Speaking Freely: Eartha Kitt

S02 E03
www.newseuminstitute.org
Originally aired on September 25, 2001

[@livviebrundle]

I value every piece of footage of this woman I can find. Her essence, even now, is still too big to fade away.

[@boleyn123]

+livvie brundle Absolutely agree. She was incredible. A brave, talented, precious woman. Don't think there will be another like her. RIP Eartha.

[@connorbrady-ladygagafan1115]

+livvie brundle She Was The Wisest Person In The World, Eartha Kitt Was The Earth She Encompassed Everything There Is About The Earth

[@livviebrundle]

Connor Brady - Ladygagafan111 bravo :applauds: well said ;)

[@connorbrady-ladygagafan1115]

livvie brundle Thank You Truly Much!!!!!!!

[@CherylSimser]

+livvie brundle Beautifully expressed! You pulled the words out my heart that my brain couldn't grasp. It was her 'essence', indeed.

[@MindBat]

One thing that can always be said about Eartha is _"She was 100% authentic"._

[@dmatthew305]

Absolutely 2019 👍🏾

[@jovana_branka8966]

I can just réel deep appreciation and love for this woman this human this incredible creature I hope she Rest In Peace!

[@elaineconn2914]

@@dmatthew305 mm

[@TheShai17]

Indeed!!!!!

[@aniskashiwram1613]

True Diva

[@jondo1631]

I am strenghtened by this lady.

[@paulking3507]

@Jimmy Johnston She proved what seems impossible is not. You can overcome all adversity & thrive.

[@TheB14HB14H]

Jon Do strengthened and empowered by this WOMAN.

[@angelawhite7418]

This video did something to me also!!!! It makes me want to be an even BETTER version of myself!!! Thank You Eartha!!!!!!!!!!!

[@paulking3507]

@Aaron Digby Her life story is pure inspiration. I am 82 & have ALWAYS been a huge fan of this woman. There is NO OTHER VERSION of SANTA BABY that holds a candle to Eartha's.

[@MM-qj8ys]

@@TheB14HB14H why did u correct him for saying Lady?

[@AYOMAINMUSIC]

She was so FREE...

[@lisagale8992]

very comfortable in herself even in some early early videos.I am like that now,looks comfortable.

[@dereksamivandusen4997]

Amen

[@franker8373]

Eartha Kitt's life gives us permission to truly live ours! Her light can never fade because her essence is a part of our potential.

[@bajoobiecuzican4261]

FrankE R ...lovely 💜

[@allime9098]

FrankE R Very well said

[@livviebrundle]

wow

[@jenwhite4171]

Well said! She was a true artist, simply adore her!

[@ClayMastah344]

Exactly

[@desiderio916]

she possessed so much class and poise. What a beautiful woman she was. Such a delightful interview.

[@Harlemblkboy]

"The audience always knows who is the star" - E.K.

[@rashad7074]

#LEGENDARY!!

[@alw1268]

I love it when she makes that cat sound. She's a purrrrrrfect beauty.

[@debrawilliams7983]

alw1268 🐱🐱🐱🐱

[@EphemeralProductions]

Indeed my dear. :).

[@carterclairej]

Eartha is a great example of the power of intelligence, the strength of the human spirit, the will to survive, and the courage to overcome adversity. I love her rendition of "Whatever Lola Wants" in which she "Is a Cat". Her voice is hypnotic.

[@nomi.hagen.]

I love that song, and funny, my cat is called "Lola" before I knew the song.

[@sandyg.3454]

That cat purr- growl is sensational!

[@Jerrel.A]

You nailed it.

[@lisamcdonald1014]

Her accent was a mix of a Middle Eastern, British and a Caribbean

[@somniumisdreaming]

How do you know about her accent? Very curious always wondered

[@johnglenn340]

the pain in her eyes is powerfully strong. I hope she's in heaven.

