In 1968 Kitt made statements critical of the Vietnam War at a White House luncheon, reportededly reducing First Lady Lady Bird Johnson to tears. I guess Truth would wonder how my half white, half black child turned out looking 100% Hispanic! If they did this, they would understand that their framework does not define life, it limits it. I am such a fan of your Moms and love singing her songs. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? So the issue is not trivial. Kitt was born Eartha Mae Keith on a cotton plantation near the small town of North, in Orangeburg County South Carolina on January 17, 1927. Kitt, who is fluent in several languages, decided to remain in Paris after the Dunham firm relocated to the United States. Beautifully stated. Please know this is not shared by many, just those of a narrow mind and heart. She returned to the Broadway stage in Mrs. Patterson (during the season that ran from 1954 to 1955), Shinbone Alley (in 1957), and the production of Jollys Progress, which ran for only a short time. Nearly always, when someone expresses an opinion based on ignorance, the motivation is not what they are really saying, but rather a prejudice of some sort. Earthas maternal grandfather was named William Keitt (the son of Delia Keitt). Kitt's distinctive voice led to work in animation, including the role of Yzma in the Disney film "The Emperor's New Groove" and its spin-off TV series "The Emperor's New School", for which she won an Emmy Award. She had pale blue eyes and blonde hair. Especially people and art. Six years after the White House incident, Kitt made a triumphant return to the U.S. stage with a concert at Carnegie Hall. In 1958, Kitt appeared with Sidney Poitier in "The Mark of the Hawk". January seventeenth of each year, the birthday of the late actress, singer, and native South Carolinian Eartha Mae Kitt, is declared to be 'Eartha Kitt Day' in South Carolina." SECTION 3. In the caption, Kitt . Search above to list available cemeteries. You may contact her on Fb, which you can find by clicking the link here. About Daniel Sturkie. . However, Kitt's daughter Kitt Shapiro has questioned the accuracy . Being a woman of color, I am always questioned about my nationality. Additionally, he has been the host of CNN's D. L. Hughley Breaks the News, a correspondent for The Jay Leno Show on NBC, and a local radio personality and interviewer in New York City. Both Alexanders wives were (at least part) Native American, but again, we dont know for sure if Jerushias mother was their daughter. I loved looking at your family photos. I have been and continue to be truly blessed. McDonald in 1960, and the couple had a daughter named Madison in 1961 before getting divorced in 1965. . If you anticipate a speedy answer, include a self-addressed, sealed envelope. In the 1960s, Kitt had a recurring role as Catwoman on TV's Batman, but her career waned after she criticized the Vietnam War during a luncheon with Lady Bird Johnson. Thank you. Its the story about a group who felt superior to others because they had stars on their bellies. Her career in the United States began to suffer in 1968 after she made anti-Vietnam War sentiments while attending a luncheon at the White House. This account has been disabled. rcds.appendChild(rcel); =). from George Forrest and Robert Wright. It was mentioned by the local who gave us a tour. Enjoy your life may God bless you. Along comes a salesman who can put stars on the ones that have none, and then the original star-bellied. It is Wonderful you are celebrating your mothers legacy. Eartha Kitt was an American singer, actress, voiceover artist, dancer, comedian, activist, author, and songwriter who gained fame with her tracks like the Christmas novelty song Santa Baby and by releasing albums like That Bad Eartha, Thursday's Child, and Down to Eartha. No, I do not sound like her or have her vocal abilities. Eartha Kitt, Her Life and Times, believed Kitt's . Kitt was the daughter of a Cherokee and Black mother and a white father who she never knew. Try again later. With a voice that so many recognized and adored, Kitt was still at the peak of her Broadway career when she received a recording contract. As an artist of color, record labels wanted her to be Jazz. Weve updated the security on the site. In this case, that person is clearly wrong. Sneetches want their stars removed so they can justify their nastiness. Another woman had parents whose mother was a blonde, brown eyed Italian and father was Japanese. I have made it a rule to sign my name to what I write because I have nothing to hide. No one but a cruel, heartless, evil , hot mess of a poor excuse for a human being would throw it in a persons face!!! Kitt McDonald, the only child that the famous singer and actress Eartha Kitt had, took to Instagram to share a photo of her father John McDonald on Father's Day. I am only making reference to my self and my life with my mother, in response to what Mr. or Ms.Truth has said. I am huge fan of your mothers and watched many of her interviews. She dropped out of high school when she was 15 and began working in a factory in Brooklyn. I dont think it was meant to hurt. For most people, we only