Eartha Kitt, born on January 17, 1927, emerged from a life of adversity to become an iconic star known for her distinctive voice and dynamic performances. Born on a cotton plantation in South Carolina, Kitt’s early life was fraught with challenges, including abandonment by her mother and the complexities of her mixed-race heritage. Despite these obstacles, she carved out a remarkable career in entertainment that spanned decades, captivating audiences worldwide with her talent and unique persona.
From a young age, Eartha Kitt faced the harsh realities of life. Abandoned by her mother, she grew up in extreme poverty, as she later recounted, "I remember at times when we didn't have anything to eat for what seemed like an insurmountable amount of time." Her early years were marked by hardship and a struggle for survival. Her mixed heritage—her mother being half black and her father a Caucasian man, with grandparents who were Cherokee Indians—added layers of complexity to her identity. Kitt reflected on this unique background, stating, "I think of myself as being a person who belongs to everybody."
Kitt's journey into the world of performing arts began when she joined Katherine Dunham's pioneering African-American dance company. This opportunity proved to be a turning point, allowing her to showcase her talents on major stages. By the age of 19, Kitt had already made her mark on Broadway, setting the stage for a burgeoning career that would soon propel her to international fame.
Eartha Kitt's rise to stardom saw her become a cabaret sensation in London and Paris, where her performances captivated audiences and critics alike. Her charisma and allure transcended cultural and geographical boundaries, earning her a prominent place in the hearts of many. In 1967, she wowed mainstream television audiences with her role as Catwoman in the third series of the camp classic "Batman," further solidifying her status as an entertainment icon.
Throughout her career, Kitt was known not only for her performances but also for her outspoken nature and fearless commentary on social issues. She famously addressed the Vietnam War during a White House luncheon, saying:
"You send the best of this country off to be shot and maimed. They rebel in the street. They will take pot and they will get high. They don't want to go to school because they're going to be snatched off from their mothers to be shot in Vietnam." – Eartha Kitt
Such statements reflected her boldness and commitment to speaking truth to power, even when it courted controversy.
Kitt frequently visited Britain, where she became known for her outrageous appearances on television talk shows. Her wit and candor endeared her to audiences who appreciated her unfiltered approach to life and art. In 1978, she made a triumphant return to Broadway in the musical "Timbuktu!," which showcased her enduring talent and stage presence.
Despite her successes, Eartha Kitt never fully escaped the shadows of her difficult childhood and complex identity. She often spoke about the impact of being an illegitimate child and the societal prejudices she faced. Reflecting on her mother's decision to give her away, she admitted:
"I think there are many explanations I can make for my mother giving me away… it's still very difficult for me to accept it." – Eartha Kitt
These personal struggles informed much of Kitt's worldview and fueled her passion for advocating equality and inclusion.
Throughout her life, Kitt maintained a philosophy of belonging to everyone and rejecting prejudice based on race or religion. She expressed this sentiment eloquently:
"When we are able to recognise that no matter what colour or religion you belong to, that you are capable of gaining as much as the next person can… I think the situation would be much healthier." – Eartha Kitt
Eartha Kitt passed away on Christmas Day in 2008 at the age of 81. Her daughter, Kitt Shapiro, revealed that Kitt died without ever knowing the identity of her white father. This lingering mystery underscored the complexity of Kitt's life story—one filled with unanswered questions and unresolved narratives.
Leave a Reply