Eartha Kitt: Singer and Actress Known for Santa Baby Dies at 81

Eartha Kitt was an American singer, actress and cabaret star. Born on January 17, 1927, in North, South Carolina, she toured Europe with Katherine Dunham's dance company.

She had hits with "C'est si bon," "Santa Baby" and "Just an Old Fashioned Girl." She played Catwoman in the 1960s Batman TV series and later voiced the villain Yzma in Disney's The Emperor's New Groove. She was nominated for Tony Awards for Timbuktu! and The Wild Party.

In 1968 she was frozen out of the White House circle after criticizing the Vietnam War at a luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson. Kitt died of colon cancer at her home in Weston, Connecticut, on December 25, 2008, at age 81.

Achievements: Tony nominations, Emmy Award, hit "Santa Baby."

Birth: January 17, 1927 - North, South Carolina.

Profession: Singer and actress.

Interesting Facts: She voiced Yzma in The Emperor's New Groove.