[@DiandraStarShine]

you doubt it?? because *of COURSE!!,* she exists in the most heavenly👼🏾frequency zones of existence, silly goose!🦆❤💛💞💚❣🌈🌷🍀🌺🤗🌼💐🌻

[@alwayzpow3396]

@@DiandraStarShine 💖

[@cauliflowerpower41]

@@DiandraStarShine Let God be the judge of that

[@Dr.Pepper001]

I saw no pain.

[@marilynwillett804]

Jesus Himself told Nicodemus ''you must be born again to enter heaven''. God said in scripture if the world loves you are my enemy. God's people are not well liked in this world.

[@Swampzoid]

At the end of this interview I realized that I was smiling ear to ear.

[@diannebrown2199]

I Clapped!!!

[@michellej7734]

LOVE THIS "the world needs more singing and less fighting" 🤗

[@yasey908]

Me too lol

[@EphemeralProductions]

Me too my dear! 😁😁

[@pjt3887]

The interviewer blushed about 4 times. Too funny. I love her❤️💃

[@KevinBiedrzycki1]

I could listen to her all day long. I can actually learn from this woman.

[@Prettygirlstunna]

❤

[@1stlady707]

WYS🗣🗣🗣🗣🗣

[@livelife5947]

“Problem is something you make, life is something you live”

[@evelynburton532]

She’s proof that life experience is the best education one can have. She’s more intelligent than highly educated people. America is lucky to have a person with her caliber of knowledge. Your wisdom will live on, Eartha.

[@ladyo8297]

This was a beautiful watch. Black history month needs to be more than MLK , Rosa Parks etc. we need to teach our children about other successful black women/men. My opinion

[@9175rock]

lady o Smh

[@BrookeAppleton]

💯💯

[@yoseflopez5141]

They also need to make sure not to whitewash it

[@solemandd67]

Amen!

[@kumakena]

Agree, 100%. Black artists, particularly, have historically had so much stolen from them. We should dedicate Black History Month to teaching about their contributions, and their struggles. Injustices shouldn’t be so easily forgotten, especially since it still goes on today...

[@janake7]

Eartha Kitt is iconic like Nina Simone. Both are strong true representation of women of color

[@According2MAC]

+LA TESHIA HENDERSON As I watched this I thought the same! Regal women. Strength with every word said. Along with Josephine Baker, Eartha and Nina are black women that I find absolutely intriguing and amazing.

[@shjakes]

AY-MAN!! These were women of SUBSTANCE...compared to what? The "vapor" we see today.

[@christianrainyin7083]

LA TESHIA HENDERSON I love Nina Simone and Eartha Kitt

[@yarnoboskkkk]

LA TESHIA HENDERSON AMEN ! that's just what I thought

[@mrsseedoftheday7922]

+pretty gyal r i believe she had good intentions but.... yeah its facts the color shouldnt be casted aside its very important👀👀👀

[@ilma311]

The World needs more people like Eartha Kitt.

[@wamsy]

Keke Palmer reminds me of her

[@thulaninzama__]

My name is Thulani Nzama, an emerging African artist… I am one of those people like Eartha Kitt.

[@GegeP1804]

That lady was so smart and conscious. She used the word "4 strong beautiful men" and did not mention black, one time. Conscious woman.

[@millianalove]

The strength and awareness of this statement was immaculate picture into her conscious intelligence, love, care and Consideration for her people even describing a situation not in her favor and very dangerous.

[@08CARIB]

This was wonderful, she really LIVED! The interviewer did a great job too, her gave her room to answer fully and kept a respectful tone.

[@hardyfam5]

08CARIB Great Observation because I agree♥️

[@NiaMSnow]

she seems humble. grew up on a plantation I can't even imagine then being passed around to live which is basically a foster home lifestyle then moving in with an aunt who says she's really your mom and you believe you're in her way of life - then you gain the confidence, self sufficient and be independent goodness this was beyond a story. I wish her legacy to live on and I'm happy she didn't let her emotions get to her and she stood strong and persevered through it all. inspiring!

