OT: Eartha Kitt dead at 81

Eartha Kitt, famous for singing “Santa Baby” in 1953, has died. Kitt died today of colon cancer at 81.

Eartha Kitt was an actress, singer and cabaret star. One of her famous roles was as Catwoman in “Batman,” the TV series of the 1960s.

Orson Welles' stage production of of Dr Faustus in 1950 cast Kitt as Helen of Troy. Welles once said Eartha Kitt was the most exciting woman in the world.

Kitt had been ill for about a year, but stopped working only about 2 months ago. She had dates booked throughout 2009.

Kitt rose from the Southern cotton fields to captivate audiences around the world.