****Eartha Kitt was an iconic American singer, actress, and activist renowned for her distinctive voice and bold presence.****
Eartha Kitt gained widespread fame with the 1953 holiday classic “Santa Baby” and her unforgettable portrayal of Catwoman in the 1960s Batman television series.
Over her career, she captivated audiences with her sultry vocals, striking performances, and ability to cross genres and mediums—from Broadway to Hollywood and even voice acting.
Eartha Kitt’s Character Profile
- Full name: Eartha Mae Keith
- Date of birth: January 17, 1927
- Age (as of 2008): 81 (deceased)
- Sex: Female
- Place of birth: North, South Carolina, USA
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Singer, actress, dancer, activist
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
- Parents: Annie Mae Keith (mother)
- Siblings: N/A
- Spouse: John W. McDonald (married 1960–1965)
- Children: Kitt McDonald
- Relationship status: Divorced at the time of death
- Religion: Christian
- Ethnicity: African-American and Cherokee
- Net worth: $4 million
Eartha Kitt’s Early Life & Education
Eartha Mae Keith was born on January 17, 1927, in a remote community in North South Carolina. Her mother, Annie Mae Keith, had Cherokee and African ancestry, but her father’s identity is unknown.
Eartha experienced adversity throughout her early years. Eartha’s mother abandoned her with relatives to live with her lover, resulting in neglect and abuse. At the age of eight, she was transferred to live with a relative, Mamie Kitt, in Harlem, New York City.
Eartha rebuilt her life by attending Metropolitan Vocational High School, now known as the High School of Performing Arts. Her mixed-race ancestry and upbringing in the segregated South greatly influenced her identity and outlook.
Eartha Kitt’s Personal Life
Eartha Kitt married real estate developer John W. McDonald on June 6, 1960. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1965. They had one child, Kitt McDonald, who eventually became an entrepreneur and supporter of her mother’s legacy. Kitt’s relationships, like her work, were often exposed to public scrutiny.
Known for her independence, she raised her daughter as a single mother, creating a secure and caring atmosphere while pursuing a hard job.Eartha prioritises her career and family life above her personal interactions outside of marriage.
Eartha Kitt’s Career
Eartha Kitt’s career began in 1943 when she joined the Katherine Dunham Company, a renowned dance troupe. Touring internationally, she became a celebrated performer in Parisian nightclubs.
Her breakout moment came in 1952 with the Broadway revue New Faces of 1952, where she performed songs such as “C’est Si Bon” and “Monotonous.”
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Kitt recorded hits like “Santa Baby” and “I Want to Be Evil,” highlighting her playful and provocative persona. In 1967, her portrayal of Catwoman in the television series Batman showcased her unique charisma and growling vocal style.
Kitt’s outspoken criticism of the Vietnam War during a White House luncheon in 1968 led to professional backlash in the United States, forcing her to focus on international performances.
She made a triumphant Broadway return in the 1978 musical Timbuktu!, earning a Tony Award nomination. In later years, Kitt gained new fans as a voice actor, notably as Yzma in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove (2000), for which she won two Daytime Emmy Awards.
Eartha Kitt’s Awards
- Tony Award nominations for Timbuktu! (1978) and The Wild Party (2000)
- Two Daytime Emmy Awards for her role in The Emperor’s New Groove franchise
- Posthumous Daytime Emmy Award for her guest role on Wonder Pets! (2010)
- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Eartha Kitt’s Net Worth
Eartha Kitt’s net worth is estimated at $4 million. Her fortune stemmed from decades of experience as a singer, actress, and voice actor, as well as foreign tours and Broadway appearances.
Eartha Kitt’s Death
Eartha Kitt died on December 25, 2008, in Weston, Connecticut, at the age of 81. She died from colon cancer while surrounded by her daughter and close friends.
Eartha Kitt’s Controversy
Eartha Kitt’s career was not without controversy. Her most infamous moment came in 1968 during a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson. When asked about her thoughts on the Vietnam War, Kitt expressed strong opposition, stating that the conflict was destroying families.
Her remarks, though heartfelt, angered many political figures and led to a CIA dossier labeling her a “sadistic nymphomaniac,” effectively blocklisting her from the U.S. entertainment industry for years.
Eartha Kitt also faced racial prejudice throughout her career, both as a performer and as a biracial woman in an era of segregation. Despite these challenges, she remained unapologetically herself, using her platform to advocate for equality and justice. Her resilience in adversity has become an integral part of her enduring legacy.
Eartha Kitt’s Filmography
- New Faces (1954)
- St. Louis Blues (1958)
- Anna Lucasta (1958)
- Boomerang (1992)
- The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
- Holes (2003)
Eartha Kitt’s Discography
- Santa Baby (1953)
- C’est Si Bon (1953)
- Just an Old Fashioned Girl (1956)
- Where Is My Man (1983)
Eartha Kitt’s Books
- Thursday’s Child (1956)
- Confessions of a Sex Kitten (1989)
