Eartha Kitt | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 17, 2024

Who is Eartha Kitt?

Eartha Kitt was a renowned American singer, actress, dancer, and civil rights activist, celebrated for her distinctive voice and captivating stage presence. Born on January 17, 1927, in North, South Carolina, she faced a challenging childhood marked by abandonment and racial discrimination. Kitt's journey to fame began in New York City, where she honed her talents at the New York School of Performing Arts and later joined Katherine Dunham’s dance troupe. Moving to Paris in the early 1950s, she achieved fame as a nightclub singer before transitioning back to the U.S., where she excelled in film, theater, and television, notably in her iconic role as Catwoman in the TV series Batman.

Throughout her illustrious career, Kitt made significant contributions to music and film, with her 1953 holiday classic "Santa Baby" becoming a timeless hit. She earned critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Anna Lucasta. Kitt was not only known for her artistic talents but also for her candid personality and fearlessness in addressing social issues, particularly her outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War. This controversial stance had repercussions on her career, leading to a challenging period during which she performed primarily abroad. Nonetheless, she enjoyed a resurgence in the late 1970s with her Tony-nominated role in Timbuktu! and continued to captivate audiences until her passing on December 25, 2008, from colon cancer.

Early Life and Education

Eartha Kitt was born in North, South Carolina, in 1927, facing a challenging early life. Abandoned by her mother, Kitt was raised by relatives who subjected her to mistreatment. Her mixed heritage, with a white father and an African American and Cherokee mother, left her vulnerable to bullying and social ostracism. This tumultuous upbringing can be linked to her later fierce independence and determination, which would shape her iconic public persona.

At the age of 8, Kitt moved to New York City to live with her aunt, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. She enrolled in the New York School of Performing Arts, where she produced remarkable talent. By 16, Kitt won a scholarship to study with the renowned choreographer Katherine Dunham, eventually joining Dunham's dance troupe for tours. Kitt's time in Paris established her as a celebrated nightclub singer, leading to her discovery by the illustrious Orson Welles, who deemed her "the most exciting woman alive" and cast her in his production of Dr. Faustus.

Career Highlights: Rise to Fame in Music and Film

Eartha Kitt's ascent in the entertainment industry began with her remarkable debut in the Broadway review New Faces of 1952, where she captivated audiences with her performance of "Monotonous." This exposure opened the door for her music career, leading to the release of her first album in 1954, which featured iconic tracks such as "I Want To Be Evil" and "C'est Si Bon." However, it was her sultry rendition of "Santa Baby" that became a lasting holiday classic, solidifying her place in the music world and showcasing her unique vocal talent and alluring stage presence.

Transitioning seamlessly between the stage and screen, Kitt gained prominence in films as well. She starred opposite Nat King Cole in the W. C. Handy biopic "St. Louis Blues" (1958) and earned critical acclaim for her role in "Anna Lucasta," which garnered her an Academy Award nomination. Her portrayal of the seductive and cunning Catwoman in the 1960s television series "Batman" further cemented her status as a pop culture icon. Kitt's impactful performances and distinctive voice made her a memorable figure in both music and film, allowing her to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape.

Catwoman and Controversial Comments on Vietnam War

Eartha Kitt, celebrated for her sultry voice and captivating performances, is perhaps most well-known for her role as Catwoman in the iconic 1960s television series "Batman." Taking over the role from Julie Newmar, Kitt's portrayal was marked by her unique charm and striking presence. Despite only appearing in a handful of episodes, her electric interpretations of the villainess solidified her place in pop culture. Her feline grace and distinctive vocal delivery added a memorable allure to the character, allowing Kitt to resonate with audiences long after the series concluded. Today, her performance remains a hallmark of her illustrious career.

However, Eartha Kitt's journey was not without its challenges. In 1968, her unfiltered opinions during a White House luncheon with Lady Bird Johnson, in which she vocally expressed her discontent with the Vietnam War, resulted in significant backlash. Kitt's comments highlighted the struggle of sending young men to fight while societal problems in America persisted, sparking controversy in a setting where such sentiments were unwelcome. The fallout from this bold statement led to a decline in her popularity, forcing her to seek opportunities predominantly overseas for several years. Despite these setbacks, Kitt's resilience and talent led to a revival of her career in later years, showcasing her indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.

Final Years and Lasting Legacy

Eartha Kitt's tenacity and passion for her craft remained evident throughout her later years. Even into her 70s, she maintained an intensive work schedule, captivating audiences with her performances. In 2000, she received a Tony Award nomination for her role in the Broadway show "The Wild Party", showcasing her enduring talent. Kitt also found success in children's entertainment, winning a Daytime Emmy Award for her vocal contributions to the animated series "The Emperor's New School", adding another layer to her already multifaceted career.

Despite facing health challenges, including a diagnosis of colon cancer in 2006, Kitt continued to charm her audience with her cabaret performances at New York's Café Carlyle. Her magnetic presence and distinctive voice ensured that she remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Kitt's legacy extends beyond her iconic roles; she broke barriers for artists of mixed heritage and used her platform to address social issues. Eartha Kitt passed away on December 25, 2008, leaving behind a rich legacy in music, film, and theatrical performance.

Personal Life: Marriage, Kids, and Relationships

Eartha Kitt's personal life was as captivating and complex as her career. She was married to musician John Williams in 1960, a union that lasted for a decade before it ended in divorce in 1965. Their relationship was marked by intense passion and creativity, although it struggled under the weight of Kitt's rising fame and demanding career. Despite their split, she and Williams remained on amicable terms, and he often supported her artistic pursuits.

Kitt had one daughter, Kitt McDonald, born in 1961. Kitt was fiercely protective of her daughter and worked hard to provide a stable environment for her amid the chaos of Hollywood. She often spoke about the challenges of motherhood while maintaining her professional life, emphasizing that family was one of her highest priorities. Kitt's relationship with her daughter became a source of inspiration that greatly influenced her performances and her approach to art.

Net Worth and Earning: How She Made Her Fortune

Eartha Kitt, the multifaceted star known for her captivating voice and dynamic performances, amassed considerable wealth throughout her illustrious career. Her financial success primarily stemmed from her work in the music industry, with hits such as "Santa Baby" and "I Want To Be Evil" becoming timeless classics. Kitt's recording career took off after her breakthrough in the Broadway review "New Faces of 1952," leading to numerous albums that sold well over the years. By the time of her passing, her estimated net worth was in the range of several million dollars, reflecting both her musical successes and her impact on theater and television.

In addition to her musical endeavors, Kitt earned substantial income through her roles in film and television. Her iconic portrayal of Catwoman in the 1960s series "Batman" remains a highlight of her career, bolstering her fame as an actress. Kitt also found success on Broadway, notably earning a Tony Award nomination for her performance in "Timbuktu!" in the late 1970s. Beyond her artistic roles, Kitt’s powerful presence and candidness in public discourse contributed to her unique persona, further solidifying her legacy in entertainment and ensuring ongoing revenue through performances and re-releases of her work.