Actress and singer Eartha Kitt was born on January 17, 1927. At eight years old, Kitt was sent to live with an aunt in Harlem, New York. As a featured dancer and vocalist for the Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe, she toured the world. Impressed with her talent, Orson Welles cast Kitt as "Helen of Troy" in his production of Dr. Faust. Her performance in the Broadway play New Faces of 1952 led to a national tour and her appearance in the film version. Kitt's bestselling records include "Santa Baby." She appeared in several films and television shows, including her signature role as "Catwoman" in the television series, Batman. When speaking out against the Vietnam war in 1968 led to her being blacklisted in the U.S., Kitt continued to perform abroad until returning with a triumphant Carnegie Hall concert in 1974. Kitt passed away on December 25, 2008 at the age 81.
Alternative title
History Makers video oral history with Eartha Kitt