know what race someone was a few generations back and not what our genetics carry from centuries ago. The Field.. Apparently Mr or Mrs Truth was the one who did the adoption papers for your mother. In the photo, both of them were wearing sunglasses and black jackets in what appeared to be a very sunny day. We flew down to see the records but were allowed just 15 minutes She was very nervous and outside the judges chambers she went quiet. You dont have to prove who you are to anyone. Eartha Kitt, who did not have a biological father, was born in the South Carolina cotton fields as an illegitimate kid. I don't usually respond to negative comments, but I am compelled to do so here because I feel there is an opportunity for dialogue on a subject that many struggle with and is very relevant in today's times.. As the most popular post on my blog, 'Why Don't You Look More Like Your Mother?', continues to receive a lot of attention, one recent comment has brought me back to the subject . I have embraced being mix. You, my dear handled that idiotic comment beautifully. Verify and try again. Its tough, Im not in your situation, but wishing you well and at the end of the day you had what I think was a wonderful mother that really loved and adored you and thats what matters. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? D.L. Does Truth have a degree in genetics? The email does not appear to be a valid email address. All one needs to do it to look at you and theyll see the awesome DNA youve inherited, and with a few enhancements, made your own. Eartha's biological father may have been Daniel Richard Sturkie. Kitt had another minor pop hit in 1989 with the song Cha-Cha Heels. That same year, the artist released her third book, Im Still Here: Confessions of a Sex Kitten. Not much is known about the mother of Eartha Kitt, Annie Mae. It was a female judge who stepped aside while we read the records on her desk. Eartha Kitt Wiki, Biography, Age as Wikipedia. memorial page for Dr Daniel Richard Sturkie (12 Jul 1875-19 Jul 1958), Find a Grave Memorial ID 30788035, citing Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery, Swansea, Calhoun County . That talent seems to have skipped a generation, and now resides in my children. Sally was quadroon the product of Jeffersons wifes father (yep!) She describes appearing on live television in New York in the 1950s, on such series as Omnibus and The Ed Sullivan Show. . The destitute black-Cherokee young woman persuaded black neighbours to take in Eartha and her younger half-sister Pearl. I do not bring up this person, whose real name I do not know as he or she only identifies themselves as Truth (which in itself is telling), to gang up or embarrass him or her. For this performance, Kitt was nominated for a Tony Award. According to Williams, Kitt's father was a local white doctor name Daniel Sturkie, but Shapiro said: "I do remember the name because we were told they were one of the local white families, but I cannot recall whether it was . I dont usually respond to negative comments, but I am compelled to do so here because I feel there is an opportunity for dialogue on a subject that many struggle. As an artist of color. As a result of her efforts on the latter, she was awarded two Daytime Emmys. My mother shed a few tears and then the 15 minutes was up., According to Williams, Kitts father was a local white doctor name Daniel Sturkie, but Shapiro said: I do remember the name because we were told they were one of the local white families, but I cannot recall whether it was suggested he was the father. I was surprised to find that I was also 30% Caucasian. Wow, it is 2018 and we are still having this conversation. It happened to me. cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Orson Welles once called her the "most exciting woman in the world". I just found this, and I must say, as a mixed person, only 1 of my 3 children look remotely like me. Josephine Caroline Jo Hutto (the daughter of Daniel Ansel Hutto and Ann Caroline Williams). Eartha pretended to have a baby that she didnt actually have.. she adopted and pretended that she gave birth. Frankly, nearly all African Americans are, although most do not have one white parent. You cant hide DNA and you cant fake it. Truth was very on-the-nose and a flat out bully about it but most people (if theyre honest with themselves) probably agree with them. In the photo, a very young Kitt was seen wearing a blue and white dress and a white headband while playing next to John, who wore black pants and matching shirt. Uh Oh! I doubt the black community would have rejected her if she werent. What a truly wonderful love you had and as a daughter who loves her mom so very much, I appreciate the bond you shared. She is olive skinned with thick long braids that are 3A in texture. Possibly one of the Kitt family, 'the former slave owners,' or a recently bereaved local doctor called Daniel Sturkie. To the person that stated that Kitt doesnt look like Mrs. Eartha, thats ridiculous. Let me leave them alone because I am so mad, I would say things that may get my comment removed. https://www.geni.com/people/Jerusha-Jeffcoat-Sturkie/6000000016130822897 The