[@GrasshopperRDG]

I wish I had met HER!!! I love her essence, presence and her depth that she exuded as a person! That CONFIDENCE♥

[@mrmystique]

she is soooo beautiful

[@Stayinthelite]

I knew she was an amazing artist but I had no idea how profoundly deep and wise she was until I just starting watching her videos. She is so missed!

[@LoveFlatfootin1]

What can you say about this?! She is stunning in every way. What a personality and intellect she has. And that gorgeous silk outfit. Seventy-five years old with that much energy and vitality. Love her!

[@viyahta]

Interviewers love this kind of guest. So vibrant, alive, natural and charismatic! So thankful to be able to get to know her today.

[@moniquebrown2783]

She is hilarious! OMG! So independent. I have an Aunt who reminds me so much of this woman! She is in a class by herself!

[@keidumps]

SHE HAD LIFE ALWAYS A NATURAL LADY R.I.P. EARTHA YOU WAS A POWERHOUSE AHEAD OF EVERYONE NOT ABOUT COLOR BUT BEING HUMAN AND HELPING OTHERS

[@sarahsu4863]

Keith Dumpson 😊

[@Sean.A.M]

What a lovely human being

[@shellyssouthernways8547]

How my eyes have been opened today, the things she said resonated so incredibly loud. Stop listening to things around you and hear yourself, have a voice, do what you love, problems are created, ...... filling our lives with things that don’t matter. Profound Wisdom at its best, Eartha I love you, Rest In Peace!!!!

[@HiThere-tv2bd]

I could listen to her talk all day. What a wonderfully brilliant, strong woman.

[@paulking3507]

She was one of a kind. She styled her songs that can never be done by anyone else. She came from poverty & abuse to International fame & wealth. She did it on her own. She created a new life for herself & her daughter. I admire her & there is only one version of Santa Baby that I will listen to. God bless this woman for all she has given the world.

[@SpintoSopranoSexyYea]

I'm crying watching this. Eartha Kitt was such a treasure. An inspiration for not only Black women, but all women.

[@colinjames2469]

All men too.

[@c.w.b.5409]

All women!,,

[@c.w.b.5409]

For everyone

[@bajoobiecuzican4261]

Class, grace and poise. Love her❤️

[@cookieboo4543]

Can you only imagine her struggles what she thought In her own mind and the courage it took having no family and the battles she faced in her time with racist ppl both black & white! Because of her skin color somthing she had no control over. Brave, intelligent, charming, kind, mother and entertainer! Rest in peace beautiful soul. She inspires me to be brave.

[@KB-fe2pg]

Blacks can be biased or prejudiced but not racist. Blacks didn’t have the power to systematically oppress her and deny her of civil rights and employment opportunities.

[@vintageincolor]

@@RodrigoNishino she always did. It astounds me how readily she was able to express the most vulnerable parts of herself. This woman is light, strength, and courage personafied

[@shakeyraware1563]

Black people ain’t racist

[@Koketso_Gololo]

Black people cannot be racist!!!

[@AWholeVibe96]

@@KB-fe2pgTHANK YOUU! Exactly what I was coming to say. It makes my ancestral soul itch when people say that. Black people STILL don’t have the economic, political, financial, or ANY systemic power to be racist. You have to BE an oppressor to be able to oppress an entire group of people smh.

[@tp31170]

I met Eartha Kitt once. She was most beautiful, enigmatic person I'd ever met. Her energy just exuded and glowed from deep within her. I'll never, ever forget her, loving her for everything she was, inside and out.

[@Yosoy919]

75 years old! Iconic! Sexy ! Talented and absolutely mesmerizing. Best Cat Woman ever! Best performer and guest. Very cool woman! Love her

[@alternifeind15]

To have lived on the same planet and breath the same air as Eartha, I feel so honored. She was such an incredible woman, a true icon.

