#ThrowbackThursday: Eartha Kitt

You simply cannot speak of glamorous history without mentioning Eartha Kitt. 

Born Eartha Mae Keith on January 17, 1927, getting her first big break in the 1950's film Dr. Faustus where she played the role of Helen of Troy. Eartha could speak 4 different languages and sang in 7, one of which was French, using her French flair and sensuality in many of her shows and performances, including as Catwoman on the Batman television show.

Said to be quick witted and blunt, once in 1967 when invited to the White House and asked about the Vietnam War by the First Lady, Eartha replied "You send the best of this country off to be shot and maimed. No wonder the kids rebel and take pot." These remarks greatly offended the First Lady and her following and Eartha's American career came screeching to a halt. She spent the better part of a decade performing in Europe before returning triumphantly to the states in the 1978 performance of the Broadway show "Timbuktu!".

My first real memories of Eartha Kitt was as an eccentric rich woman in the Nickelodeon film "Harriet the Spy". Even then, she was as she was in many of her roles; funny, intense, and striking.

Eartha remained a great figure in performance and civil rights up until the day passed away on December 25, 2008. She remains this day an example of grace, Witt, and fearlessly being true to yourself.