The Untold Story of John William McDonald: Eartha Kitt’s Mysterious Ex-Husband

When people hear the name John William McDonald, most think of him as Eartha Kitt’s ex-husband. But there’s so much more to his story. John was not only the husband of a world-famous singer and actress, but he was also a war hero, a businessman, and a man who faced many struggles in his life.

In this article, we will take a close look at the life of John William McDonald. We’ll explore his early days, his time in the army, how he met Eartha Kitt, and what made their love story so special and difficult. Let’s dive in and discover the untold story of this mysterious man.

John William McDonald Quick Bio

John William McDonald’s Early Life

John William McDonald was born on 12 April 1923 in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in a family with German and Irish roots. His family was well-off, and he had a comfortable life as a child. People who knew him said he was quiet but friendly, someone who always seemed thoughtful.

From a young age, John was interested in numbers and business. This love for learning later led him to study accounting at the University of Southern California. Like many young men at the time, his dreams were soon interrupted by war. But before that, he lived what many would call a normal and happy childhood.

Can you imagine what it was like growing up in Los Angeles in the 1920s? The city was booming, and John’s future looked bright. But things changed when duty called, and John joined the army to serve his country.

John’s Time as a War Hero

John William McDonald joined the US Army during the Korean War. Like so many young men of his time, he wanted to do his part and protect his country. But his time in the army was not easy. During the war, he was badly injured by a grenade explosion. The injuries were so serious that he needed to have 25 surgeries. This left him with pain that he carried for the rest of his life.

Imagine going through so many surgeries and still trying to live a normal life. John’s time as a soldier showed his courage, but it also left scars, both on his body and in his heart. To deal with the constant pain, John started using opioid medicines. Sadly, over time, this led to an addiction that became one of his biggest struggles.

Even with these hardships, John returned home and tried to rebuild his life. He focused on his career, trying to leave the pain of the war behind. But as we’ll see, the effects of that time would follow him for many years.

How John William McDonald Met Eartha Kitt

So, how did John William McDonald meet the famous Eartha Kitt? Their story began in 1957 in Las Vegas. John was introduced to Eartha by a mutual friend named Bob Dix. At the time, John was still healing from his injuries and focusing on his studies, while Eartha was becoming a star in music and film.

At first, John and Eartha were just friends. They spent time together with Bob, and the three became a close group. Eartha had feelings for Bob at first, but Bob wasn’t ready for a serious relationship. Slowly, as they spent more time together, Eartha and John grew closer. They shared stories of heartbreak, hopes, and dreams, and soon, friendship turned into love.

Have you ever had a friend who slowly became something more? That’s what happened with John and Eartha. It wasn’t planned — it just happened naturally. And soon, they were ready to take the next big step.

John and Eartha’s Wedding

John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt got married on 6 July 1960. It was a simple and small wedding, with only close friends and family present. But their marriage made headlines. Why? Because at that time, interracial marriages were still rare and often seen as shocking by society.

But John and Eartha didn’t care what others thought. They were in love, and they wanted to build a life together. Their wedding was filled with joy and hope for the future. Eartha even announced the happy news during one of her concerts, sharing with fans how excited she was to finally have a family of her own.

The couple’s wedding marked the start of a new chapter. But as we’ll see in the next part of our story, married life was not as easy as they had hoped.

Life as Eartha Kitt’s Husband

In the early days, John and Eartha’s married life seemed wonderful. They had a new home, exciting plans, and dreams of raising a family. But being married to a star like Eartha came with challenges. Eartha’s career was busy, and she traveled all over the world to perform. John, on the other hand, was trying to focus on his real estate work and stay out of the spotlight.

Can you picture how hard it must have been? While Eartha was on stage in New York or London, John was often at home, missing his wife. The distance between them, both physical and emotional, slowly started to grow.

At first, they tried to make it work. But the pressures of fame, work, and John’s health struggles began to create cracks in their relationship. In the next part of our article, we’ll explore how John became a father, the troubles that followed, and how their marriage came to an end.

John William McDonald and Eartha Children

Not long after their wedding, John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt welcomed their first and only child. Their daughter, Kitt McDonald (who many now know as Kitt Shapiro), was born on 26 November 1961. Eartha went through a hard labor, but when Kitt arrived, both parents were filled with joy. People said their daughter looked like a little princess, and she became the center of their world.