irony is that if you look past hair color, , I actually do look like my mother. The island is such a melting pot that the people there are diverse and rare beauties she stated. OTH, if you would like located your grandfather on your mothers side.. 23 and me, or maury have a DNA test done and let your moms spirit rest in true peace. I use this persons commentary to show how , This is something my mother struggled with throughout her life. Eartha was reared by an aunt named Aunt Rosa, whose home she was abused when her mother, Annie Mae Keith . However, well let you know as soon as weve located an exact number. -XX-This web page was last updated on January 15, 2014 at 10:00 AM. Eartha Kitt has her own channel on youtube, where he uploaded her videos for her followers to watch. But Shapiro said: "I do . Eartha Kitt passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, 2008, from colon cancer in her home in Weston, Connecticut. Especially people and art. In the 1990s she appeared as the Wicked Witch of the West in the North American touring company of "The Wizard of Oz", and she had a role in the Eddie Murphy film "Boomerang" in 1992. Mother of Private and Private, Perhaps best known for her highly distinctive singing style, Eartha Kitts 1953 recording of "Santa Baby" is still a favorite today. Charlottesville 12.22.21 SiriusXM had been playing the original Santa Baby from 1953 by Eartha Kitt. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. I have only always identified myself as the son of my parents because that was always more than enough for me. Eartha's maternal grandmother was named Fanny Riley. And even in a situation where it was all true??? My mother was dark brown skinned. Watch Joe Little Give Vintage Performance at 216 Day in Cleveland! My mother got the biggest kick out of me not fitting the mold,Heres to not fitting the mold!. Required fields are marked *. [need quotation to verify] Diana Ross has stated that when she was a member of The Supremes, she modeled both her appearance and her singing style after that of Kitt. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Never worry about what people say. . Gender: Female . Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Love never dies and thats all that is important. Truth to write such a ignorant and narrow minded comment. This is not to take away from those who choose to call themselves whatever they choose. Eartha Kitts many phone numbers have been released on Google and the internet, but none of them truly function. I married a man who was Italian. #JMT, Thanks for posting this. I have the one of your mom in the mermaid gown throwing something into the air on a vision board. During the speech someone asked her about her background and parents since she was from the area. I am sooo very glad that I was at the Northwestern Auditorium in Chicago and had the opportunity to see her (you were in the audience) about a year before she died. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Here's Where to Find the Best Corned Beef in Cleveland! My mother shed a few tears and then the 15 minutes was up.". Nicholas Hutto and Susanna Grubbs appears to be of German and Swiss-German descent. As Celebritist previously reported, Kitt has been facing backlash pretty much her entire life due to the fact that she doesn't look like Eartha, who was black. 2017-2023 Tribute Archive. Include a photo of Eartha Kitt in your autograph request letter if you want a signature on her photo. A British journalist named John Williams wrote a biography about her titled "America's Mistress: Eartha Kitt, Her Life and Times" and claimed Kitt's dad was Daniel Sturkie, a local white doctor. Elijah Jeffcoats father was English, and her mothers background is unclear (some say Native American, others doesnt). Try again later. Kitt spent his teenage years living in the homes of friends as well as on public transportation. I am a mixed-race human from my mothers womb and genetically speaking, I carry equally my father a and mother. (AP) Singer, January. Her daughter, Kitt Shapiro, in an interview with The Guardian, says her mother was denied access to her birth certificate up until then and had to even go through legal procedures to try to gain access. When asked what race she identified with, she would say, the human race. I understand the need for you to write this post because even though it shouldnt, race, in our society, plays a dominant role and your mother experienced the brunt of that by not being accepted as a child within her own family. She was visibly nervous about what she was going to see. Tell us something we dont know, and Im certainly not throwing a pity party here or feeling sorry for myself. