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When Did Eartha Kitt Die? Remembering A Unique Voice

Eartha kitt (@eartha_kitt) • Instagram photos and videos

Jul 16, 2025
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Eartha kitt (@eartha_kitt) • Instagram photos and videos

Many people often wonder about the passing of iconic figures, especially those who left such a distinctive mark on culture. Eartha Kitt, a name synonymous with a truly unique singing style and a captivating stage presence, remains a beloved personality. Her voice, once heard, is really hard to forget, like her famous recordings of "C'est si bon" and, of course, the enduring holiday favorite, "Santa Baby."

For those curious about the specifics, Eartha Kitt, an artist who charmed audiences for decades, did pass away on a significant day. Her life story, from humble beginnings to becoming a worldwide symbol of grace and allure, is quite a remarkable one. So, if you're asking, "when did Eartha Kitt die?", you're looking for a key moment in the story of an extraordinary entertainer, and we can tell you just that.

It's interesting, isn't it, how certain artists just stay with us, their work continuing to bring joy or spark curiosity long after they've gone? Eartha Kitt is certainly one of those figures, her legacy living on through her music, acting, and the sheer force of her personality. This article will shed light on the details of her passing, as well as share a bit about her incredible journey, in a way.

Table of Contents

Eartha Kitt: A Brief Life Story

Eartha Mae Kitt, whose birth name was Eartha Mae Keith, was a very talented American performer. She was a singer, an actress, a dancer, a comedian, an activist, and even an author, so she had many talents. Born on January 17, 1927, in North, South Carolina, she really started from very humble beginnings, apparently, coming from the cotton fields of South Carolina. Her father's identity is not known, and she was given away by her mother, arriving in Harlem at the young age of nine.

Her career spanned an amazing six decades, which is quite a long time for anyone in the entertainment world. She did everything from acting in films with someone like Nat King Cole to playing the famous Catwoman character on television, which many people still remember her for. This long and diverse career in theater, film, and music really shows her incredible range and staying power, you know.

Eartha Kitt gained international fame for her sultry and elegant style, which was very much her own. Her distinctive singing voice and unique style made her recordings of "C'est si bon" and "Santa Baby" reach the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, which is a big achievement. She was known for her seductive purr and her alluring way of performing, which truly charmed audiences, and she was a cabaret star, too, it's almost a given.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Here are some key facts about Eartha Kitt, giving you a quick look at her life:

DetailInformation
Birth NameEartha Mae Keith
Known AsEartha Kitt
BornJanuary 17, 1927
BirthplaceNorth, South Carolina, U.S.
DiedDecember 25, 2008
Place of DeathWeston, Connecticut, U.S.
Age at Death81 years old
Cause of DeathColon cancer
OccupationSinger, Actress, Dancer, Comedian, Activist, Author
Notable Hits"C'est si bon," "Santa Baby"
Famous RoleCatwoman (TV series)
SpouseBill McDonald (married 1960, dissolved 1965)
ChildOne daughter
Career SpanSix decades
Net Worth (at time of passing)$25 million (her money and belongings were left to those close to her)

The Day Eartha Kitt Passed Away

For those asking "when did Eartha Kitt die?", the answer is quite specific. Eartha Kitt passed away on December 25, 2008. This means she died on Christmas Day, which is a bit of a poignant detail, really. She was 81 years old at the time of her passing. A family spokesman shared the news, and her publicist, Patty Freedman, also confirmed it to CNN on that Thursday, you know.

The cause of her death was colon cancer. She had been battling the illness, and it was the reason she passed away at her home in Weston, Connecticut. This information was widely reported by news outlets, including the Associated Press, which noted her passing as a sultry singer, dancer, and actress who had risen from humble beginnings to become an international figure, so it was quite sad.

It's been quite some time since she left us, with December 25, 2008, being the exact date. As of today, November 28, 2023, it has been nearly 15 years since this remarkable artist departed. Her memory, however, remains very much alive through her timeless work, which is pretty amazing, honestly.

Her Lasting Legacy

Eartha Kitt's influence stretches far beyond her passing. She was an American singer, actress, activist, and dancer, known for her very distinctive singing style and voice. Her recordings of songs like "C'est si bon" and "Santa Baby" are still enjoyed by many today, especially "Santa Baby" which becomes a holiday classic every year, you know. Her role as Catwoman also left a big impression on fans of the Batman series.

Her career was incredibly diverse, spanning six decades, from starring in films to her iconic television roles. She was a symbol of elegance and sensuality, and her unique stage presence was something truly special. She had a long and varied career, and she used her platform to speak out, making her not just an entertainer but also an activist, which is something to remember.

Even in her later years, Eartha Kitt continued to engage with the public. She recently spoke with Gwen Ifill for a PBS special, showing her continued presence and relevance in the public eye. Her passing marked the end of an era for many who admired her talent and spirit, but her contributions to music, film, and theater really endure, and that's something to appreciate, too, it's almost like she's still here.

To learn more about her remarkable life and contributions, you can explore various resources, like this general reference. You can also learn more about her incredible journey on our site, and perhaps even link to other famous entertainers from her era.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eartha Kitt

Many people have questions about Eartha Kitt, especially regarding her life and passing. Here are some common inquiries:

When did Eartha Kitt die?

Eartha Kitt passed away on December 25, 2008. She was 81 years old at the time of her death. This date is widely known, as a matter of fact, and was confirmed by her family and publicist.

How did Eartha Kitt die?

Eartha Kitt died of colon cancer. She had been battling the illness for some time before her passing. This information was shared by a family friend and her publicist, so it's a known fact.

What was Eartha Kitt known for?

Eartha Kitt was known for many things, including her very distinctive singing style and her sultry voice. She had hit songs like "C'est si bon" and the iconic "Santa Baby." She was also famous for her acting roles, particularly her portrayal of Catwoman in the 1960s Batman television series. She was a singer, dancer, actress, comedian, activist, and author, so she had many talents, you know.

Eartha kitt (@eartha_kitt) • Instagram photos and videos
Eartha kitt (@eartha_kitt) • Instagram photos and videos
Eartha Kitt Birthday
Eartha Kitt Birthday
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Eartha Kitt - Singer, Actress

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