On Thursday, December 25, 2008, legendary actress, dancer and singer Eartha Kitt passed away after a long battle with colon cancer. Ms. Kitt is survived by her daughter, Kitt, grandchildren and adoring fans worldwide. She was 81 years old. I was always inspired by Ms. Kitt’s life story and her work. During her lifetime she overcame her childhood struggle, abandonment, poverty and acceptance. She also paved the way for so many women in the entertainment industry. Her voice was so distinct and she sang live and recorded in many languages. She refused to deny any part of herself.
In her book, Rejuvenate!, she explained her commitment to health, exercise, and vitality. I had the opportunity to see Ms. Kitt perfrom live in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella in 2002. That was just six years ago and I was amazed at the kicks she did, her sassiness, her energy. Ms. Kitt was a class act. In 1967, at the age of 40, she played the role of Catwoman in the television series, Batman. You may remember her in more recent films as Boomerang, Holes, Emperor’s Got A New Groove. Eartha Mae. She will truly be missed.