John tried his best to be a good father. He was proud of his daughter and wanted to give her a good life. But as Eartha’s career kept her busy, John often stayed at home while she traveled. Eartha always took Kitt with her on tours. She wanted her daughter close, and she worked hard to be a loving mother, even with her busy life.

Their family life looked happy from the outside. But inside, things were not easy. John’s health and personal struggles were starting to affect their home, and the distance between husband and wife kept growing.

The Struggles in John’s Life

John William McDonald carried the pain of his war injuries for years. He had started using opioid medicine to handle the pain after his surgeries. But over time, that medicine turned into an addiction. The man who had once been so strong was now fighting a battle inside himself.

Imagine how hard that must have been for John. On one hand, he wanted to be there for his family. On the other hand, he was trapped in a cycle of pain and medicine that he couldn’t easily break. His addiction made it harder for him to travel with Eartha or support her career the way he wanted to.

Some friends believed John’s addiction began because of the medicines given to him for his injuries. Others thought the stress of his life added to it. Either way, John’s struggle became something that deeply affected his marriage and family.

John and Eartha’s Divorce

In 1963, John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt separated. Eartha tried to save the marriage, but the problems had grown too large. She filed for divorce, saying the reason was mental cruelty. This meant that John’s actions, often caused by his inner battles, made it too hard for her to stay.

Their divorce was finalized in 1964. The court asked John to pay $100 per month to help support their daughter. Sadly, John did not even come to the court. Eartha was left to raise Kitt mostly on her own. Even though John’s marriage ended, he still cared about his daughter, but his troubles made it hard for him to be the father he wished to be.

Divorce is never easy, and for John, it was the start of a quieter chapter in his life. He stepped away from the spotlight and focused on his work and personal healing.

John’s Life After the Divorce

After his split from Eartha Kitt, John William McDonald stayed out of public view. He married again, not once but twice. His second wife was from the Philippines, and together they had a son named Chad. Chad was about eight years younger than Kitt Shapiro.

John continued working in real estate and tried to build a steady life. He didn’t talk much about his past marriage. Most people who knew him said he preferred a simple life after all the attention he got from being Eartha’s husband.

Though he faced health problems and personal struggles, John tried his best to move forward. He focused on his family and his work, away from the bright lights of fame.

What Happened to John William McDonald?

John William McDonald lived out his final years in Los Angeles. He passed away on 12 May 2005, at the age of 82. The exact cause of his death was not shared with the public. Many remember him as a man who had a life full of highs and lows. From being a war hero to marrying a star, to facing hard battles within himself, John’s story was not a simple one.

Even today, when people talk about Eartha Kitt’s life, John William McDonald’s name comes up. He remains part of her history, and their story is one that shows both love and the hard parts of life.

The Legacy of John and Eartha’s Daughter

Their daughter, Kitt Shapiro, grew up to be a strong and kind woman. She worked closely with her mother and even became her manager. Kitt learned a lot from watching Eartha on stage and behind the scenes. After Eartha passed away in 2008, Kitt started a brand called Simply Eartha to honor her mother’s memory.

Kitt often speaks about the lessons she learned from both of her parents. She shares how her mother taught her that we are all part of one human family, no matter where we come from. And while her father, John, struggled with his own demons, she knows that he loved her in his own way.

Final Thoughts

So why do people still care about John William McDonald today? His story helps us understand how hard life can be, even for those who seem to have it all. John was a war hero, a husband, and a father. But like many, he faced personal battles that shaped his life.

His story is a reminder that behind every famous name, there are people with real struggles and real hearts. And while John is often remembered as Eartha Kitt’s ex-husband, he was also a man who tried his best in a world full of challenges.

(FAQs)

Is John William McDonald still alive?

No — John William McDonald passed away on 12 May 2005 in Los Angeles. Many people don’t know that he quietly lived out his final years away from the public eye.

How old was John William McDonald when he died?

John William McDonald was 82 years old when he died. If he were alive today, he would be over 100!

What happened to John William McDonald — where is he now?

John William McDonald is no longer with us. He died in 2005, and the exact cause of his death was never publicly shared, leaving many shocked and curious about his final days.

What was John William McDonald’s net worth before he died?

His exact net worth was never revealed, but he worked as a real estate investor and lived a comfortable life. Many people are surprised that his wealth details remain a mystery.

What was John William McDonald’s profession?

John was a real estate businessman and also a war veteran. His life took shocking turns — from the battlefield to marrying a global star, and then struggling with personal battles.