Death of a Star

I was saddened to hear yesterday of the death of Eartha Kitt. I found her the most magnetising entertainer. I met her thirty five years ago, backstage on the set of a play she was starring in with David Kosoff. I was twelve at the time, and totally mesmerised by this gloriously talented lady.

I just wonder, where are the upcoming stars of her calibre these days? When you look at the lightweights in Hollywood who have had charmed (or perhaps cursed?) lives.

I think part of Eartha's weight as a actress/singer/comedienne was that she had triumphed over the rough beginnings she had as a child and young woman. Proof, if we needed it, that it is through the difficult times that our characters are formed.