dailyhistoryposts:
An American actress, singer, and activist, Eartha Kitt (1927-2008) remains an incredibly influential and controversial figure in American culture.
ALT
Born on a cotton plantation to a single mother of Cherokee and African descent (and almost certainly a White father) and raised in Harlem, New York City, Kitt studied performing arts from a young age. Her distinctive voice made her stand out in the Katherine Dunham Company, the first African-American dance company.
In 1950, Kitt starred as Helen of Troy in Dr. Faustus (a role given by Orson Welles, who called her “the most exciting woman in the world”). Her fame grew, until she was featured as Catwoman in the Batman television series in the late 1960s.
ALT
Her professional life took a massive hit when she made anti-Vietnam war statements during a White House luncheon, making First Lady Johnson burst into tears. In response, the CIA defamed her, and Kitt focused on her work abroad in Europe and Asia for a time. Kitt could speak in four languages (English, German, Dutch, French) and sing in eleven.
In the late 1970s and the 1980s, Kitt returned to work on Broadway, where she received widespread acclaim, and continued to perform for years.
Kitt was a widespread social and political activist. In addition to her anti-war stance, she established the Kittsville Youth Foundation, was a support of Rebels with a Cause (a D.C. based group focused on beautifying the city). Kitt publically supports LGBT rights and considers same-sex marriage a civil right.
ALT
Notable songs by Eartha Kitt include:
1. “C'est si bon” (composed 1947 by Henri Betti, performed 1953)
2. “Santa Baby” (1953)
3. “I Want to Be Evil” (1954)
Notable roles by Eartha Kitt include:
1. Catwoman (Batman 1967)
2. Shaleem-La-Lume (Timbuktu! 1978. Tony nomination)
3. Dolores (The Wild Party 2000. Tony nomination)
4. Yzma (The Emperor’s New Groove 2000. Kronk’s New Groove 2005. The Emperor’s New School 2006-2008. Two Daytime Emmy Awards.)
5. The Cool Cat (Wonder Pets! Guest performance. 2010. Daytime Emmy Award).
ALT
Eartha Kitt
RSS Feed
