Eartha Kitt remains one of the most distinctive and versatile performers of the 20th century. Born into extreme poverty on a cotton plantation in South Carolina, she rose to become a globally recognized singer, dancer, and actress whose career spanned more than five decades. Her feline grace, sultry contralto voice, and fearless political activism made her an icon unlike any other.
Kitt broke racial and gender barriers at a time when Black female performers faced severe discrimination. She became the first Black actress to portray Catwoman on television, voiced the unforgettable villain Yzma in a Disney animated classic, and performed on stages around the world in multiple languages. Her life story is one of resilience, talent, and unyielding conviction.
Despite her fame, persistent urban legends have surfaced online, particularly the unfounded claim that she died screaming. The available evidence from credible sources tells a different story — one of a dignified life cut short by illness, yet celebrated long after.
Who Was Eartha Kitt? A Biography and Life Overview
Eartha Mae Keith — who later adopted the stage name Eartha Kitt — was born on January 17, 1927, in North, South Carolina. Her mother, Anna Mae Kitt, was only 14 years old at the time of her birth. Her father, a white man whose identity she never learned, was absent from her life. Kitt spent much of her childhood in foster and kinship care, enduring racial abuse and profound poverty on the plantation where she was born.
Full Name: Eartha Mae Kitt (née Keith)
Born: January 17, 1927, North, South Carolina, USA
Died: December 25, 2008, Weston, Connecticut, USA (colon cancer)
Notable Roles: Catwoman in Batman (1966–67), Yzma in The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
She found her way to New York in the 1940s, joined the Katherine Dunham Company as a dancer, and soon captivated audiences with her magnetic stage presence. Her recording career took off in the 1950s with hits such as “C’est si bon” and “Santa Baby.” Kitt became known for performing in multiple languages, a skill that set her apart internationally.
- Multilingual barrier-breaker: Eartha Kitt used her sultry voice and command of several languages to break through as a Black performer in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Courageous activism: Her outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War during a 1968 White House luncheon led to a decade-long blacklisting in the United States.
- Cross-generational appeal: She voiced Yzma in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove, introducing her distinctive talent to a whole new generation of fans.
- Resilience in poverty: Born on a cotton plantation and raised in foster care, Kitt overcame extreme hardship to achieve international fame.
- Accolades across mediums: She earned nominations for three Tony Awards, two Grammys, and two Emmy Awards during her career.
- Enduring legacy: Orson Welles famously called her “the most thrilling woman in the world,” a testament to her magnetic appeal.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Eartha Mae Keith |
| Born | January 17, 1927, North, South Carolina, USA |
| Died | December 25, 2008, Weston, Connecticut, USA |
| Cause of Death | Colon cancer |
| Children | Kitt Shapiro (daughter) |
| Famous Roles | Catwoman (Batman), Yzma (The Emperor’s New Groove) |
| Notable Song | “C’est si bon” (1953) |
| Autobiography | I’m Still Here: Confessions of a Sex Kitten (1989) |
What Was Eartha Kitt’s Cause of Death? Did She Die Screaming?
Eartha Kitt was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006. She died two years later, on December 25, 2008, at her home in Weston, Connecticut. She was 81 years old. Multiple credible sources, including Britannica and BBC Culture, confirm that she died peacefully surrounded by family. The cause was complications from colon cancer.
Unsubstantiated Rumor
The claim that Eartha Kitt died screaming has no basis in any credible biography, medical record, or news report. Every reliable source — including Britannica, BBC, IMDb, and family statements — describes her death as quiet and dignified. The rumor appears to have originated online without factual support.
When Did Eartha Kitt Die?
She died on Christmas Day, December 25, 2008. The timing of her death on a major holiday contributed to widespread media coverage and public mourning. Obituaries in major outlets such as The New York Times and BBC noted her passing with tributes to her six-decade career.
What Is the “Died Screaming” Rumor?
The notion that Eartha Kitt died screaming appears to be an internet-driven myth. It does not appear in any reputable source, nor is it mentioned in the biographies or autobiographies she authored. Researchers and fact-checkers have found no evidence to support the claim. The rumor may stem from confusion with other figures or from exaggerated retellings of her dramatic stage persona.