[@eveallusion]

21:22 her words still resonate today in 2020 "speak out and do unto others as you would have them do unto you" ❤️ RIP Eartha you beautiful angel

[@rickperry8297]

I knew her. I delivered her Liquor while working at Gil Turners. I did stand up comedy and delivered liquor part time. She invited me to spend the day with her and we drank Mimosa's. She asked me to tour with her as her opening act...I declined. Biggest regret of my life.

[@dekovencastro8650]

She gives me hope for my 70s... I'm like hey I can still be sexy in my 70s? Cause this women us damn sexy!!! 😍😘 and I'll be 25 next month in September on the 27th

[@traviscarter1023]

Yea man boomerang bra still to this day.

[@vintageincolor]

She was so sexy and sensual this is how I want to enjoy getting older

[@raymoten2421]

That interviewer was so turned on by her 😂😂

[@noahdasilva7117]

She puts a smile on my face... like snow hitting the ground...

[@genkinks]

Such an angel on earth, Miss Eartha Kitt! Forever inspired by you

[@johnsnow9210]

She looks so filled with life and power. I adore what she represents.

[@fastfast-nb4ej]

fell in love with Eartha!!!

[@seriousblakk]

wow she soooo damn classic .

[@kennethkustren9381]

LEGENDARY !!

[@rubizelmurgatroyd7893]

Her story should remind all of us to take every obstacle, every hardship as a chance to expand our character and become stronger! She would not be who she is (or was) if she had an easy life.

[@francinevyfhuis8041]

She's so free and comfortable in her skin despite her pass struggles ❤💕❤

[@wonderwoman66dp]

That was REFRESHING! I liked that the audience was receptive of her! Ms. Kitt is definitely, *ONE OF A KIND ! ! !*

[@jenniferpruitte418]

I remember watching her on tv when i was a child. I never knew what an amazing woman she was. All i can say is wow. We need more women like this to be role models today. What fun it must have been to be part of her world.

[@cynthiagelmirez3738]

It was so fascinating to learn about Eartha’s life experiences. Eartha was a leader and an icon who was a spokesperson for children and the rights of free speech. I liked her free spirit and she was a star without trying. She was a perfect example of rejuvenation - I know her book will be a source of education and guidance Wow - I had no idea what kind of special person she was and to think about the impact she had only leaves a more lasting impression of how valuable she was.♥️🙏🏾🔥

[@hawwakarim]

if only the women of today strived off of her words.....

[@MischiefMemoirs]

HAPPY BEING HAWWA we do 😇

[@melloroom7510]

yeah maybe dont put women down to lift other women up its pretty shitty

[@jovana_branka8966]

Be the person you want to meet. 💚

[@WaRich202]

@@jovana_branka8966 absolutely 💪

[@polyprinz]

I love her, what a delightful woman!:)

[@dionsusan]

When I was quite young, mysteriously, I did not appreciate her. Today, I'm 65, ten years her junior at the time of this interview. Thank you, thank you for these videos that allow me to expose some of my ingrained prejudgements; I adore this woman! She is so powerful and feminine and interesting and real. How could anyone not be charmed by Ms Kitt?

[@zainabmejja9936]

OMG she's lived such a life. So much happenned to her. I just love how she had so much character. And she was winning despite everything! I love her. Such an inspiration. "Life is not problematic... Problems are what you make; Life is something you live. Do what you love: Love what you do." Eartha Kitt ✌🏾

[@matt-nw3wv]

every word she has ever said in any interview has held true to this day. thats the pay off for being whole heartedly authentic.

[@vHumboldt77]

wow.....This is the type where the interviewed's charm is matched by that of the interviewer. Thanks for posting!

[@TheKaren_makeup]

She spoke so much truth, i think people back then just couldn't handle it, She was so strong..May she rest in heaven.

[@shelbyalvarez3145]

This woman is me. I am she.

