The Infamous Eartha Kitt Passes Away At Age 81

Legendary actress lost her battle with colon cancer today

By Alicia Evarista Cruz

Staff writer

theblackurbantimes.com

The AP wire just released a statement that Eartha Kitt, who rose from South Carolina cotton fields to become an international symbol of elegance and sensuality died today after losing her battle against colon cancer. Kitt was 81 years old. The photo above is from a scene from the 1958 movie "St. Louis Blues." In the undated photo, Kitt hugs Nat King Cole, playing the piano in the role of W.C. Handy. Eartha Kitt will be sadly missed.

Click here for the CNN update:

Singer and actress Eartha Kitt has died, her publicist, Patty Freedman, told CNN on Thursday. Actress Eartha Kitt, shown at a benefit for the Actors Fund in 2003, performed almost until the end of her life. Kitt, 81, died in New York, where she was being treated for colon cancer, Freedman said. Her daughter, Kitt Shapiro, was by her side.
She was performing almost until the end, taping a PBS special six weeks ago in Chicago, Illinois. The show is set to air in February. Her recording of the saucy Christmas song "Santa Baby" was certified gold last week. Kitt was well known for her distinctive voice and made a name for herself in her portrayal of Catwoman in the television series "Batman."

That role produced Kitt's recognizable sultry cat growl. She worked in film, theater, cabaret, music and on television during her lengthy career. According to Kitt's official Web site, she was nominated for a Tony three times, a Grammy and Emmy twice. According to the biography on that site, Kitt lived in Connecticut near her daughter and four grandchildren. Kitt was ostracized at an early age because of her mixed-race heritage, the biography says. At age 8, she was sent from the cotton fields of South Carolina by her mother to live with her aunt in New York City's Harlem neighborhood, the site said.