Eartha Kitt was a singer, actress, comedienne, dancer, and activist known for her distinctive singing style. After appearing in the Broadway revue New Faces of 1952, she became a rising star. In 1954, she released her first album, Monotonous, following her performance in the production. There were classics such as “I Want To Be Evil” and “C’est Si Bon,” in addition to the perennial holiday favorite “Santa Baby.”
Kitt appeared as the villainous Catwoman “Catwoman” on the TV show Batman in the late 1960s, taking over the role of Julie Newmar. Despite playing Catwoman in only a few episodes of Adam West’s short-lived crime show, Kitt brought her unique voice and frame to the role, transforming her into the notorious crime boss. Despite being cancelled after one season, reruns gave the series a second life. Television affiliates in the Southern states were furious when Kitt’s casting was announced. However, producers agreed that the sexual tension between Catwoman and Batman had to end, and therefore, they established a romantic relationship between Batman and Batgirl.
Kitt’s Catwoman role was short-lived speaks volumes about her memorable portrayal of the classic character. In the episode “Catwoman’s Dressed to Kill”, Kitt’s appearance gave the show a new level of playful mischief and played to Kitt’s strengths throughout her limited run. The confident and bold villain consistently plotted against Batman (West), Robin (Ward) and Batgirl (Yvonne Craig) with complex schemes, like that time she nearly sold the Queen of Belgravia a stolen dress made of gold. Her ingenious inventions, such as a rope made of cat whiskers that retracts when it comes into contact with body heat, like Batgirl’s wrists, kept Gotham City’s heroes on their toes. Catwoman was more than a sexy thief in a glittery jumpsuit; she was a force of nature.
Kitt said she always admired her role as Catwoman. During an interview with The Austin Chronicle in 2006, she said.
I probably would do it now as the mother of the cat. I love doing the character. I didn’t have to think about it: I didn’t try to be a cat; I am a cat
Below are some beautiful photos of Eartha Kitt as Catwoman.
