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Entertainment • Singer

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt was an American singer, dancer, actress, and cabaret performer known for her distinctive voice, stage presence, and work across music, film, television, and theatre.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Eartha Kitt was an American singer, dancer, actress, and cabaret performer known for her distinctive voice and stage presence. She is especially remembered for the song "Santa Baby" and for portraying Catwoman on the 1960s television series Batman. Her career spanned several decades across music, film, television, and theatre.

Early life

Eartha Kitt was born Eartha Mae Kitt in North, South Carolina, in 1927. She had a difficult childhood and later trained and performed with Katherine Dunham's dance troupe, which helped launch her career.

Music and stage career

Kitt built an international reputation as a singer and cabaret performer, particularly in Paris and later in the United States. She recorded signature songs including "Santa Baby" and appeared in theatre and nightclub acts.

Film and television

Kitt appeared in film, stage productions, and television throughout her career. Her best-known screen role was Catwoman on the 1960s Batman television series, and she later voiced Yzma in The Emperor's New Groove.

Recognition and legacy

Kitt received major award nominations across multiple fields, including Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Awards, reflecting her versatility as a performer. She is remembered as a distinctive entertainer and a prominent African American woman in mid-20th-century popular culture.

Key facts

  • Eartha Kitt was born in North, South Carolina, in 1927.
  • She became known for her sultry vocal style and work as a nightclub and cabaret performer.
  • Her recording of "Santa Baby" remains one of her best-known songs.
  • She played Catwoman on the 1960s Batman television series.
  • She was among the few performers nominated for Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Awards.
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Canadian context

Eartha Kitt had a broad North American and international audience, and her recordings and television roles remained well known to Canadian viewers and listeners through radio, TV, and popular music culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Eartha Kitt?
Eartha Kitt was an American singer, dancer, actress, and cabaret performer known for her distinctive voice and wide-ranging career.
What is Eartha Kitt best known for?
She is best known for the song "Santa Baby" and for playing Catwoman on Batman.
When was Eartha Kitt born?
She was born on January 17, 1927.
When did Eartha Kitt die?
She died on December 25, 2008, in Weston, Connecticut.
What awards was Eartha Kitt nominated for?
She was nominated for Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Awards.
Did Eartha Kitt work outside music?
Yes. She also acted in theatre, film, and television.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Eartha-Kitt
    Supports: Birth and death dates, nationality, occupations, and summary biography.
  2. The HistoryMakershttps://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/eartha-kitt-41
    Supports: Occupation, versatility across media, and award nominations.
  3. PBShttps://www.pbs.org/video/an-evening-with-eartha-kitt-2r6fac/
    Supports: Known for Catwoman and "Santa Baby"; broad career in film, theatre, cabaret, music, and television.
  4. The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/26/arts/26kitt.html
    Supports: Death, career span, and obituary context.
  5. BBC Culturehttps://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250109-eartha-kitt-from-extreme-poverty-to-stardom
    Supports: Early hardship, career development, and major roles including Catwoman.