Eartha Kitt at 79
Entertainer Eartha Kitt never lost her sexy style and trademark catlike purr even as she continued to perform in her later years. She reportedly taped a PBS special a few weeks ago in Chicago. Sadly Kitt, who had been treated recently for colon cancer, died Christmas Day on the East Coast. She was 81 and still had star power.
Kitt’s saucy version of “Santa Baby” has been playing on radio stations all month long and reportedly went gold just last week. Some of her other best known recordings include, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes ” and “My Heart Belongs to Daddy.”
Born on January 17, 1927, Kitt started out as a dancer and was once called “the most exciting woman in the world,” by famed filmmaker Orson Welles. She acted on stage, in films, and on television for six decades. Kitt is remembered by many fans for her sexy performance of Catwoman in the 1967-68 “Batman” series.
Kitt was outspoken about her political views as well. Anti-Vietnam war comments she made at a White House luncheon put on by Lady Bird Johnson caused quite a stir in the 1960s. Later in 1978, when the political climate changed, Kitt was invited back to the White House by President Jimmy Carter.
Kitt is survived by a daughter and four grandchildren.