[@OOoKarmaoOO]

She makes me feel so confident

[@lovejoyful606]

She represents living life..AMAZING RESILIENCE!

[@angelawhite7418]

I think this is the BEST interview I have EVER laid my eyes on!!!!! I'm a 46 year old woman I'm 2021. Thank you Eartha Kitt for EVERYTHING!!!!🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎

[@DJ_Ndiks]

I love this woman. She resembles my grandmother and she's got a beautiful voice. 💜

[@ladyo8297]

Wow... the people adopted me! I love how she took a negative and turn it positive so i didn't ruin her spirit her life. So many hold on to the negative that keep them ib bondage their whole life.

[@EphemeralProductions]

When she fell on the guys lap with her song and dance! Classic eartha! I just chuckled! lol

[@glkmee22]

Can I stop and say how much I love this woman. Oh, I could cry. Thank you Lord for Eartha Kitt

[@phoebelightning5645]

I appreciate how she's so much of her self yet she is wrapped up in gratitude. Loooooooove it and love her.

[@madubaym]

'Problem is something you make, life is something you live' - The Immortal words of Eartha Kitt.

[@MarianoBulaBlackOrpheus]

What a feline voice

[@EphemeralProductions]

She was perfect for catwoman. ❤️

[@eamonndeane587]

She was like the Goddess Bast.

[@EphemeralProductions]

@pryncess-abledbyGod ❤️❤️❤️

[@seriousblakk]

such a jewel

[@amorzz100]

Laughed and cried! Applauses.

[@Elveganonyc]

I LOVE THIS WOMAN LOVE HERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[@SublimeThinker]

Elveganonyc 😄

[@Godly-Brat]

I would listen to her all day, everyday

[@juliacaldwell2929]

So love Eartha. A genuine spiritual being, that so truly lived her purpose. That purpose can only be lived when you don't allow anyone to define you. God was the only voice she chose to hear. May she RIParadise!

[@aWorkInProgress11]

What a fantastic, inspirational woman! Also, the host did a really great job.

[@undead8995]

Man eartha kitt brings such a genuine smile on my face

[@upendasana7857]

I love that woman so much,wish there where more people of such independent spirit,courage and humanity as her.She is beyond any categorisation.

[@odgykins]

I can't help but hear Yzma

[@ayorell1805]

Audrey Vasquez same

[@MissMollyDoll311]

We are so lucky that we got Yzma. That character would be so forgetful without her voice and personality.

[@nicestar2198]

Same lol it just came to my mind that she voice acted yzma

[@WitchAndFamous95]

@@nicestar2198 this just clicked in my head!!! Omg!

[@EphemeralProductions]

Yep. She sure was something else

[@debrawilliams7983]

Loved her as "Lady Eloise" in "BOOMERANG "! She just stole the show!

[@Sotto_]

"Marcuuuus, ..." I love her sense of being.

[@25marshalyn]

When I die let me come back BLACK! They're the race of empathy and kindness nothing bad in their legacy

[@sharonasher4412]

So sweet & endearing Marilyn. Most of us are kind people.

[@warrenmarsh5626]

How silly you are! And in Century 21 at that! Have you learned nothing? This woman's spirit, intelligence and spirit transcends racial barriers. She is a wonderful human being and a magnificent example to us all. And yes, she is BLACK, a woman OF COLOUR or whatever the current 'politically correct' phrase deemed to be 'non-offensive' is. These qualities may be found in human beings of all ethnicities. Everywhere there is courage in the face of great hardship and difficulties. Let us, yes, acknowledge her background, her unique struggle and admire her spirit and zest for living, but also let us celebrate her contribution to our common humanity. America, you are very lucky indeed to have a woman such as Eartha Kitt to call your own!

[@Entertainer145]

Thank You 🌹🙏🏾

[@MisAnnThorpe]

@@warrenmarsh5626 I'm very pleased that your appreciation of the need for political correctness acknowledges that Eartha was a "lady of colour" and not a "coloured lady".