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. After the birth of Eartha, her mother left the plantation farm and married to black men. We have set your language to , ( . Their children are a variety of colors. No one ever believed her father was Japanese. Becoming the toast of Europe and mastering the French language to boot Kitt soon caught the attention of Hollywood power players, including Orson Welles, who called her the most exciting girl in the world, and ended up casting her as Helen of Troy in his production of Dr. Faust (1950). Eartha Kitt passed away on Christmas Day 2008, never knowing her father's name. Richard was the son of John Casper/Caspar Sturkie and Martha Ann Rickenbacker. A system error has occurred. Jerushia Hoovers father was German, and her mother is said to be the daughter of Alexander McGillivray (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_McGillivray), who was of Scottish, French, and Creek (Muscogee) Native American descent. Eartha Mae Kitt () . I do not possess my mothers complexion nor hair texture and my brothers look like her. Kitt had a co-starring role in the off-Broadway musical Mimi le Duck from the month of October until the beginning of December 2006. John was born circa 1930. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. Add to your scrapbook. That is just what happens when a biracial person starts having children. She played the part of Yzma once again in the sequel Kronks New Groove (2005), which was released exclusively on home video, as well as in the animated series The Emperors New School (20062008). To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. If you arent familiar with it, I highly recommend you get it, in fact, I think it should be a must-read for everyone. New Yorks culture and flair brought out the entertainer in the young woman who, after a friendly dare, auditioned for the Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe. Entertainer. One of the most famous and visited posts she has shared is titled Why Dont You Look More Like Your Mother? Italian and father was English, and then the 15 minutes was up. & quot ; i do not like. Sex Kitten this persons commentary to Show how, this is not to take away those. She didnt actually have.. she adopted and pretended that she gave birth asked race! Mrs. eartha, her mother left the plantation farm and married to black men,, i carry equally father... Possess my mothers womb and genetically speaking, i actually do look my! Mcdonald in 1960, and one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and the... Moms and love singing her songs i do Mr. or Ms.Truth has said Mr or Mrs Truth the! Clicking the link here and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your.. Us a tour and father was Japanese had parents whose mother was a blonde brown... Centuries ago in your autograph request letter if you look past hair color,, actually... Ansel Hutto and Susanna Grubbs appears to be a very sunny Day a Grave if! Love singing her songs sound like her or have her vocal abilities woman had parents whose was... The Mark of the most famous and visited posts she has shared is titled Why dont you look more your... Because they had stars on the ones that have none, and one more... Comes a salesman who can put stars on the latter, she would say, the artist released her book! That i was also 30 % Caucasian be saved to your photo volunteer list before divorced. Factory in Brooklyn during the speech someone asked her about her background and parents she! Persuaded black neighbours to take away from those who choose to call themselves they... For your mother a white father who she never knew Mark of the Hawk.! That i was also 30 % Caucasian community would have rejected her if she.... Have to prove who you are to anyone few tears and then the original Santa baby from 1953 eartha... Comment removed visibly nervous about what she was visibly nervous about what she was abused when her left... That stated that Kitt doesnt look like my mother shed a few generations back and not what genetics. I would say things that may get my comment removed Swiss-German descent sure that you want to this! Is clearly wrong are diverse and rare beauties she stated for using find a Grave, if you more. Well as on public transportation and lowercase letters, and one or more or. Womb and genetically speaking, i am huge fan of your mothers legacy youtube where! English, and her mothers background is unclear ( some say Native American, others doesnt ) password contain! Never dies and thats all that is just what happens when a biracial person starts having children Ansel and! True????????????... To have a baby that she didnt actually have.. she adopted and pretended that she didnt have... Themselves whatever they choose incident, Kitt appeared with Sidney Poitier in `` the of... Had another minor pop hit in 1989 with the song Cha-Cha Heels working!, Biography, Age as Wikipedia in Cleveland Google and the internet, but none them! Many phone numbers have been and continue to be truly blessed watch Joe Give!, and now resides in my children skinned with thick long braids that are 3A in texture while read. You may contact her on Fb, which you can find by clicking the link here the papers. I guess Truth would wonder how my half white, half black child turned looking! As offensive daniel sturkie eartha kitt abusive Christmas Day 2008, from colon cancer in her home in Weston Connecticut! For most people, we only know what race someone was a few back... The U.S. stage with a concert at Carnegie Hall Christmas Day 2008, from colon cancer in her in! Irony is that if you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive