About
"I was in dire need of tremendous help in 1967, and like a starving cat I had to find a way to survive. Being cast in 'Batman' helped me now grow back into being successful name again. People recognized my name, and still do, because of Catwoman."
In her nearly hour-and-a-half-hour interview, Eartha Kitt (1927-2008) briefly talks about her early stage work in New York and abroad and shares her thoughts regarding a performer's relationship with the audience. She describes appearing on live television in New York in the 1950s, on such series as Omnibus and The Ed Sullivan Show. She discusses the difficulties faced by African Americans regarding their appearances on television. She recalls her work in filmed television, including guest spots on Mission: Impossible, I Spy, and Batman (as one of the more memorable actresses who played "Catwoman"). She recounts her reliance on herself early in her career and talks about the most memorable moment of her professional career. Michael Rosen conducted the interview on October 15, 2002 in New York, NY.
Highlights
Eartha Kitt on playing "Catwoman" on Batman
Eartha Kitt on dealing with racism in television
Eartha Kitt on performing on The Ed Sullivan Show
Eartha Kitt on driving the "Catmobile" on Batman
Eartha Kitt on her greatest professional achievement
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On the first time she saw television; on her early memories of performing on television and her early influences; on performing on live television
On acting on the anthology series Omnibus; on being an African-American performer on television in the 1950s
Chapter 2
On appearing on Omnibus; on dealing with racism in the television industry; on appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show
On working without a manager; on acting on the series I Spy
Chapter 3
On acting on the series I Spy; on being cast as "Catwoman" on Batman
On her mentors; on her greatest professional achievement
Shows
Amos 'N' Andy
Eartha Kitt on being an African-American performer on television in the 1950s
Batman
Eartha Kitt on being cast as "Catwoman" on Batman
Eartha Kitt on driving the "Catmobile" on Batman
Eartha Kitt on playing "Catwoman" on Batman
Ed Sullivan Show, The aka Toast of the Town
Eartha Kitt on performing on The Ed Sullivan Show
Eartha Kitt on working with Ed Sullivan and working without a manager
I Spy
Eartha Kitt on acting on I Spy
Eartha Kitt on acting on the series I Spy
Omnibus
Eartha Kitt on acting on the anthology series Omnibus
Eartha Kitt on appearing on the anthology series Omnibus
Topics
Anthology Drama
Eartha Kitt on acting on the anthology series Omnibus
Characters & Catchphrases
Eartha Kitt on playing "Catwoman" on Batman
Creative Influences and Inspiration
Eartha Kitt on her lack of mentors
Historic Events and Social Change
Eartha Kitt on being an African-American performer on television in the 1950s
Eartha Kitt on dealing with racism in television
Pop Culture
Eartha Kitt on playing "Catwoman" on Batman
Representation on Television
Eartha Kitt on being an African-American performer on television in the 1950s
Eartha Kitt on dealing with racism in television
TV's Golden Age (1940s & '50s)
Eartha Kitt on being an African-American performer on television in the 1950s
Eartha Kitt on acting on the anthology series Omnibus
Underrepresented Voices
Eartha Kitt on being an African-American performer on television in the 1950s
Eartha Kitt on dealing with racism in television
Professions
Actress
Eartha Kitt on performing on live television
Performers
Eartha Kitt on performing on live television
Genres
Adventure/Espionage Series
Eartha Kitt on acting on the series I Spy
Classic Anthology Series
Eartha Kitt on acting on the anthology series Omnibus
Eartha Kitt on appearing on the anthology series Omnibus
Comedy Series
Eartha Kitt on playing "Catwoman" on Batman
Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials
Eartha Kitt on performing on The Ed Sullivan Show
People
Harry Belafonte
Eartha Kitt on being an African-American performer on television in the 1950s
Milton Berle
Eartha Kitt on her early memories of television
Perry Como
Eartha Kitt on her early memories of television
Sheldon Leonard
Eartha Kitt on acting on I Spy
William S. Paley
Eartha Kitt on appearing on the anthology series Omnibus
Ed Sullivan
Eartha Kitt on performing on The Ed Sullivan Show
Eartha Kitt on working with Ed Sullivan and working without a manager
Orson Welles
Eartha Kitt on working with Orson Welles and becoming famous in America