Kitt was born in South Carolina but grew up in New York City and first performed in Broadway in the 1950s.

She was perhaps best known for playing Catwoman in the "Batman" TV series of the 1960s and for her rendition of the 1954 song "Santa Baby." The Christmas standard was just certified gold last week.

At the age of 76, she appeared in the 2003 Broadway smash "Nine," and frequently performed during her later years in Manhattan's Cafe Carlyle. She was scheduled to perform at Cafe Carlyle for a 10th engagement next year.

The club's owner, James McBride, mourned her death, saying, "We have lost a great friend and artist. But she shines as the brightest star this Christmas."

Kitt once said in a 2000 interview with NY1 that she loved herself, but tried not to be egotistical.

"I do like myself, and I appreciate what the gods have given me, and I try to hold onto that as much as possible," she said.