Celebrity News
‘Black History Captured on Film’: Eartha Kitt – The Mental Process of a Diva
by Betti Halsell
“I’m simply amazed at my whole life, I had more fun being Eartha Kitt than I think anybody has–being themselves, with whomever they become…” – Eartha Kitt, 2001
Eartha Kitt knew she was Eartha Kitt, a character that was free to speak freely with a body that carried a rebellious movement. Known as “the most interesting woman in the world,” she fully committed herself to living life. Acting, singing, dancing, Miss. Kitt could do it all and then some.. However, at her core, she was a mother, and adopted daughter of “the people” and being herself was her true calling.
Born in South Carolina, she had no sense of foundation as she moved around frequently as an orphan. Kitt tapped into her animal instincts of survival, and the motivation to never being a burden drove her to do whatever she had to do to tap into a larger than life personality. Kitt became popular in the speakeasy scenes in France ( I can see her serenading the crowd). She returned to America and had a unique sparkle that caught the eyes of director and actor Orson Welles, putting Kitt on the map.
Distinct characters that Kitt is permanently known for include Cat Woman on 1960s television show Batman. Audiences were enchanted by tongue rolls and commitment to her feline feature role, make the purrfect* catcall on queue. Kitt is also known for singing the holiday anthem, Santa Baby. She took anything she was given and made it her own, with unmatched sophistication and gusto.
Kitt lived in a mental state of freedom, creating a small riff in her career when she was invited to the White House in the 1960s. She did the impossible, she spoke with no filter to the first lady of the United States and it made “lady bird” clutch her pearls. Before this prestigious luncheon on Capitol Hill, Kitt frequently checked the pulse of the youth around her, violence was up and intense energy surrounded the Vietnam War.
Kitt said exactly what the young men from all different neighborhoods were telling her; why try to be a good samaritan, if the result is being forced into war? It would be easier to commit a crime and be overlooked, than stare at a fate that awaited them on the front lines. It was no coincidence that she couldn’t find work after she exercised her right to freedom of speech. Kitt’s domestic popularity was eventually recharged and she found herself back on stage.
Above all else, Eartha Kitt freed herself, to be her full self. She knew who she was, and who she was not. Kitt lived her life how she wanted, centered and in confidence. Her daughter Kitt Mcdonald explained her mother had a sense of self-awareness that made her the center of attention. Although her life started off orphaned, she made life and the people who encouraged her growth her eternal parents that raised and nourished her talent.
Ryan Coogler, the acclaimed director of Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, has confirmed that Hollywood legend Denzel Washington will join the cast of Black Panther 3. This announcement came during Coogler’s appearance on the 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast, where he revealed that he has written a role specifically for the two-time Oscar winner, whom he regards as “the greatest living actor.”
Washington first hinted at his involvement in the Marvel project during a November 2024 interview on the Today show in Australia, generating excitement among fans. Coogler, who has long admired Washington, expressed his enthusiasm about their upcoming collaboration, noting their close relationship and Washington’s cultural significance. “Denzel is family at this point,” he said in the interview.
Although Marvel Studios has not officially announced Black Panther 3, the franchise’s success, having grossed over $2 billion globally from its first two films, makes a third installment a logical step. The film is still in early development, and while there is no confirmed release date, Coogler hinted that it’s “not long” away, potentially targeting a 2028 release following Avengers: Secret Wars.
Speculation about Washington’s role is abundant, with fans suggesting he could portray a new Wakandan character, a historical figure like Bashenga, or even a multiverse variant of T’Challa or T’Chaka. The emotional connection to the late Chadwick Boseman, who credited Washington’s mentorship for his career, adds significant weight to this casting choice.
Halle Berry and Van Hunt went public with their relationship in September 2020. After five years of dating, Hunt, a Grammy-winning musician, proposed to the Oscar-winning actress, but Berry has not yet accepted.
Berry’s decision to decline Hunt’s proposal, at least for now, stems primarily from her history with marriage. The actress has been married three times previously—to former MLB player David Justice (1993–1997), singer Eric Benét (2001–2005), and actor Olivier Martinez (2013–2016). She also shares a daughter, Nahla, 17, with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry, and a son, Maceo, 11, with Martinez. Hunt has been married once and has a teenage son, Drake.
During the Today interview, Berry explained, “Well, I’ve been married three times. Van has been married once, and so no, we don’t feel like we have to get married to validate our love in any way. We don’t.”
While Berry has not accepted Hunt’s proposal, she has not ruled out marriage entirely. In the same interview, she expressed that she believes Hunt is the right partner for her, stating, “I think we will get married just because, out of the people I’ve been married to, this is the person I should have married.” She added that any future marriage would be a choice made out of desire for expression, not obligation, and hinted at a potential wedding “soon.”
Batwoman‘s star Javicia Leslie is engaged!
The 37-year-old shared the exciting news via Instagram earlier today with a caption that reads, “An answered prayer.”
According to his bio, Leslie’s now-fiancé, Nana-Yaw Asamoah, is a New York native and a sports and entertainment executive. He currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer of AMB Sports and Entertainment.
While the couple’s romantic relationship has not been public until now, Leslie has been open about being bisexual. In fact, she is the first Black and queer woman to play the aforementioned DC’s superhero.
During an interview on E! News’ Daily Pop, the actress shared that her role in the CW series inspired her to come out to her mom. “For me, I never felt like I had to hide anything,” Leslie said. “That wasn’t really where I was coming from. I just hadn’t had a conversation, so I just wanted to talk to my mom about it because I was living my life. I just wanted to be able to talk to her so she didn’t have to be told through the media.”
According to the shared Instagram post, Asamoah proposed to Leslie in Napa Valley, at what appears to be a winery, in front of a beautiful mountain backdrop. Friends, family, and fans flooded the comment section with congratulations and best wishes to the couple. We are joining in as well!
Keke Palmer Is A Criminal Mastermind in ‘The Pickup’ Starring Eddie Murphy & Pete Davidson (Trailer)
Ryan Coogler Confirms Denzel Washington Will Star in ‘Black Panther 3’
Here Is Why Halle Berry Declined Van Hunt’s Proposal After 5 Years Of Dating
Batwoman’s Javicia Leslie Gets Engaged in Napa Valley
‘Love Is Blind’ Alumni Lauren and Cameron Hamilton Announce First Pregnancy
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Celebrity News3 weeks agoRyan Coogler Confirms Denzel Washington Will Star in ‘Black Panther 3’
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Celebrity News3 weeks agoHere Is Why Halle Berry Declined Van Hunt’s Proposal After 5 Years Of Dating
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Film & TV2 weeks agoKeke Palmer Is A Criminal Mastermind in ‘The Pickup’ Starring Eddie Murphy & Pete Davidson (Trailer)