Eartha Kitt, a legendary singer, dancer and actor, died this week of colon cancer at 81..
Born of mixed race and growing up in poverty in South Carolina, Kitt escaped to New York City where she auditioned for the Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe in the late 1940's and began a six decade show business career which included two Emmy Awards and nominations for Tonys and Grammys.
.
Miss Kitt recorded several hit records, including "Santa Baby" and "C'est Si Bon", influencing future generations of pop stars; Diana Ross once admitted that she patterned her Supremes sound and look largely after Miss Kitt. Eartha triumphed on Broadway and in Hollywood films, and even conquered the small screen, most famously starring at "Catwoman" on the 1960's television series "Batman".
.
Always outspoken and unapologetic for her views, Eartha was invited to the White House in 1968 by Lady Bird Johnson and when asked about the Vietnam War, Miss Kitt replied, "You send the best of this country off to be shot and maimed. No wonder the kids rebel and take pot." The remark reportedly made the First Lady burst into tears and led to a decade-long derailment in Miss Kitt's career. Wow! Too bad Laura Bush never invited Eartha to the Bush House.
.
Orson Welles onced described Miss Kitt as "the most exciting woman alive", and we couldn't agree more. We'll miss you, Eartha Kitt!
No comments:
Post a Comment