No. 82: Eartha Kitt

Episode Transcript

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Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be a "triple threat"? What if I told you that one woman, born into poverty in the segregated South, went on to captivate the world with her singing, dancing, and acting—all while becoming an outspoken advocate for civil rights?

Hi, I’m Shae, a PhD candidate at Harvard, and welcome to "100 Historic Black Women You Should Know By Election Day," where we dive deep into the lives of women whose legacies deserve to be remembered.

Today, we're shining a spotlight on the indomitable Eartha Kitt. Known for her sultry voice and feline-like elegance, Eartha wasn’t just a performer—she was a force of nature.

Eartha was born in 1927 on a plantation in South Carolina, under circumstances so harsh they’d seem fictional if they weren’t true. Abandoned by her mother, she was sent to Harlem at age 8, where her undeniable talent for the arts began to bloom. By the time she was a teenager, Eartha had joined the famed Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe, which took her all over the world.

But Eartha didn’t stop there. Her breakout moment came when she starred in the Broadway revue "New Faces of 1952," performing the iconic song “Monotonous.” From there, she took on roles that would cement her in Hollywood history, including her unforgettable turn as Catwoman in the 1960s TV series "Batman." Eartha’s voice, whether purring through "Santa Baby" or delivering an electrifying performance on stage, became her signature—a voice that could be both a weapon and a lullaby.

However, Eartha’s contributions weren’t confined to the stage and screen. She was an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War, famously confronting Lady Bird Johnson at a White House luncheon in 1968. Her criticism led to her being blacklisted in the United States, but that didn’t silence her. Instead, she continued her career in Europe and used her platform to speak out on issues of social justice until her final days.

Here’s something you might not know: Eartha Kitt spoke four languages fluently—English, French, German, and Turkish. Her ability to adapt and connect with audiences around the world was as remarkable as her performances.

If you found Eartha Kitt’s story as captivating as I do, be sure to rate this podcast 5 stars so more people can hear these amazing stories. Don’t forget to follow me on social media and subscribe to my YouTube channel for even more deep dives into the lives of historic Black women who changed the world. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time!