UPTOWNflavor

Eartha Kitt 1953

Dear Readers:

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of an Uptown Darling.  The beautiful and talented Ms. Eartha Kitt has passed away just shy of her 82nd birthday.  It is almost apropos that she passed away during the Christmas season since she is renown for her seductive rendition of “Santa Baby.”

I have written about my deep admiration for Ms. Kitt on UPTOWNflavor in the past.  You can read the details of her passing after the jump. On this Christmas evening be sure to play an extra spin of “Santa Baby” in memory of this Harlem Honey, a consummate performer who spent a lifetime entertaining the masses.

Singer and actress Eartha Kitt has died, her publicist, Patty Freedman, told CNN on Thursday. Kitt, 81, died in New York, where she was being treated for colon cancer, Freedman said. Her daughter, Kitt Shapiro, was by her side.

She was performing almost until the end, taping a PBS special six weeks ago in Chicago, Illinois. The show is set to air in February.

Her recording of the saucy Christmas song “Santa Baby” was certified gold last week.

Kitt was well known for her distinctive voice and made a name for herself in her portrayal of Catwoman in the television series “Batman.” That role produced Kitt’s recognizable sultry cat growl.

She worked in film, theater, cabaret, music and on television during her lengthy career. According to Kitt’s official Web site, she was nominated for a Tony three times, a Grammy and Emmy twice.

According to the biography on that site, Kitt lived in Connecticut near her daughter and four grandchildren.

-CNN