What the Records Show
Medical records and family statements confirm Kitt died peacefully at her Connecticut home from colon cancer. The IMDb biography and Biography.com both report that she passed away quietly, contradicting any dramatic or painful narrative.
Did Eartha Kitt Play Catwoman? Her Iconic Roles in Batman and Yzma
Eartha Kitt took on the role of Catwoman in the third season of the 1960s Batman television series, which aired in 1967. She became the first Black actress to portray the character, stepping in after Julie Newmar left the show. Her performance was marked by a seductive purr and sharp wit that made the role her own. The HistoryMakers notes that her portrayal remains one of the most memorable interpretations of the character.
What Role Did Eartha Kitt Voice as Yzma?
In 2000, Kitt voiced the villainous Yzma in Disney’s animated feature The Emperor’s New Groove. She brought a campy, theatrical energy to the role that made Yzma an instant fan favorite. Kitt later reprised the role in the television sequel series The Emperor’s New School, earning two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program in 2007 and 2008.
What Was Eartha Kitt’s Most Famous Role?
While she is widely recognized for both Catwoman and Yzma, the question of her most famous role often depends on the generation of the audience. Older viewers tend to associate her with Catwoman, while younger audiences know her best as the voice of Yzma. Together, these two roles anchor her legacy in television and film.
Who Is Eartha Kitt’s Daughter? Family and Personal Life
Eartha Kitt had one child, a daughter named Kitt Shapiro, born on November 26, 1961. Her father was John William McDonald, whom Kitt married in 1960. The marriage ended in divorce in 1965. Kitt Shapiro has since become a businesswoman and author, maintaining her mother’s legacy through public speaking and curated content about Eartha’s life.
Did Eartha Kitt Have a Son?
No. There is no credible record indicating that Eartha Kitt had a son. The low-volume search query “Eartha Kitt son” likely arises from confusion or misinformation. Her only child is her daughter, Kitt Shapiro, a fact confirmed by biographical sources and family accounts.
Who Was Eartha Kitt’s Husband?
Eartha Kitt married John William McDonald, a real estate developer and lawyer, in 1960. Their marriage lasted five years, ending in divorce in 1965. Kitt did not remarry afterward. McDonald died in 2004. Kitt’s personal life remained relatively private compared to her public career, though she spoke openly in her autobiographies about the challenges of balancing family and fame.
Deeper Context
Kitt Shapiro has written about her mother’s legacy, emphasizing that Eartha was a devoted parent despite her demanding career. Shapiro’s official website and public interviews offer insight into the bond between mother and daughter, particularly in the years following Kitt’s diagnosis with colon cancer.
Did Eartha Kitt Write a Book? Her Autobiography and Literary Works
Eartha Kitt authored three major autobiographies that chronicle her life, career, and personal reflections. These books offer readers a firsthand account of her journey from poverty to stardom, her political activism, and her experiences with racism in the entertainment industry.
- Thursday’s Child (1956) — Her first autobiography, which later inspired David Bowie’s 1999 song of the same name.
- Alone with Me (1976) — A memoir covering her career and activism, including her blacklisting after the 1968 White House incident.
- I’m Still Here: Confessions of a Sex Kitten (1989) — Her most comprehensive autobiography, detailing her life, loves, and enduring spirit.
Some sources list a separate edition titled Confessions of a Sex Kitten in 1991, but the three core works are consistently cited as the primary autobiographies. An entry from the South Carolina Encyclopedia confirms these volumes as central to her literary legacy.
What Were the Key Events in Eartha Kitt’s Life?
- 1927: Born in North, South Carolina.
- 1940s: Orphaned, moved to New York, danced with the Katherine Dunham Company.
- 1953: Recorded hit songs “C’est si bon” and “Santa Baby.”
- 1966–1967: Played Catwoman in the Batman television series.
- 1968: Blacklisted after speaking out against the Vietnam War at a White House luncheon.
- 1970s–1980s: Continued performing in Europe, television, and film.
- 1989: Published autobiography I’m Still Here: Confessions of a Sex Kitten.
