When you think of Eartha Kitt, one word comes to mind—perfect. She was an irresistible force, a mix of allure and charisma that lit up every room she entered. In a time when mixed-race performers struggled to even get a foot in the door, Eartha Kitt soared. Whether she was captivating audiences with her mentor and friend Orson Welles, belting out unforgettable hits like "Santa Baby" in multiple languages, or stealing the screen as the sultry Catwoman on Batman, Eartha was a trailblazer. She was more than just an entertainer; she was a star who worked tirelessly to carve out her place in Hollywood history.
Eartha's Impact Beyond the Spotlight
Even though Eartha Kitt passed away nearly 15 years ago, her legacy endures, shining brightly in the hearts of those who knew her and those who've discovered her through her timeless work. Yet, the true joy in Eartha's life wasn't found under the bright lights of Hollywood. Her daughter, Kitt Shapiro, shares a heartfelt insight: "She was a mother first and foremost. That was her most important role." At 60 years old, Kitt Shapiro reflects on her mother with immense gratitude, saying, "It was truly a blessing to live a life knowing how much I was loved." This love and connection were the cornerstones of Eartha's personal life, grounding her even as she reached for the stars.
The Challenges Eartha Faced in Her Early Life
Eartha Kitt didn't always have the life of luxury and fame. Her early years were filled with hardship and pain. Born to a mother of Cherokee and African descent and a white father she never knew, Eartha Mae Keith was sent away at a young age. She was raised by relatives, enduring both physical and sexual abuse. "She spoke about her childhood a lot," recalls Kitt Shapiro, who dives deep into her mother's life in the memoir Eartha & Kitt: A Daughter’s Love Story in Black and White. "There was so much pain, but I think she was a born survivor. She had an incredible ability to rise above her circumstances."
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Eartha's Rise to Fame
The turning point in Eartha's life came when she moved to Harlem from Southern California to live with another relative, Mamie Kitt. She enrolled in the Metropolitan Vocational High School, which later became the High School of Performing Arts. By the age of 16, Eartha had joined the renowned Katherine Dunham dance company. This was just the beginning of her meteoric rise. She quickly transitioned into singing gigs in Europe and eventually secured roles on both stage and screen, becoming a household name.
Eartha's Love Life: Triumphs and Heartbreaks
While Eartha's career soared, her love life wasn't as smooth. Despite having close friendships with influential men like Orson Welles, Sidney Poitier, and James Dean—whom she affectionately called "Jamie"—her romantic relationships were fraught with challenges. Men like movie studio heir Arthur Loew Jr., whom Kitt Shapiro describes as Eartha's greatest love, wouldn't marry her because of her mixed-race heritage. Her marriage to real estate investor John McDonald lasted only four years, but it gave her the greatest love of her life—her daughter, Kitt Shapiro.
A Mother's Love and Legacy
From the moment Kitt was born, Eartha dedicated herself to providing her with the happy childhood she never had. Whether it was taking her along on travels, teaching her how to care for their vegetable garden at their Beverly Hills home, playing games, or sharing wisdom, Eartha poured her heart into being a mother. Kitt Shapiro fondly recalls one of her mother's most impactful quotes: "I’ve used all the manure that has been thrown on me as fertilizer." This resilience was a testament to Eartha's strength and her determination to overcome adversity.
The Joy of Laughter and Connection
Laughter was a significant part of Eartha and Kitt's bond. "She found me very funny," smiles Kitt Shapiro, who is now a married mother of two. "The rest of my family doesn’t seem to think so, but my mother thought I was hysterical. I miss her laughing at the things I would say." This shared laughter and love were a testament to the deep connection they shared, one that transcended the challenges Eartha faced in her own life.
