Early Life and Career
Eartha Mae Kitt was born on January 17, 1927, in the small town of North, South Carolina, to a poor African American family. Her mother was a sharecropper and her father had abandoned them during the Great Depression. Kitt and her siblings were often mistreated by their mother's boyfriends and were forced to work in the cotton fields from a young age.
At the age of eight, Kitt moved to New York City with her aunt, hoping to find a better life. However, they struggled to make ends meet and Kitt was often forced to perform odd jobs to help contribute to the household. It was during this time that Kitt discovered her love for singing and performing.
After winning a local talent contest, Kitt was discovered by a record executive and signed to her first recording contract. She quickly became a successful recording artist and performer, with hits such as "Santa Baby" and "C'est Si Bon." Kitt's unique voice and captivating stage presence made her a beloved icon in the music industry.
- Fun Fact: Kitt spoke several languages fluently, including French, Spanish, and Turkish!
Kitt's early life experiences of poverty and struggle greatly influenced her artistic work, and she became a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice throughout her career. She passed away on December 25, 2008, but her legacy as a trailblazing entertainer and activist lives on.
Rise to International Fame
Eartha Kitt's unique voice and captivating performances quickly garnered attention from the entertainment industry and led to her rise to international fame. In the early 1950s, she portrayed the character of Helen of Troy in the Broadway production of "The New Faces of 1952," which earned her critical acclaim and established her career in the United States.
However, it was her hit song "Santa Baby" that propelled her to global recognition in the late 1950s. The playful and seductive lyrics, combined with Kitt's sultry vocals and dynamic stage presence, made the song an instant classic and secured her place in pop culture history.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Eartha Kitt continued to expand her international fanbase, performing in countries such as France, Germany, and Japan. Her magnetic stage presence and glamorous persona captivated audiences around the world, making her an icon of the era.
In addition to her music career, Kitt also pursued acting, appearing in several films and television shows. Her breakthrough role came in 1954 when she starred as Anna Lucasta in the movie adaptation of the eponymous stage play.
With her talent and charisma, Eartha Kitt remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry until her passing in 2008. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of artists around the world.
Activism and Controversies
Activism
Controversies
Despite her activism, Kitt was not without controversy. In 1968, she criticized the Vietnam War and received backlash from the American public, resulting in her being blacklisted from television for some time. She was also criticized for her comments on poverty and the responsibility of those living in poverty. Her statements were deemed insensitive by some and sparked a debate on the role of individuals versus the government in addressing poverty. Kitt's personal life also received attention in the media, particularly her relationships with wealthy men and her romantic involvement with a married man. Her outspokenness and refusal to conform to societal norms made her a controversial figure.Legacy and Honors
Personal Life and Death
Eartha Kitt was married a total of four times throughout her life. Her first marriage was to John William McDonald, a real estate developer in New York City, in 1960. The couple had one daughter, whom they named Kitt. However, their marriage was brief and ended in divorce in 1964. In 1965, she married Charles Revson, the founder of Revlon Cosmetics, but they divorced in 1968. Her third marriage was to John William McDonald again, but they divorced once more in 1978. Her final marriage was to Bill McDonald, who was a former associate of her first husband, and they remained married until his death in 2008.
In 2006, Kitt was diagnosed with colon cancer. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and although she appeared to have beaten the disease, it returned. On December 25, 2008, Eartha Kitt passed away at the age of 81 from colon cancer. Tributes poured in for the legendary performer from all over the world, and she was remembered as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry who paved the way for women of color to succeed in fields traditionally dominated by white men.
FAQ
What was Eartha Kitt's childhood like?
Eartha Kitt was born on a plantation in South Carolina and experienced poverty and discrimination as a child. Her mother was black and her father was white, and she faced ostracization from both communities.
What were some of Eartha Kitt's most famous songs?
Eartha Kitt had many popular songs over her career, including "C'est Si Bon," "Santa Baby," and "I Want to be Evil."
How did Eartha Kitt break barriers during her career?
Eartha Kitt was one of the first black women to have a successful career as a singer and actress during the 1950s and 60s. She was also an outspoken advocate for civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights, which was rare for a celebrity at that time.
Did Eartha Kitt have any famous relationships?
Eartha Kitt had several high-profile romantic relationships throughout her life, including with Orson Welles and James Dean. She also had a daughter named Kitt McDonald.
What was the legacy of Eartha Kitt?
Eartha Kitt was a trailblazing figure during her time, breaking barriers for women and minorities in entertainment and using her platform to advocate for political and social change. She remains an icon in the industry and her influence can be seen in many contemporary artists.
