Kitty Carlisle was a renowned American singer, actress, and television personality, best known for her appearances on the popular game show To Tell the Truth. With a career spanning over seven decades, she left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. In this article, we explore Kitty Carlisle’s net worth, height, age, family, and other key facts about her life.
Quick Bio: Kitty Carlisle
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Catherine Conn (Kitty) Carlisle Hart |
| Date of Birth | September 3, 1910 |
| Place of Birth | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Date of Death | April 17, 2007 |
| Age at Death | 96 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, Singer, TV Personality |
| Famous For | Panelist on To Tell the Truth |
| Spouse | Moss Hart (m. 1946–1961) |
| Children | Christopher Hart, Catherine Hart |
| Net Worth (At Death) | Estimated $10 million |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) |
| Education | University of Southern California, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art |
Early Life and Background
Kitty Carlisle was born Catherine Conn in New Orleans, Louisiana, on September 3, 1910. She was raised in a well-off Jewish family. Her father, Joseph Conn, was a doctor, while her mother, Hortense Holtzman, was highly ambitious and wanted Kitty to become a European socialite.
After her father’s passing, Kitty and her mother moved to Europe, where she was exposed to fine arts, music, and theater from a young age. She developed a passion for opera and acting, which later defined her illustrious career.
Age and Physical Appearance
Kitty Carlisle was known for her graceful and elegant appearance.
- Born on: September 3, 1910
- Died on: April 17, 2007 (at age 96)
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters)
- Hair Color: Dark brown
- Eye Color: Brown
Even in her later years, Kitty maintained a charming personality and impeccable style, which made her a beloved figure in television and public appearances.
Education
Kitty Carlisle received a well-rounded education, largely influenced by her mother’s aspirations.
- She initially studied at Miss Spencer’s School for Young Ladies in New Orleans.
- After moving to Europe, she attended Sorbonne University in Paris, where she further honed her artistic abilities.
- Later, she studied music at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
- She also briefly studied at the University of Southern California before pursuing a full-time career in entertainment.
This rich educational background helped her develop skills in acting, opera, and television.
His Father
Kitty Carlisle’s father, Dr. Joseph Conn, was a highly respected physician. He provided a comfortable life for the family until his untimely death when Kitty was just ten years old. His passing had a profound impact on Kitty and her mother, leading them to move to Europe in search of a better future.
His Mother
Kitty Carlisle’s mother, Hortense Holtzman Conn, played a significant role in shaping her career. She was ambitious and determined to ensure Kitty’s success in the arts.
- Hortense took Kitty to Europe to study music and theater.
- She had grand dreams of making Kitty a European aristocrat, but Kitty eventually pursued a career in entertainment.
- Hortense’s relentless encouragement contributed to Kitty’s success in Broadway, film, and television.
Kitty often spoke about her mother’s strong-willed nature and the influence she had on her career trajectory.
Children
Kitty Carlisle had two children from her marriage to playwright and director Moss Hart.
- Christopher Hart – A writer and magician known for his work in theatrical productions.
- Catherine Hart – Maintained a more private life compared to her famous mother.
Despite the challenges of balancing her career and motherhood, Kitty always prioritized her children’s well-being.
Who Is Kitty Carlisle?
Kitty Carlisle was a legendary actress, singer, and television personality who gained widespread fame for her long-running role as a panelist on the CBS game show To Tell the Truth.
Key Highlights of Her Career:
- Broadway and Opera: She performed in operas and Broadway productions, showcasing her vocal talents.
- Hollywood Films: She starred in notable films such as A Night at the Opera (1935) alongside the Marx Brothers.
- Television Fame: She became a beloved TV personality, appearing regularly on To Tell the Truth from 1956 to 2002.
- Arts Advocate: She served as the Chairperson of the New York State Council on the Arts for over 20 years, advocating for arts funding.
Her contributions to entertainment and the arts left a lasting impact.
Current Life (At the Time of Her Death)
Even in her later years, Kitty Carlisle remained active in public life. She continued making television appearances, performing live shows, and advocating for the arts.
Final Years and Death
- In 2007, Kitty Carlisle passed away at the age of 96 due to complications from pneumonia.
- Her death marked the end of an era for classic Hollywood and television entertainment.
- She was widely remembered for her grace, intelligence, and contributions to the arts.
She was honored by various organizations, and her legacy continues through her contributions to American entertainment.
Kitty Carlisle’s Net Worth
At the time of her death in 2007, Kitty Carlisle’s estimated net worth was $10 million.
Sources of Her Wealth
- Film and Television – Earnings from her Hollywood films and long-running TV appearances.
- Broadway and Opera Performances – Successful theater roles that added to her wealth.
- Public Speaking and Advocacy – She held prominent positions supporting the arts.
- Investments and Royalties – Likely additional income from past work and investments.
Even though she belonged to old Hollywood, her financial stability was due to her smart career choices and continuous work in entertainment.
Conclusion
Kitty Carlisle was much more than a game show panelist; she was an actress, singer, and dedicated advocate for the arts. From her early struggles to her Broadway and Hollywood success, she lived a long and impactful life.
Key Takeaways
- Born in 1910 in New Orleans and raised in a privileged but ambitious household.
- Gained fame through films, opera, and television, especially To Tell the Truth.
- Married to playwright Moss Hart and had two children.
- Served as a prominent arts advocate, shaping arts funding policies in the U.S.
- Passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of elegance and talent.
Her contributions to entertainment and culture will always be remembered.
FAQ‘s: Kitty Carlisle
1. What was Kitty Carlisle’s net worth at the time of her death?
Kitty Carlisle’s estimated net worth at the time of her death was $10 million.
2. How tall was Kitty Carlisle?
She stood 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall.
3. What was Kitty Carlisle best known for?
She was best known as a panelist on To Tell the Truth and for her roles in Broadway and Hollywood films.
4. Was Kitty Carlisle married?
Yes, she was married to Moss Hart from 1946 until his death in 1961.
5. Did Kitty Carlisle have children?
Yes, she had two children: Christopher Hart and Catherine Hart.
6. When did Kitty Carlisle die?
She passed away on April 17, 2007, at the age of 96
