Eartha Kitt: Dead At 81

The one and only Eartha Kitt has passed away.

A family friend of the sultry entertainment legend has confirmed that she died of colon cancer today.

According to Patty Freedman, Kitt, who's biggest hit was the sexy, yuletide ballad, 'Santa Baby,' was recently treated at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.

She was 81.

Her definitive version of the saucy tune, which was covered by the likes of Madonna, Freda Payne, The Pussycat Dolls and Rupaul,was certified gold last week.

A self-proclaimed "sex kitten" famous for her catlike purr, Kitt was one of America's most versatile performers, winning two Emmy Awards and being nominated for Tony and Grammy Awards. (See how Eartha Kitt ranked on our Top 30 Sexiest Black Actresses Of All Time round-up below.)

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The North, South Carolina native, born Eartha Mae Keith, played Catwoman in the 1960s television series 'Batman,' before being blacklisted after making anti-war statements during a White House luncheon hosted by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson.

"The thing that hurts, that became anger, was when I realized that if you tell the truth - in a country that says you're entitled to tell the truth - you get your face slapped and you get put out of work," Kitt said about the incident years later in an interview with 'Essence' magazine.

On the Broadway stage, she made her debut in 1945 in 'Bal Negre.' 32 years later, she was still going strong; with the all-star musical 'Timbuktu.' She received high marks for her role in the 2000 revival of 'The Wild Party.'

Her other Broadway credits include 'Shinbone Alley,' 'Jolly's Progress' and 'Nine.' (see Black Stars On Great White Way)

In the 1992 hit movie, Kitt played a most memorable role as Lady Eloise -- a rich business tycoon who has a sexual tryst with the movie's main character, played by Eddie Murphy.

Most recently, she appeared in the independent films, 'Preaching to the Choir' --alongside Patti LaBelle, Tim Reid, and Tichina Arnold – and the romantic comedy called 'And Then Came Love' – starring Vanessa Williams, Michael Boatman, and Ben Vereen.

The author of three memoirs, Kitt is survived by her daughter, Kitt Shapiro, and two grandchildren.