Life and Career Highlights
Born Eartha Mae Kitt on January 17, 1927, in St. Matthews, South Carolina, she faced a childhood of significant hardship before moving to Harlem, New York. Her trajectory changed at age 16 when she joined the Katherine Dunham Company, the first African American modern dance troupe.
Her career was marked by several iconic eras:
The 1950s Starlet: She became a nightclub sensation in Paris and later a Broadway star in the revue New Faces of 1952.
The Global Icon: During the 1950s and 60s, she released hits like "Santa Baby" and "C'est Si Bon," while starring in films like Anna Lucasta.
Catwoman: In 1967, she took over the role of Catwoman in the Batman TV series, providing a definitive, purring performance that remains legendary.
The Voice Acting Legend: Later in life, she found immense success voicing the villain Yzma in Disney's The Emperor's New Groove.
Awards and Accomplishments
Kitt was one of the few entertainers to receive nominations for the "Triple Crown" of acting: the Tony, Grammy, and Emmy awards.
Daytime Emmy Awards: Won three times for The Emperor's New School (2007, 2008) and Wonder Pets! (2010).
Tony Award Nominations: Timbuktu! (1978) and The Wild Party (2000).
Annie Award: Won for voice acting in The Emperor's New Groove (2000).
Hollywood Walk of Fame: Received a star in 1960.
Bibliography
Kitt was a prolific writer, documenting her life in several autobiographies:
Thursday's Child (1956)
Alone with Me: A New Autobiography (1976)
I'm Still Here: Confessions of a Sex Kitten (1989)
Rejuvenate! It's Never Too Late (2001)
Filmography (Selected)
Film
Casbah (1948)
New Faces (1954)
St. Louis Blues (1958)
Anna Lucasta (1958)
Erik the Viking (1989)
Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)
Boomerang (1992)
Harriet the Spy (1996)
The Emperor's New Groove (2000) – Voice of Yzma
Holes (2003) – Madame Zeroni
Television
Batman (1967–1968) – Catwoman
Mission: Impossible (1967)
The Magic School Bus (1995) – Voice
The Emperor's New School (2006–2008) – Voice of Yzma
Discography (Selected Hits & Albums)
Studio Albums
That Bad Eartha (1953)
Down to Eartha (1955)
St. Louis Blues (1958)
Bad But Beautiful (1962)
Back in Business (1994)
Notable Singles
"C'est si bon" (1953)
"Santa Baby" (1953)
"I Want to Be Evil" (1953)
"Just an Old Fashioned Girl" (1956)
"Where Is My Man" (1983)
"Cha Cha Heels" (with Bronski Beat, 1989)
Sources
Eartha Kitt passed away on December 25, 2008, but her legacy as a "distinguished rebel" and unparalleled performer continues to inspire generations of artists.
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