December 25, 2014

Rest In Peace: Eartha Kitt (1927-2008)


81-year old Eartha Kitt passed away on this date in 2008. She was an international superstar who performed in over 100 countries and sang songs in 10 different languages.

She performed on stage, film and television for six decades. I was introduced to Eartha Kitt when she played the role of 'Catwoman' in the weekly 'Batman' television series. There weren't many Black actresses on television back in the day. I'm hard pressed to think of anyone besides 'Julia' and one of the teachers in 'Room 222' ... and most villagers don't remember either one of those shows.

My kids are too young to realize that they were listening to Eartha Kitt whenever they watched the movie or cartoon series, 'The Emperor's New Groove'. She played the role of the villain, Yzma, in that show.

Later, I saw Eartha Kitt in a Eddie Murphy-Halle Berry film called 'Boomerang'. Admittedly, she scared me a little bit in that movie. I'm sad to learn of her death. It's fitting that she went to the other side on December 25th. After all, one of her most popular hits was 'Santa Baby'.


7 comments:

Revvy Rev said...

An international, multi-lingual superstar who could sing, dance, and act. As usual, underappreciated.

Hagar's Daughter said...

I agree with Revvy Rev. Ms. Kitt was not given the accolades she deserved - that she earned. From the cotton fields to the international stage.

Thanks for the tribute to Ms Kitt.

"Santa Baby" is one of the songs I enjoy hearing at this time of year.

Unknown said...

Lovely tribute! She will be missed...

Marvalus said...

Wonderful tribute to an awesome lady!

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SjP said...

The true DIVA and the very best Catwoman ever!

For more Ms Kitt, I invite you and your readers to SjP's.

Hope you and yours had a very Merry Christmas.

Unknown said...

She made Christmas seductively delicious. Dahling, Eartha, you will most certainly be missed. Our young singers don't seek to emulate the dignity, greatness, talent, grace and sheer humanity of singers like Ms. Kitt. She oozed of raw talent and she stayed decent to the very end.