[@naelyneurkopfen9741]

Wtf!? Hahaha! Omg! You're either blind or insane!

[@allime9098]

One of the greatest entertainers of our time..missed every day..Truly one of the most exciting women in the field..her feline presence..unforgettable.some are born for certain things..Divinely guided to her path, she pulled out all of the stops and leapt over all obstacles on the way..a true legend..thank you Alan Eichler..your kindness and generosity of spirit is one for the book of life💕

[@mirandabisnou1307]

I LOVED THE way she spoke!!! She was SO CLASSY!! She almost sounds British. WHAT A SPECIAL WOMAN SHE WAS!!💓💖💟 R.I.P.

[@brianhenson8083]

Magnificent woman!!! She had it all. Watch her movements, her eyes, her body in "Where Is My Man? you'll see how perfect she was and that she really knew how to turn "IT" on. We can all learn how to be better by watching Miss Kitt. You are my Catwoman you little sex-kitten. You are missed but you'll always be with us here in your art and in our collective hearts! You Go Eartha!

[@brooklynbabydoll718]

She is everything!!!!! I love the advice she gave about education. I felt her pain when she expressed her beginnings as an orphan and just about lovinggggggg herself. Her spirit is beautiful.

[@Boujeeandsaved1913]

Eartha Kitt was an amazing woman. So intelligent and beautiful. Hollywood stars of today are nowhere near her level.

[@adolfofernandes876]

she is so shiny, so brilliant, so defying... she plays so beautifully, i wish i had the opportunity to meet her personally

[@PalesaDimane]

so beautiful to watch!😍

[@hattiecolley54]

Thank u for the interview with Ertha Kitt. I followed her from a young age and always said that I would meet her one day. Her elegance, class, and witt always got my attention. In the 70's I was invited to see her. I love On Broadway and Off Broadway performances. I saw her in Timbuktu in Cleveland, Ohio at the Hanna Theatre. Then I awoke to her true talent. RIP Ertha, I regret we never had the opportunity to meet you face to face. In closing I say, magnificent and you did that. Thank u again for this story, her daughter must be so elated.

[@demetriussmith3652]

Mother Eartha is larger then life. One of God's true vessels. Knowledge for the world to take in. "Problems are something you make, life is something you live."

[@debbresser4908]

The best ever. She was a purrrrfect catwoman! I love her history!

[@alexp.d3689]

She's sooo captivating ... I just stood there listening to her speak ,i didn't even realize that the video was over until it was done ... Such a beautiful intelligent wonderful human being ... R.I.P. Eartha

[@sandyg.3454]

I wished that I took the time to really become acquainted with who Eartha Kitt was while she was alive. I knew a little bit about the entertainer persona but not who she was as a human being. What a resilient person she was!

[@danushaforknneer2749]

Beautiful wonderful soul! Has much to teach us all still. ❤️

[@ChocolateDrop_Official]

That man is having the time of his life. She really is very entertaining.

[@2geeksanerdproductions31]

love it...miss her

[@donyell6335]

Some reason I’m here in 2019❤️

[@diannebrown2199]

I'M HERE IN 2020!!!

[@rebeccadixon4645]

I wonder if the interviewer heard what she DIDN'T say, as well as what she did: Her life was full of much more pain than she spoke of, because she REFUSED to let it dominate her. Rest in PEACE, you've EARNED your reward, your TRUE Highness!

[@darreylhenderson8979]

Very happy to be the 100th person to like this video. Eartha was such an amazing person to listen to. Such a unique and amazing talent that I still miss! She was Purrrfect!

[@thejupiter2574]

+Darreyl Henderson Meowwwww. She was just awesome

[@Masker91]

your face is gorgeous!

[@MarlaLukofsky7]

A true American. A survivor, having insight into how it should be and must be in this country. I have such respect for Eartha Kitt.

[@eccentricaste3232]

She moved to France. America takes no credit.