Who Was John William McDonald, Eartha Kitt’s Ex-Husband?

When people talk about Eartha Kitt, they usually remember her as a singer, dancer, and actress with a powerful voice and strong personality. But not many people know the full story of the man she once called her husband — John William McDonald.

John was more than just Eartha Kitt’s ex-husband. He was a war hero, a father, and a businessman who lived a life full of love, pain, and personal battles. His story isn’t loud or famous, but it’s powerful. In this article, we’ll explore who John William McDonald really was — from his early days, his time in the army, his love story with Eartha, to the struggles that shaped his life.

Let’s begin with where it all started.

John William McDonald Quick Bio

Who Was John William McDonald?

John William McDonald was an American man born in Los Angeles, California, in 1923. Many people know him only because he was married to Eartha Kitt, but he had his own story — one filled with bravery, pain, and quiet strength.

He was a man who went to war, worked in real estate, and loved his daughter deeply. Even though he didn’t become a celebrity, his life touched many people around him, especially Eartha and their daughter, Kitt McDonald (now known as Kitt Shapiro).

So who was this man behind the famous woman? Let’s look at his early life to understand better.

Early Life and Family Roots

John was born on April 12, 1923, into a family with German and Irish roots. His family was financially stable, and he enjoyed a good childhood in Los Angeles, which was growing fast in the 1920s.

He was known as a quiet and thoughtful young man. People said he was kind and smart. He loved numbers and showed a strong interest in business and accounting. His parents supported his education, and he had big dreams.

Even though he lived a comfortable life as a child, things would change when the country went to war — and John chose to serve.

Education and Career Dreams

After finishing high school, John went to the University of Southern California. He studied accounting, which matched his love for numbers and business. He had a plan for his future — he wanted to be a successful businessman, maybe in real estate or finance.

His education gave him the tools to build a stable life, and he worked hard. But just as he was beginning to grow in his studies, something unexpected happened — the war came, and John made a decision that would change his life forever.

John William McDonald’s Time in the Army

When the Korean War broke out, John joined the U.S. Army to serve his country. Like many young men of his time, he believed in doing his part.

But war is never easy. While serving, John was badly injured by a grenade explosion. The injuries were so serious that he needed to go through 25 surgeries. Imagine that — 25 times on the surgery table, trying to heal.

He came back home alive, but not without scars. He lived with chronic pain for the rest of his life. And to deal with that pain, doctors gave him strong medicine, which later turned into something much harder to deal with — addiction.

Life After War, Pain and Struggles

After returning from war, John tried to go back to normal life. He used his education and started working in the business world, mostly in real estate and insurance. But the pain from his injuries stayed with him.

To manage the pain, John was prescribed opioids — strong painkillers. At first, they helped. But over time, he became addicted, something that many veterans struggled with. His life became a daily fight — not just against pain, but also against the pills that were supposed to help.

Even though he was strong, kind, and smart, this addiction began to affect his personal life and relationships. But during this difficult time, something unexpected happened — he met Eartha Kitt.

How John William McDonald Met Eartha Kitt

In 1957, John met Eartha Kitt in Las Vegas. They were introduced by a mutual friend named Bob Dix. At the time, John was still recovering from his injuries and focusing on his future. Eartha, on the other hand, was already becoming a big star.

At first, they were just friends. The three — Eartha, Bob, and John — often spent time together. Eartha had feelings for Bob at first, but he wasn’t ready for a relationship. Slowly, Eartha and John started spending more time together. They both had pain in their past, and they connected through deep talks and quiet support.

Have you ever had a friend turn into something more? That’s what happened here. It wasn’t sudden — it was slow and real.

Marriage to Eartha Kitt

After three years of growing closer, John and Eartha got married on July 6, 1960. It was a small wedding, with only close friends and family. But their marriage was a big deal in the news — because at that time, interracial marriages were still uncommon and even looked down upon in many places.

But they didn’t care. They loved each other and were ready to start a new life. Eartha even told her fans about the marriage during a concert, saying, “Now I’ll finally have something I never had — a family of my own.”

It was a joyful time. They moved into a new home and began planning for the future. But like many real-life love stories, things would not stay easy for long.

John William McDonald as a Father

In 1961, Eartha gave birth to their daughter, Kitt McDonald. She was born on November 26 in Los Angeles, and Eartha described her as looking like a beautiful Hindi princess. They named her after her mother, and she would later become known as Kitt Shapiro.

