Connect with us

News

‘Black History Captured on Film’: Eartha Kitt – The Mental Process of a Diva

by Betti Halsell

Published

on

“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.

Eartha Kitt as Catwoman in 'Batman' TV series
Eartha Kitt as Catwoman in ‘Batman’ TV series

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.

Eartha Kitt

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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Interviews

Campbell Addy Feels Seen In NatGeo’s Newest Documentary ‘Photographer’

Published

on

Campbell Addy Photographer

Campbell Addy gets candid about his life and art in the new docuseries from National Geographic.

‘Photographer’ is a six-part documentary collection featuring seven visual artists who take on significant projects and invite viewers on the journey. Award-winning filmmakers E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin share interwoven backstories, archival interviews, and verité footage to unveil the intimate process behind creating some of the most iconic photography masterpieces.

Episode four, titled ‘Feeling Seen,’ features the story of the award-winning British Ghanaian photographer Campbell Addy. It examines different facets of Addy’s life, such as his art, family, heritage, faith, and identity.

A brilliant visionary, Addy photographed celebrities from Beyonce to Meghan Markle before the age of 30. In ‘Photographers,’ we follow the creative as he prepares for his solo exhibition in London. This is a turning point in his career, where he gets to redefine himself as an artist. Addy’s art show, ‘I Love Campbell,’ carries a simple yet powerful message, shifting the focus from the photographer’s high-fashion pieces to highlight his most intimate and comprehensive works to date.

When first approached to participate in the documentary, Addy tells Hollywood Melanin he had doubts. “At first, I didn’t think it was real. I remember sitting down with [my team], and we spoke about what I planned to do. I get to meet these wonderful people; if it works, it’s great; if it doesn’t, it’s also fine.”

Bold, vulnerable, and honest, Addy’s episode in the ‘Photographer’ shows a side of the artist the public hasn’t seen before. The 30-year-old says telling things as is was his intention from the very beginning. “This was the only way I could do it. I needed to be honest, I needed to be authentic and I needed to make sure I’m telling a story that is important. It isn’t just about the image. It’s a lot more than that.”

With so many masterpieces already out there, Addy, in true artist fashion, says he has no favorites. “It’s like choosing a favorite child,” he laughs.

The saying about experiences shaping who we are could not be more true for Addy, whose journey through life is most certainly reflected in his work. His art encompasses it all – from the challenges of being raised in a strict religious household to the pushback he encountered as a queer Black artist. Would he have it any other way? Addy says, “Hard ‘no’ on going back. I’ve come too far. I used to do it a lot. That kind of energy would put you in a bad place. I am in a space of ‘yesterday has happened’ and ‘tomorrow doesn’t exist’. I’m here now, so. There is nothing ’cause then I wouldn’t be me.”

Watch National Geographic’s ‘Photographer,’ now available to stream on Disney+.

Continue Reading

Film

Jeffrey Wright and Ilfenesh Hadera Join Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s ‘High and Low’

Published

on

High and Low

In a highly anticipated collaboration, acclaimed actor Jeffrey Wright and Ilfenesh Hadera have joined the cast of Spike Lee’s upcoming film, ‘High and Low.’ The film, described as a reimagining of the classic Akira Kurosawa thriller, also stars Denzel Washington.

Known for his roles in films like ‘Basquiat,’ ‘The Hunger Games’ series, and ‘Westworld,’ Jeffrey Wright was most recently nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in American Fiction. His ability to embody complex characters and deliver powerful performances makes him a perfect fit for this new Spike Lee joint.

The upcoming film will mark a reunion for Hadera and Washington, who co-starred in ‘The Equalizer 2.’ The Godfather of Harlem star also previously collaborated with Lee on his acclaimed Netflix series ‘She’s Gotta Have It,’ based on his classic 1986 film and his movies ‘Chi-Raq’ and ‘Oldboy’.

‘High and Low’ also marks the fifth collaboration between Lee and Washington, who previously worked together on ‘Mo’ Better Blues,’ ‘He Got Game,’ ‘Inside Man,’ and ‘Malcolm X.’ Washington’s performance in ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ was also released by A24.

The film is being developed and produced by A24, a production company known for its slate of thought-provoking and award-worthy films. It is described as a thriller and an English-language reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller, which told the story of a shoe executive who was in the middle of a complex corporate takeover when his plans were derailed by the accidental kidnapping and ransom of his chauffeur’s son instead of his son.

The film will begin production this month, with a theatrical release before its global launch on Apple TV+.

Continue Reading

News

Regina King and Guests Attend The Los Angeles Premiere of ‘Shirley’

Published

on

Oscar-winner Regina King recently attended the Los Angeles premiere of her latest film, ‘Shirley.’ The highly anticipated biopic chronicles the life and political career of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to be elected to the United States Congress and the first Black woman to run for President.

The premiere, held on March 21, 2024, drew a star-studded crowd, with King taking center stage as both the lead actress and one of the film producers. She was joined by her sister, Reina King, who also served as a producer on the project.

The film, directed by John Ridley and written by Rebecca Hall, explores the life and career of Shirley Chisholm, who was a trailblazer in American politics. The story follows her journey from her early days as a teacher and community activist to her historic run for the presidency in 1972.

Regina King and Reina King speak onstage during Netflix’s ‘Shirley’ Los Angeles Premiere at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on March 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix)

At the premiere, Regina King spoke about the importance of telling Chisholm’s story and the impact she had on American politics. “Shirley was a true maverick, and, you know, we use this term all the time, but she was a true first,” King said. “She was the first Black woman to be elected to Congress and the first Black woman to run for President. Her story is one that needs to be told and I’m honored to be a part of bringing it to the screen.”

The film also stars Lance Reddick as Chisholm’s husband, Conrad Chisholm, and features a powerful supporting cast that includes actors like Jeffrey Wright, André Holland, and Michael K. Williams.

The premiere celebrated Shirley Chisholm’s legacy. Attendees were treated to a special screening of the film, followed by a Q&A session with the cast and crew.

Regina King’s performance in the film has already garnered critical acclaim, with many praising her portrayal of Chisholm as both powerful and nuanced. In an interview with Variety, King spoke about the challenges of playing such a significant historical figure. “It was important to me to show the humanity in her and to show that she was a real person who had real struggles and real triumphs,” she said.

The film is set to be released on Netflix on March 22, 2024. Watch the trailer below.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2021 Hollywood Melanin