Eartha Kitt

Actress and singer of 'Santa Baby'

Eartha Kitt - Actress and singer of 'Santa Baby'
Born

January 17th, 1927
98 years ago

Died

December 25th, 2008
16 years ago — 81 years old

Category

Performers & Entertainers

Country

United States

Links & References

An actress and singer, gained prominence in the 1950s with a distinctive singing style and a captivating stage presence. Achieved significant acclaim for performances in theatrical productions and pop music. Portrayed Catwoman in the television series 'Batman' during the 1960s. Recorded the holiday classic 'Santa Baby,' which has become a seasonal favorite. Advocated for civil rights and spoke out against the Vietnam War, drawing attention to social issues in the United States.

Released the holiday song 'Santa Baby'

Portrayed Catwoman in 'Batman'

Starred in the musical 'Kiss Me, Kate'

Other People Born on January 17th

Archibald Bower

Scottish historian and author
Born
January 17th, 1686 339 years ago
Died
September 3rd, 1766 259 years ago — 80 years old

A Scottish historian and author, contributions focused on the history of England and Scotland during the early 18th century. Authored several works that investigated various historical aspects, particularly in relation to national identity and politics. Became involved in scholarly debates of the time, offering interpretations of historical events and figures. Later life included a focus on historical analysis regarding the Protestant Reformation and its impacts on society. Engaged in discussions surrounding the nature of historians and the reliability of their narratives.

Continue Reading

Alva Belmont

American suffragist and philanthropist
Born
January 17th, 1853 172 years ago
Died
1933 92 years ago — 80 years old

Active in the women's suffrage movement, this prominent figure contributed to advocating for women's rights in the United States. Involved with the National Women's Party, organized various fundraising events and campaigns to promote equal voting rights. Also engaged in numerous social reform initiatives, including labor rights and education for women. Established the Alva Vanderbilt Belmont Foundation to support progressive causes. Significant influence on public opinion regarding women's suffrage, which contributed to the eventual ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Continue Reading

Antonio del Pollaiuolo

Renaissance artist and painter
Born
January 17th, 1429 596 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1498 527 years ago — 69 years old

Antonio del Pollaiuolo was an Italian painter, sculptor, and engraver active during the Renaissance period. Significant works include 'The Battle of the Ten Nudes' and 'Hercules and Antaeus', both showcasing a mastery of human anatomy and dynamic composition. Pollaiuolo's work displayed a deep understanding of movement and muscle structure, which was a notable advancement in the portrayal of the human figure in art during this era. He played a pivotal role in the development of engraving as an art form, contributing to the dissemination of Renaissance ideas across Europe.

Continue Reading

Babu Gulabrai

Indian philosopher and author
Born
January 17th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
1963 62 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1888, a philosopher and author contributed extensively to philosophical literature in India. Engaged in the discourse surrounding social and educational reforms, the writings focused on the importance of integrating traditional Indian values with modern thought. The philosophical inquiries addressed issues of self-identity, moral responsibilities, and the role of education in shaping society. Actively participated in academic discussions and contributed to various journals, shaping contemporary philosophical debate in India.

Continue Reading

Peter Frelinghuysen Jr.

American politician and military officer
Born
January 17th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 95 years old

Served as a U.S. Congressman representing New Jersey from 1953 to 1974. Held the position of chairman of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics. Participated in World War II as a U.S. Army officer, achieving the rank of lieutenant. Engaged in local politics prior to congressional service, influencing regional policies.

Continue Reading

T. Alexander Harrison

American painter and academic
Born
January 17th, 1853 172 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1930 94 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1853, contributed significantly to American painting and art education. Worked primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Focused on landscape and figure painting, often drawing inspiration from nature. Held several academic positions, influencing the next generation of artists. Participated in various exhibitions, showcasing works that reflected a keen observation of light and color. Established a prominent reputation among contemporaries in the art community.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 25th

Peter the Venerable

French abbot and theologian
Born
1092 933 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1156 868 years ago — 64 years old

Served as the abbot of Cluny from 1122 until death in 1156. Played a significant role in the Cluniac reform movement, promoting monastic discipline and spiritual renewal. Engaged in dialogue with other faiths, particularly through the translation of texts. Contributed to the establishment of a more systematic approach to theology and wrote extensively on various theological topics. Canonized in 1177, recognized for dedication to the monastic life and scholarly pursuits.

Continue Reading

Emmanuel Levinas

Philosopher known for Totality and Infinity
Born
January 12th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1995 29 years ago — 89 years old

Born in Lithuania and later becoming a French citizen, one contributed significantly to philosophy, particularly in ethics and existentialism. His most influential work, 'Totality and Infinity,' explores the nature of interhuman relationships and the ethical implications of existence. Levinas's ideas introduced a shift in philosophical thought, focusing on the primacy of the Other and advocating for a responsibility to others that precedes self-interest. Throughout academic career, served as a professor at various institutions, shaping the field of phenomenology and existential ethics.

Continue Reading

Henry Scott

Scottish peer and general
Born
1676 349 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1730 294 years ago — 54 years old

Served as the 1st Earl of Deloraine, holding a significant position within the Scottish peerage. Engaged in military campaigns as a general, contributing to various military efforts during the early 18th century. His nobility allowed for influence in both military and political spheres during a pivotal time in Scottish history. Participated in the Jacobite risings, aligning with the royalist cause in a period marked by conflict and power struggles. His legacy continued through family ties established within the realm of the Scottish aristocracy, shaping the future of his lineage.

Continue Reading

Willard Van Orman Quine

Philosopher and academic in logic
Born
June 25th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
December 25th, 2000 24 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent figure in the field of philosophy, particularly in logic and language, contributed significantly to analytic philosophy. Emphasized the indeterminacy of translation and questioned the distinction between analytic and synthetic truths. Published several influential works, including 'Word and Object' and 'Two Dogmas of Empiricism'. Held academic positions at Harvard University, shaping generations of students and philosophers.

Continue Reading

Joan Blondell

American actress in 'Gold Diggers of 1933'
Born
August 30th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1979 45 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1906, Blondell gained early recognition on Broadway before transitioning to film. Her career flourished during the 1930s and 1940s, becoming a prominent figure in Warner Bros. She starred in musicals and comedies, often alongside major stars. Notable films include 'Gold Diggers of 1933' and 'The Wedding Present'. Throughout her career, she received critical acclaim and was nominated for various awards.

Continue Reading

Karel Čapek

Czech author and playwright known for R.U.R.
Born
January 9th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1938 86 years ago — 48 years old

An author and playwright from Czechia, recognized for contributions to literature and drama. Wrote several plays and novels that explored themes of technology, society, and human rights. Gained prominence with the play 'R.U.R.' (Rossum's Universal Robots), which introduced the term 'robot' to the world. Explored existential and philosophical issues through works that often criticized totalitarianism and authoritarianism.

Continue Reading