John was proud to be a father. He loved his daughter and wanted to give her the best life. But while Eartha traveled for her music and acting, John often stayed home. Eartha usually took Kitt with her on tours, so they could be close.

John missed out on many of those moments. He supported his daughter from a distance, but he also struggled with his health and his growing addiction. It became harder for him to be the husband and father he wanted to be.

Problems in the Marriage

At first, John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt tried to make their marriage work. They had a lovely home, a beautiful daughter, and dreams for the future. But things were not as easy as they looked from the outside.

Eartha’s career was very busy. She traveled all over the world to sing and act. She performed in big cities and met famous people. John, on the other hand, stayed behind to work in real estate. He also struggled daily with pain from his war injuries. This made him feel alone and left out.

The distance between them — both physical and emotional — grew more and more. Eartha took their daughter on her tours, and John often stayed home alone. Over time, the love that once brought them together started to fade.

Eartha Kitt’s Ex-Husband Faces Divorce

In 1963, Eartha decided she could not continue living like this. She filed for divorce from John William McDonald, saying he caused her “mental cruelty.” This meant that his behavior, likely influenced by his struggles with pain and addiction, made life too hard for her.

The divorce became official in 1964. The court asked John to pay $100 per month to help take care of their daughter, Kitt. But John did not even attend the court hearing. It was a sad ending to a once hopeful love story.

Even after the divorce, Eartha never spoke badly about John in public. She focused on raising her daughter and kept moving forward with her career. John, too, stayed silent. He quietly stepped away from the spotlight and began a new chapter.

John William McDonald’s Life After Eartha

After the divorce, John William McDonald lived a quiet and private life. He continued working in real estate, staying far away from the world of fame and celebrity.

He married again — not once, but twice. His second wife was from the Philippines, and together they had a son named Chad. Chad was born about eight years after Kitt Shapiro. John tried his best to be a better father the second time around.

People who knew him said he didn’t talk much about Eartha. He focused on his work and raising his new family. Even though he had his struggles, he kept going. He wanted peace, and he wanted to move on from the painful parts of his past.

Final Years and Legacy of John William McDonald

John William McDonald spent the last years of his life in Los Angeles. He passed away on May 12, 2005, at the age of 82. The cause of his death was never shared with the public. Just like his life, his final days were private and quiet.

Many people still remember him as Eartha Kitt’s ex-husband, but his story is more than that. He was a soldier, a father, and a man who lived with both love and pain. He made mistakes, but he also had moments of strength and kindness.

His daughter, Kitt Shapiro, continues to honor both her parents. She shares memories of her mother’s strength and her father’s quiet love. She reminds people that life is not always perfect — but it’s always real.

The Legacy of Kitt Shapiro

Kitt Shapiro, the daughter of Eartha Kitt and John William McDonald, grew up surrounded by music, travel, and love. She spent most of her childhood with her mother, but she always knew her father cared for her in his own way.

As an adult, Kitt became her mother’s manager and best friend. She helped Eartha in her final years and stood by her when she battled cancer, which took her life in 2008. After her mother’s passing, Kitt created a brand called Simply Eartha, which shares Eartha’s words, wisdom, and memory.

Kitt also wrote a book titled “Eartha & Kitt: A Daughter’s Love Story in Black and White.” In it, she opens up about her life, her parents, and the lessons she learned from both. Her story is filled with love, honesty, and healing.

Final Thoughts

So, who was John William McDonald, Eartha Kitt’s ex-husband?

He was not a famous man. He didn’t sing or dance or act. But his story still matters. He was a war hero, a father, and a man who tried to live with pain and love at the same time. His marriage to Eartha Kitt brought both joy and heartbreak. His life shows us that even people who live in the background have stories worth telling.

In the end, John William McDonald reminds us that life isn’t always easy — but it’s real. His story, though quiet, is powerful. And thanks to his daughter, his memory lives on.

(FAQs)

When was John William McDonald born and how old was he when he died?

John William McDonald was born on April 12, 1923. He died on May 12, 2005, at the age of 82.

How tall was John William McDonald?

John William McDonald was about 5 feet 4 inches tall (around 163 cm).

What was John William McDonald’s net worth?

His net worth was never shared with the public. No one knows the exact number, even though he worked in real estate.

Who was John William McDonald’s daughter?

His daughter is Kitt McDonald, also known as Kitt Shapiro. She later worked with her mother, Eartha Kitt, and keeps her mother’s memory alive.

Is John William McDonald still alive? Where did he live?

John William McDonald is not alive. He passed away in 2005. He lived quietly in Los Angeles, California, during his final years.

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