Eartha Mae Keith Biography: Songs, Death, Net Worth, Parents, Age, Height, Awards, Music Video, Movies, Husband, Children, Books

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Eartha Kitt was an iconic American singer, actress, and activist renowned for her distinctive voice and bold presence.

She gained widespread fame with the 1953 holiday classic “Santa Baby” and her unforgettable portrayal of Catwoman in the 1960s Batman television series.

Over her career, she captivated audiences with her sultry vocals, striking performances, and ability to cross genres and mediums—from Broadway to Hollywood and even voice acting.

Profile

•   Full name: Eartha Mae Keith  
•   Date of birth: January 17, 1927  
•   Age (as of 2008): 81 (deceased)  
•   Gender: Female  
•   Place of birth: North, South Carolina, USA  
•   Nationality: American  
•   Profession: Singer, actress, dancer, activist  
•   Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)  
•   Parents: Annie Mae Keith (mother); father’s identity unknown  
•   Siblings: N/A  
•   Spouse: John W. McDonald (married 1960–1965)  
•   Children: Kitt McDonald  
•   Relationship status: Divorced at the time of death  
•   Religion: Christian  
•   Ethnicity: African-American and Cherokee  
•   Net worth: $4 million

Early Life and Education

Eartha Mae Keith was born on January 17, 1927, in a rural town in North South Carolina. Her mother, Annie Mae Keith, was of Cherokee and African descent, and her father was a white man, though his identity remains uncertain.

Eartha’s early years were one of hardship. Her mother left her with relatives to live with her boyfriend, leading Eartha to experience neglect and abuse. At eight years old, she was sent to live with a relative, Mamie Kitt, in Harlem, New York City.

There, Eartha began to rebuild her life, attending Metropolitan Vocational High School, which later became the High School of Performing Arts. Her mixed-race heritage and upbringing in the segregated South profoundly shaped her identity and perspective.

Personal Life

Eartha Kitt married John W. McDonald, a real estate developer, on June 6, 1960. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1965. They had one child, Kitt McDonald, who later became a businesswoman and advocate for her mother’s legacy. Kitt’s relationships, much like her career, were often subject to public scrutiny.

Known for her independence, she raised her daughter as a single mother, providing a stable and loving environment while continuing her demanding career. Eartha’s relationships beyond her marriage remain primarily private, reflecting her preference to focus on her professional and family life.

Career

Eartha Kitt’s career began in 1943 when she joined the Katherine Dunham Company, a renowned dance troupe. Touring internationally, she became a celebrated performer in Parisian nightclubs.

Her breakout moment came in 1952 with the Broadway revue New Faces of 1952, where she performed songs such as “C’est Si Bon” and “Monotonous.”  

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Kitt recorded hits like “Santa Baby” and “I Want to Be Evil,” highlighting her playful and provocative persona. In 1967, her portrayal of Catwoman in the television series Batman showcased her unique charisma and growling vocal style.  

Kitt’s outspoken criticism of the Vietnam War during a White House luncheon in 1968 led to professional backlash in the United States, forcing her to focus on international performances.

She made a triumphant Broadway return in the 1978 musical Timbuktu!, earning a Tony Award nomination. In later years, Kitt gained new fans as a voice actor, notably as Yzma in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove (2000), for which she won two Daytime Emmy Awards.

Awards

•   Tony Award nominations for Timbuktu! (1978) and The Wild Party (2000)  
•   Two Daytime Emmy Awards for her role in The Emperor’s New Groove franchise  
•   Posthumous Daytime Emmy Award for her guest role on Wonder Pets! (2010)  
•   NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical  

Net Worth

Eartha Kitt’s net worth was estimated at $4 million. Her wealth came from decades of work as a singer, actress, and voice actor, as well as international tours and Broadway performances.  

Death

Eartha Kitt died on December 25, 2008, in Weston, Connecticut, at 81. She died of colon cancer, surrounded by her daughter and close friends.

Controversy

Eartha Kitt’s career was not without controversy. Her most infamous moment came in 1968 during a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson. When asked about her thoughts on the Vietnam War, Kitt expressed strong opposition, stating that the conflict was destroying families.

Her remarks, though heartfelt, angered many political figures and led to a CIA dossier labeling her a “sadistic nymphomaniac,” effectively blocklisting her from the U.S. entertainment industry for years.  

Kitt also faced racial prejudice throughout her career, both as a performer and as a biracial woman in an era of segregation. Despite these challenges, she remained unapologetically herself, using her platform to advocate for equality and justice. Her resilience in adversity has become an integral part of her enduring legacy.

Social Media

•   N/A

Filmography

•   New Faces (1954)  
•   St. Louis Blues (1958)  
•   Anna Lucasta (1958)  
•   Boomerang (1992)  
•   The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)  
•   Holes (2003)  

Discography

•   Santa Baby (1953)  
•   C’est Si Bon (1953)  
•   Just an Old Fashioned Girl (1956)  
•   Where Is My Man (1983)  

Books

•    Thursday’s Child (1956)  
•   Confessions of a Sex Kitten (1989)

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