- 2000: Voiced Yzma in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove.
- 2008: Died at age 81 from colon cancer at her Connecticut home.
What Is Certain and What Is Unclear About Eartha Kitt?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| She died peacefully from colon cancer on December 25, 2008, at her home in Connecticut. | The “died screaming” rumor has no identifiable origin and is not supported by any credible source. |
| Her birth name was Eartha Mae Keith; she later changed the spelling to Kitt. | Some biographical records list slight variations in publication years for her autobiographies. |
| She had one daughter, Kitt Shapiro, and no son. | The source of the “Eartha Kitt son” search query is unclear and likely stems from confusion. |
What Was Eartha Kitt’s Cultural Impact?
Eartha Kitt broke racial and gender barriers as a Black female entertainer who refused to be silenced. Her 1968 confrontation with the Johnson administration over the Vietnam War exemplifies the intersection of celebrity and activism during a turbulent era. She paid a heavy price — a decade-long blacklisting — but never apologized for her stance.
Her voice and style were unlike anything audiences had encountered. The sultry contralto, feline stage presence, and ability to perform in multiple languages made her a singular figure in music, film, and theater. She influenced generations of performers, from 1960s television to 2000s animation, and her work remains widely streamed and studied today.
Beyond entertainment, Kitt’s life story is a testament to resilience. She rose from extreme poverty and racial abuse to international acclaim, and she used her platform to speak truth to power. Her legacy includes not only her artistic output but also her courage as an activist.
What Do Credible Sources Say About Eartha Kitt?
“I am not a civil rights actress. I am an actress, and if I can’t be a good actress, I can’t be a good anything.”
— Eartha Kitt, interview (attributed)
“She was a force of nature, a true original who could sing, dance, act, and captivate an audience.”
— Britannica (paraphrased)
“Eartha Kitt died of colon cancer at her home in Connecticut on December 25, 2008, at age 81.”
— Wikipedia, citing The New York Times
The Wikipedia article on Eartha Kitt provides a thorough overview of her life and career, with citations to major biographies and news outlets. More Than Our Childhoods offers additional context about her early years in foster care and the lasting effects of her upbringing. The South Carolina Museum also highlights her connection to the state and her enduring significance as a cultural figure.
What Is Eartha Kitt’s Lasting Legacy?
Eartha Kitt remains a symbol of artistic excellence, political courage, and cultural resilience. Her influence endures through the characters she brought to life, the music she recorded, and the barriers she dismantled. For readers interested in the lives of other legendary performers, the biography of Roger Moore – Biography, James Bond Films and Death offers a parallel story of a star who defined an era. Additionally, the account of Donald Pleasence – Biography, Cause of Death, and Halloween Legacy provides insight into another iconic figure whose work continues to resonate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eartha Kitt’s real name?
Her birth name was Eartha Mae Keith; she later changed it to Eartha Kitt.
Where was Eartha Kitt born?
She was born in North, South Carolina, USA.
What was Eartha Kitt’s most famous song?
Her hit songs include “C’est si bon” (1953) and “Santa Baby” (1953).
Did Eartha Kitt win any awards?
She received multiple honors, including two Daytime Emmy Awards and nominations for three Tony Awards and two Grammys.
Was Eartha Kitt married?
She was married once to John William McDonald (1960–1965), and had a daughter, Kitt Shapiro.
What is Eartha Kitt’s daughter’s name?
Her daughter is Kitt Shapiro, a businesswoman and author who preserves her mother’s legacy.
How did Eartha Kitt die?
She died from colon cancer on December 25, 2008, at her home in Weston, Connecticut.
Did Eartha Kitt really die screaming?
No. That claim is an unfounded rumor. She died peacefully, and no credible source supports the allegation.
What role did Eartha Kitt play in Batman?
She played Catwoman in the 1960s Batman television series, becoming the first Black actress to portray the character.
What character did Eartha Kitt voice in Disney?
She voiced the villain Yzma in The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) and its sequel series, earning two Daytime Emmy Awards.
Daniel Okafor is Markets Editor at TradeWireUK.uk, covering financial markets, the FTSE, shares, currencies, commodities and investor news.