Many people know the famous singer and actress Eartha Kitt. Her voice, charm, and strong stage presence made her one of the most loved stars of her time. But behind her story, there was also a man named John William McDonald, who became part of her life during the early years of her fame.
John McDonald was not a Hollywood star. He lived a more private life as a soldier, businessman, and family man. Still, his story is interesting because it connects to one of the most famous performers in American entertainment history.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything we know about John William McDonald’s life. We will explore his early years, his time in the army, his work as a businessman, and his marriage to Eartha Kitt. So, let’s get started!
Who is John William McDonald?
John William McDonald was an American businessman and war veteran. He became widely known because he was once married to the famous singer Eartha Kitt. Even though he lived a private life, his connection to the star made people curious about him.
John William McDonald was born on April 12, 1923, in Los Angeles, California, United States. He grew up in America and lived most of his life there. He was known as a calm and quiet person who stayed away from the spotlight.
People also called him Bill McDonald, which was a short and friendly name used by family and friends. He worked in business and real estate, and he tried to build a normal life outside the entertainment world.
John William McDonald was also a Korean War veteran. Before he became a businessman, he served in the United States Army. His military service was an important part of his life and shaped many things that happened later.
John’s Early Life and Family
John William McDonald was born into a wealthy Irish-American family in Los Angeles.
His family valued learning and hard work. Because of this, John was encouraged to focus on school and prepare for a professional career. These early lessons helped him later when he moved into business and finance.
As a young man, John William McDonald decided to study accounting. He attended the University of Southern California, where he learned important skills related to numbers, finance, and business planning.
During his college years, John lived a fairly normal student life. At that time, he had no idea that his future would later connect with one of the most famous entertainers in the world.
His Time in the Korean War
Before starting his business career, John William McDonald served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Like many young men of his generation, he joined the military to serve his country.
His time in the war was very difficult. During combat, he was seriously injured by grenade explosions. These injuries were severe and required many medical treatments once he returned home.
Because of the injuries, John William McDonald had to go through 25 surgeries during his recovery. These surgeries helped him survive, but the process was long and painful.
The injuries eventually forced him to leave the army. Although his military career ended early, his service during the Korean War remained an important part of his life story.
John’s Career as a Businessman
After leaving the military, John William McDonald began building a career in business. His education in accounting helped him understand money, investments, and financial planning.
He worked as an accountant and businessman, and he later became involved with a real estate investment company. Real estate was one of the industries where he spent much of his professional life.
Unlike celebrities, John preferred to keep his professional life private. He focused on his work and stayed away from public attention whenever possible.
Even though his exact wealth was never publicly shared, John William McDonald was known as a successful businessman who worked hard to support himself and his family.
How John William McDonald Met Eartha Kitt
The story of how John William McDonald met Eartha Kitt began in 1957 in Las Vegas. At that time, Eartha Kitt was already becoming a rising star in the entertainment world.
They were introduced by a mutual friend named Bob Dix, who knew both of them. Bob believed they should meet and spend time together, so he brought them together while they were in Las Vegas.
When they first met, Eartha had just finished a tour and was enjoying some free time. John William McDonald, on the other hand, was still focused on his studies and recovery after his military injuries.
At first, they became good friends. They spent time together talking and learning about each other’s lives. Over time, their friendship slowly turned into something more personal and meaningful.
Who is Eartha Kitt?
To understand John William McDonald’s story, we should also know about Eartha Kitt. She was one of the most famous singers and actresses of her time.
Eartha Kitt was a singer, actress, dancer, and comedian. She became famous for her unique voice and strong stage presence. Her music and performances made her popular not only in America but also around the world.
One of her most famous songs was “Santa Baby.” The song became a holiday classic and is still played today. Her voice was smooth, playful, and instantly recognizable.
By the time she met John William McDonald, Eartha Kitt’s career was already growing fast. She was traveling, performing, and building a name for herself in the entertainment industry.
Their Marriage in 1960
After spending time together and growing closer, John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt decided to get married. Their relationship had grown from friendship into love.
The couple married on July 6, 1960. Their wedding was small and private, with only about 20 guests present. It was a simple ceremony attended by close friends and family members.
