‘Batman’ Siren Eartha Kitt Dies of Colon Cancer at 81
Eartha Kitt's portrayal of Batman nemesis Catwoman introduced her trademark style to a wider audience
Entertainer had long and distinguished career
By Matthew B. Zeidman
WESTON, Conn. (Hollywood Today) 12/28/08 – Eartha Kitt, best known for her portrayal of villainess Catwoman on the 1960s “Batman” television series, died Thursday at the age of 81. Publicist Andrew Freedman told Reuters the popular entertainer had succumbed to colon cancer.
Kitt, also an accomplished singer, had a number of hits during her career, including 1953’s holiday staple “Santa Baby.”
Her first notable role as an actress was in the Orson Welles-directed play “Dr. Faustus” in 1950, followed 8 years later by her first leading role in film in “The Mark of the Hawk” alongside Sidney Poitier.
In 1968, Kitt was publicly criticized for statements she made against the Vietnam War made at a White House luncheon, leading her to spend several years performing overseas.
Most recently, Kitt did voice work for Disney animated feature “The Emperor’s New Groove” and its subsequent spinoffs, for which she was recognized with two Emmy awards and three Annie awards. She also was a member of the cast of Nickelodeon cartoon “My Life as a Teenage Robot.”