logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Eartha Kitt's Only Daughter Says '#MyMotherWasMyRoleModel' & Shares Photo of Her Amid Protests

Bettina Dizon
Jun 05, 2020
10:30 P.M.

Kitt McDonald Sharpio looked up to her mother throughout her life, after the Hollywood star fell victim to racism several times, yet she chose to treat others fairly.

Advertisement

Kitt McDonald Sharpio was born out of interracial marriage -- her mother, Eartha Kitt, was a black actress and her father, Bill McDonald, was a white businessman.

Recently, as unrest filled the streets in light of the death of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter movement, the “Batman” star’s daughter paid tribute to her late mother on social media.

Eartha Kitt arrives at the after party for "The Public Sings: A 50th Anniversary Celebration" at the Time Warner Center January 30, 2006 in New York City.  | Source: Getty Images

Eartha Kitt arrives at the after party for "The Public Sings: A 50th Anniversary Celebration" at the Time Warner Center January 30, 2006 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

SHARPIO’S ROLE MODEL

Sharpio shared a black and white photo of her mother alongside a quote from the actress that read, “I have used all the manure that has been thrown on me, as fertilizer, to make me stronger.”

The post came with several hashtags, including one that described the late Emmy Award winner as a role model.

Advertisement

After enduring criticism and maltreatment because of her skin color throughout her life, Kitt still taught her daughter to be a respectful person.

Advertisement

Shapiro recalled her mom once teaching her a valuable lesson at five years old, after seeing a “gross” slug.

Eartha Kitt attends the event in her honor hosted by M.A.C Cosmetics and Zac Posen at Cafe Carlyle on September 19, 2007 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Eartha Kitt attends the event in her honor hosted by M.A.C Cosmetics and Zac Posen at Cafe Carlyle on September 19, 2007 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

“Kill it!’” she recalled saying. “[Eartha] just looked at me and said, ‘You don’t have to like it, and you don’t have to think it’s pretty, but that slug has just as much right to exist as you do.’”

It has been several years since the actress’ peak in Hollywood and struggles with racism, yet many parts of the world still remain the same.

KITT’S EXPERIENCE WITH RACISM

The “St. Louis Blues” star grew up a colored child, although she did not know much about her identity. Abandoned as a child, Kitt only had a hunch that her father was a white man because of her light skin.

Advertisement
Eartha Kitt at the world premiere in Hollywood of Disney's The Emperor's New Groove, December 10, 2000. | Source: Shutterstock

Eartha Kitt at the world premiere in Hollywood of Disney's The Emperor's New Groove, December 10, 2000. | Source: Shutterstock

“In 1927, to be a light-skinned black person in the South was just as horrible as being a black person in the white South,” Shapiro said. “My mother was not accepted by the black community.”

The actress made it big in the entertainment industry despite her skin color, especially when she made history as the first black woman to take on a role as a white man’s romantic partner.

Advertisement

Kitt was also never ashamed to speak her mind, which cost her several hateful letters from different people who attacked her race.

The Hollywood star passed away in 2008 from colon cancer. “She carried the scar of rejection with her all her life,” Shapiro said. “She was rejected for her skin, ironically by both black and white.”

Advertisement

BLACK LIVES MATTER

It has been several years since the actress’ peak in Hollywood and struggles with racism, yet many parts of the world still remain the same.

However, just like Kitt, several people aren’t afraid to speak their mind, now more than ever, following George Floyd’s tragic death.

Among them is Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker’s daughter Sophie, who, at a young age, protested on the streets to fight justice.

The proud parents documented and shared photos of their daughter on social media as she stood in the sea of people who demanded the safety of black people in America.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Roseanne Barr Turns 71 — She Is Slimmer, Has Big Family & Is 'Feeling Good' with Beloved Man of More than 20 Years

November 17, 2023

How Melanie Griffith Might Look Now If She Never Underwent Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Cancer Removal: Photos via AI

December 10, 2023

Brigitte Nielsen, 60, Exudes Beauty & Elegance Posing in an All-White Ensemble in Recent IG Update

November 21, 2023

Thandiwe Newton's Parents: They Married in Zambia and Gave Birth to the Actress in England

November 20, 2023

‘Wow’: Meghan Markle Debuted Dyed Hair with Red Undertones on Winter Trip with Husband

March 01, 2024

How 5 Beloved Celebrities Would Look without Plastic Surgery — Photos via AI

February 28, 2024

Andie MacDowell, 65, Stuns in a Figure-Hugging Dress Matching Her Hair Color: 'Stylish at Any Age'

January 10, 2024

Kane Brown's Parents Are Not Together & He Was Abused by One of His Stepfathers

January 13, 2024

Shelley R Bonus Was Richard Pryor's Wife in the Late 60s – More about Her

January 15, 2024

Tin Swe Thant Had to Change Her Name in School – More about Alex Wagner's Mother

November 29, 2023

This Baby Was a Malnourished ‘Fighter’ Adopted by Hollywood Star — She Made Dad Proud Becoming ‘So Smart’

November 10, 2023

Kim Delaney's 3rd Husband's Identity Is Kept Under Wraps - Facts About Her Marriages and 1 Engagement

November 10, 2023

Child Star Amanda Bynes Couldn't Stand Own Look & Left Hollywood in 2010 — She Finally Feels 'Confident' Now

December 28, 2023

How Courteney Cox, 59, Would Look If She Had Never Used Botox & Fillers: Photos via Al

January 11, 2024