Eartha Kitt: Femme Fatale

Eartha Mae Kitt was an international star who performed in film, theater, cabaret, music and on television. Miss Kitt was one of the rare talents nominated for a Tony (three times), the Grammy (twice), and Emmy Award (twice). Her Broadway stardom led to recording best-selling records including “Love for Sale”, “I Want to Be Evil”, “Santa Baby” and “Folk Tales of the Tribes of Africa”, which earned her a Grammy nomination. Singing in ten different languages, Miss Kitt performed in over 100 countries and was honored with a star on “The Hollywood Walk of Fame” in 1960. In 1966, she was nominated for an Emmy for her role in the series, “I Spy”. In 1967, Miss Kitt made an indelible mark on pop culture as the infamous “Catwoman” in the television series, “Batman.” She immediately became synonymous with the role and her trademark growl became imitated worldwide. Miss Kitt’s distinctive voice enchanted young fans as YZMA, the villain, in Disney’s animated feature “The Emperor’s New Groove” and its sequel, and the subsequent cartoon for which she won Emmies and Annie awards.