Eartha Kitt: The True Definition of A Diva

December 25, 2008 | New York, New York | Vetting explained

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Msdbell

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Last updated: December 26, 2008

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I had my first brush with greatness in the late 1970s. I was a little girl around 10 years old and living in San Francisco. One afternoon my mother and her friend Claudette gathered all the girls together, dolled us up in our Sunday dresses complete with ankle socks and shiny patent leather shoes, and whisked us off to the theater to see Timbuktu starring the legendary diva, Eartha Kitt. While I don't remember all the details of the show, I do remember being mesmerized by the leading lady. I couldn't take my eyes off of her the entire time she was on stage. After the show we all huddled anxiously at the backstage door to be ushered into her dressing room-- the kind that you'd only see in old black and white Hollywood movies. I was speechless! In my 10 year old eyes the room was enormous and glamourous. This tiny woman finally entered the room dressed in a robe and kitten heel slippers. All conversation stopped and all eyes were on her. She was the center of attention. Ms. Kitt was bubbly and effervescent during out visit. She spoke to us as if we were old family friends in that purrrrrrfectly sultry voice that has become her signature trademark -- that and her incredibly shapely legs. I will always remember how down to earth and friendly Ms. Kitt was to us that day. She was humble, elegant, and extremely gracious. They don't make them like that anymore. Decades have since passed, yet I hold firm in mind the memory of how special she made everyone in that room feel on that sunny afternoon in San Francisco. Rest well, Ms. Kitt. You worked hard for all that you achieved in life. Thank you for your years of dedication to the arts and human rights.

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Memories of Eartha Kitt

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