During the wedding, Eartha’s best friend Marjorie Meade served as the maid of honor. Another friend, Christine Wicks, was the bridesmaid. The best man was Stan Kane.
At that time, interracial marriages sometimes attracted public attention. However, John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt focused on building a life together rather than worrying about outside opinions.
The Birth of John and Eartha’s Daughter
In 1961, John and Eartha welcomed their first and only child. Their daughter was named Kitt Shapiro, though she was first known as Kitt McDonald. She was born on November 26, 1961, at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles.
The birth of their daughter brought joy to the young family. Friends and reporters said the baby looked beautiful and healthy. Many people close to the couple said the little girl brought happiness during a busy time in their lives.
Not long after her birth, the baby was baptized in the Catholic faith at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. This was an important family moment. It showed how the couple wanted to give their daughter a strong start in life.
Today, Kitt Shapiro is known for keeping her mother’s memory alive. She worked closely with her mother for many years and later became her manager and trusted partner. She also launched a lifestyle brand called Simply Eartha, which celebrates her mother’s spirit.
They Got Divorced in 1964
Even though the couple shared happy moments, their marriage did not last long. John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt began facing problems as their lives moved in different directions.
One big reason was their busy and very different lifestyles. Eartha Kitt traveled often for concerts, movies, and shows. Sometimes she was away for long periods. This made family life difficult.
In 1964, the couple decided to end their marriage. The divorce papers stated “mental cruelty” as the reason for the separation. The court accepted the request, and the marriage officially ended.
At that time, their daughter was only two years old. The court ordered John William McDonald to pay $100 each month to help support his child. After the divorce, the couple went their separate ways.
John’s Life After the Divorce
After the divorce, John William McDonald returned to a more private life. He stayed away from public attention and continued focusing on his personal and business matters.
He later married two more times. One of these marriages was to a Filipina woman. From another marriage, he also had a son named Chad, who was about eight years younger than his daughter Kitt.
While John lived a quiet life, his former wife Eartha Kitt continued rising in fame. She appeared in films, television shows, and stage performances across the world.
Eartha also focused strongly on raising her daughter. Even with her busy career, she remained a caring mother. Over time, she became not only a famous star but also an inspiring role model for many people.
John William McDonald’s Death
As the years passed, John William McDonald lived a calm and private life away from media attention. Many details about his later years were kept personal, which is why not much information is publicly known about that period.
He passed away on May 12, 2005, in Los Angeles, California. At the time of his death, he was 82 years old. His passing marked the end of a life that included military service, business work, and a well-known marriage.
Three years later, his former wife Eartha Kitt also passed away. She died in 2008 after battling colon cancer. By that time, she had already built a long and celebrated career.
Although their lives followed different paths after their divorce, the story of John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt remains part of entertainment history.
Final Thoughts
The life of John William McDonald shows how someone can live a meaningful life even outside the spotlight. He was a soldier, businessman, husband, and father whose story became known because of his connection to a famous star.
His marriage to Eartha Kitt brought him into public attention, but his life included much more than that. His military service during the Korean War and his later work in business were also important parts of his journey.
Today, the legacy of this family continues through their daughter Kitt Shapiro, who works to honor her mother’s life and achievements. She keeps the story of her family alive through her work and public appearances.
In the end, John William McDonald’s story reminds us that history is often shaped not only by celebrities but also by the people who share their lives behind the scenes.
(FAQs)
Is John William McDonald still alive today?
No, John William McDonald is not alive today. He passed away on May 12, 2005, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 82.
Why do people still talk about John McDonald?
Many people still search for John because he was married to the famous singer Eartha Kitt.
Did John and Eartha Kitt have children?
Yes, they had one child together. Their daughter is Kitt Shapiro, who was born on November 26, 1961.
How long were John and Eartha married?
John and Eartha were married for about four years. They married in 1960 and officially divorced in 1964.
Was John William McDonald in the military?
Yes. Before becoming a businessman, John William McDonald served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was seriously injured during the war and later had to leave the military.
Did John McDonald remarry after divorcing Eartha Kitt?
Yes. After his divorce from Eartha Kitt, John William McDonald reportedly married two more times and later had another child from one of those marriages.
