Singer/actress/performer Eartha Kitt died 25 December 2008 of colon cancer. Born Eartha Mae Keith in North, South Carolina, on 17 January 1927, she overcame a poor, abused, difficult childhood to become a world-famous performer. As with the just-published Harold Pinter obituary, we invite readers to learn more about Kitt’s life and career in this New York Times obituary.
Kitt deserves mention on our pages for her sf/f/h appearances. She is perhaps best known as the actress who replaced Julie Newmar in the role of Catwoman in the 1960s’ Batman television series, purring and vamping her way through (can it have only been?) three episodes. She also appeared in: My Life as a Teenage Robot (2003), The Emperor’s New Groove (2000), The Wild Thornberrys (1998), The Magic School Bus (1995), Space Ghost Coast to Coast (1994), Matrix (1993), Ernest Scared Stupid (1991), Living Doll (1990), Erik the Viking (1989), The Pink Chiquitas (1987), The Serpent Warriors (1985), and Romeo und Julia 70 (1969).
She is survived by her daughter and two grandchildren.