Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

January 17, 1927 in St. Matthews, SC

Death

:

December 25, 2008 in Weston, CT

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Eartha Mae Kitt was an American singer, actress, and dancer who was born on January 17, 1927, in North, South Carolina. She was the daughter of a white father and a black mother, and her mixed-race heritage made her a target of discrimination and racism throughout her life. Despite these challenges, Kitt went on to become one of the most iconic and influential performers of the 20th century, known for her sultry voice, captivating stage presence, and fearless activism. Kitt's early life was marked by poverty and instability. Her mother abandoned her and her siblings when she was just a child, and she was raised by relatives in Harlem, New York. She began performing at a young age, singing and dancing in local clubs and theaters. Her talent was soon recognized, and she was offered a scholarship to study at the Katherine Dunham School of Dance in New York City. Kitt's big break came in 1948, when she was cast in the Broadway production of "Carib Song." Her performance was a sensation, and she quickly became a sought-after performer in the New York theater scene. She went on to star in several other Broadway productions, including "New Faces of 1952" and "Mrs. Patterson." In addition to her work on stage, Kitt also began to make a name for herself as a recording artist. Her first hit single, "Uska Dara," was released in 1953, and she went on to record several other popular songs, including "C'est Si Bon" and "Santa Baby." Her unique voice and style made her a favorite of audiences around the world, and she became known as the "Queen of the Nightclubs." Kitt's success as a performer was not limited to the stage and recording studio. She also made a name for herself as an actress, appearing in several films and television shows throughout her career. Some of her most notable roles include the Catwoman in the 1960s television series "Batman," and the voice of Yzma in the Disney animated film "The Emperor's New Groove." Despite her success, Kitt faced many challenges throughout her life. She was often the target of racism and discrimination, and her outspoken views on politics and social issues made her a controversial figure. In 1968, she made headlines when she spoke out against the Vietnam War during a White House luncheon hosted by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Her comments led to a backlash from the media and the public, and she was blacklisted from performing in the United States for several years. Despite these challenges, Kitt continued to perform and advocate for social justice throughout her life. She was a vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, and she worked tirelessly to promote equality and justice for all people. She was also a passionate advocate for animal rights, and she founded the Kittsville Youth Foundation to provide support and resources to underprivileged children. Throughout her career, Kitt received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the arts and society. She was nominated for several Tony Awards for her work on Broadway, and she won two Daytime Emmy Awards for her voice work on the children's television series "The Emperor's New School." In 2006, she was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2010, she was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Eartha Kitt passed away on December 25, 2008, at the age of 81. Her legacy as a performer, activist, and trailblazer continues to inspire and influence generations of artists and activists around the world.

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