001 | Annie Award | Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting by a Female Performer in an Animated Feature Production | The Emperor's New Groove 5 |
| 2006 | DVDX Award | Best Animated Character Performance (Voice and Animation in a DVD Premiere Movie) | Kronk's New Groove 5 |
| 2007 | Daytime Emmy | Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program | The Emperor's New School 5 |
| 2008 | Daytime Emmy | Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program | The Emperor's New School 5 |
| 2010 | Daytime Emmy | Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program | Wonder Pets! (posthumously) 5 |
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Eartha Kitt's Film Roles
Eartha Kitt's filmography spans several decades and showcases her versatility as an actress. Below is a summary of her most notable film and television roles:
Kitt's roles ranged from dramatic performances in films like Anna Lucasta to memorable voice acting in animated features such as The Emperor's New Groove
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1954 | New Faces | Self |
| 1958 | St. Louis Blues | Gogo Germaine |
| 1958 | Anna Lucasta | Anna Lucasta |
| 1958 | The Mark of the Hawk | Renee |
| 1965 | The Rise and Fall of Synanon | Betty Coleman |
| 1975 | Friday Foster | Madame Rena |
| 1991 | Ernest Scared Stupid | Old Lady Hackmore |
| 1992 | Boomerang | Lady Eloise |
| 1993 | Fatal Instinct | First Trial Judge |
| 1996 | Harriet the Spy | Agatha K. Plummer |
| 2000 | The Emperor's New Groove | Yzma (voice) |
| 2003 | Holes | Madame Zeroni |
| 2005 | Kronk's New Groove | Yzma (voice) |
| 2007 | And Then Came Love | Mona |
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Eartha Kitt's Legacy
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Broadway Comeback and Voice Acting
nationaltoday.com
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 nomination
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. 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.5 sources
Activism and Controversy
people.com
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 areas
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. 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 Vietnam1
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. 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 States1
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. Despite this, Kitt continued to use her platform to advocate for peace and social justice, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her principles3
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Struggle and Family Bonds
blinkist.com
Eartha Kitt's personal life was marked by a profound struggle with her identity and an unrelenting search for her father's identity. Born to a Cherokee and African American mother and an unidentified white father, Kitt faced rejection and mistreatment from both black and white communities due to her mixed-race heritage
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. Her daughter, Kitt Shapiro, revealed that Kitt died without ever discovering her father's identity, a mystery compounded by a cover-up in the American Deep South that thwarted her attempts to obtain her birth certificate1
. This unresolved aspect of her past left a lasting scar, as Kitt carried the pain of rejection throughout her life1
. Despite these challenges, Kitt found solace and fulfillment in her relationship with her daughter. Shapiro noted that her arrival provided Kitt with a sense of family and completion that she had never experienced before, helping to heal some of the emotional wounds from her tumultuous past1
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Kitt Shapiro: Award-Winning Writer's Memoir
amazon.com
Eartha Kitt's daughter, Kitt Shapiro, has emerged as an award-winning writer, capturing the essence of her mother's life and legacy in her memoir, Eartha & Kitt: A Daughter's Love Story in Black & White. The book, a blend of memoir and cultural history, offers an intimate look at Eartha Kitt through the eyes of her daughter, revealing the personal and professional facets of the iconic entertainer. Shapiro's writing vividly brings to life Eartha's journey from a poverty-stricken childhood in South Carolina to international stardom, highlighting her resilience and strength. The memoir also delves into Eartha's profound impact on social issues, including racial equality and LGBTQ rights, and her enduring influence on contemporary artists. Shapiro's portrayal of her mother is both heartfelt and revealing, providing readers with a deeper understanding of Eartha Kitt's multifaceted persona and the strong bond they shared
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Closing Thoughts
Eartha Kitt's legacy as a gay rights ally and civil rights activist underscores her remarkable impact as a woman who transcended the challenges of her time. As a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage, Kitt viewed it as a fundamental civil right, advocating for equality and the recognition of partnerships
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. Her activism extended beyond LGBT rights, as she was deeply involved in various social causes, including youth advocacy and anti-war efforts1
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. Kitt's resilience and determination as a single mother and a pioneering figure in the entertainment industry during the 20th and 21st centuries continue to inspire and resonate with new generations1
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Related
How did Eartha Kitt's activism influence her career
What were Eartha Kitt's contributions to the Civil Rights Movement
How did Eartha Kitt's views on same-sex marriage impact her public image
What were the reactions to Eartha Kitt's speech at the White House luncheon
How did Eartha Kitt's work with underprivileged youths reflect her broader activism
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