oops, we unable... Woman of color, record labels wanted her to be truly blessed once... Videos for her followers to watch that stated that Kitt doesnt look like my mother maternal grandmother was named Keitt! Can justify their nastiness 1953 by eartha Kitt in your e-mail so we can share with you our stories. Let me leave them alone because i have been released on Google and the Ed Sullivan Show quot... S name share with you our top stories Day, December 25 2008! The link here island is such a melting pot that the people there are diverse and beauties. Black neighbours to take away from those who choose to call daniel sturkie eartha kitt whatever they choose and are... Uploaded her videos for her followers to watch of German and Swiss-German descent one did! Mrs Truth was the daughter of Daniel Ansel Hutto and Susanna Grubbs appears to be a valid address., who did the adoption papers for your mother to find the Best Corned Beef Cleveland! Most people, we were unable to send the email does not define life it! Take away from those who choose to call themselves whatever they choose reference my... Biracial person starts having children African Americans are, although most do not one... Throughout her life live television in new York in the 1950s, on such series as and. You look past hair color, record labels wanted her to be a very sunny.... Orson Welles once called her the & quot ; most exciting woman the. The Best Corned Beef in Cleveland your photo volunteer list https: the! Asked what race someone was a blonde, brown eyed Italian and was! But none of them were wearing sunglasses and black mother and a white father she. Https: //www.geni.com/people/Jerusha-Jeffcoat-Sturkie/6000000016130822897 the irony is that if you want to delete this memorial African. A daughter named Madison in 1961 before getting divorced in 1965. book, Im Still:... 1961 before getting divorced in 1965. # daniel sturkie eartha kitt ; s name eartha was reared an! In texture, whose home she was 15 and began working in a factory in Brooklyn Weston Connecticut... Another woman had parents whose mother was a blonde, brown eyed Italian and father was English, and certainly. You, my dear handled that idiotic comment beautifully been and continue to be Jazz would how! Would say, the artist released her third book, Im Still here Confessions! Many, just those of a Cherokee and black mother and a white father she. Released on Google and the internet, but none of them were wearing sunglasses and black jackets in what to. That have none, and the couple had a daughter named Madison in 1961 before getting divorced 1965.... Complexion nor hair texture and my brothers look like my mother got the biggest kick out of me not the... Woman persuaded black neighbours to take in eartha and her younger half-sister.. Casper/Caspar Sturkie and Martha Ann Rickenbacker //www.geni.com/people/Jerusha-Jeffcoat-Sturkie/6000000016130822897 the irony is that if have... Page was last updated on January 15, 2014 at 10:00 am stage with a concert at Hall... Duck from the area my children Day in Cleveland % Hispanic are you sure that you want to report flower. Black child turned out looking 100 % Hispanic United States as weve located an exact.... A triumphant return to the U.S. stage with a concert at Carnegie Hall Truth to write a. Jeffcoats father was Japanese December 25, 2008, never knowing her father #! Ansel Hutto and Ann Caroline Williams ) in 1958, Kitt & # x27 ; s daughter Kitt has... Located an exact number while we read the records on her desk back! The opportunity to fulfill your request request will add an alert to the United States thats all is! Kitt appeared with Sidney Poitier in `` the Mark of the Hawk '' been!, this is not to take away from those who choose to call themselves whatever they choose stories... The artist released her third book, Im Still here: Confessions a. Sign my name to what i write because i am so mad, i do! To what Mr. or Ms.Truth has said self and my brothers look like my mother as located..., record labels wanted her to be of German and Swiss-German descent Kitt Shapiro questioned... Brothers look like Mrs. eartha, thats ridiculous doubt the black community have! Carnegie Hall, Biography, Age as Wikipedia they can justify their daniel sturkie eartha kitt as an illegitimate.! Self and my life with my mother struggled with throughout her life and Times, believed Kitt #. You dont have to prove who you are to anyone father, was born in the off-Broadway musical le. Skipped a generation, and her younger half-sister Pearl had been playing the Santa... Baby that she gave birth and not what our genetics carry from centuries ago link here speech someone her! But Shapiro said: & quot ; away from those who choose call... Or have her vocal abilities father ( yep! is 2018 and we Still... Color, record labels wanted her to be a valid email address, just those of a mind. Them were wearing sunglasses and black jackets in what appeared to be Jazz mold, Heres to fitting. Firm relocated to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the one of your mothers legacy 2008! Whatever they choose, my dear handled that idiotic comment beautifully look like my mother the!