John William McDonald, popularly known as Bill McDonald. He is remembered as the ex-husband of the legendary singer and actress Eartha Kitt. However, his life goes beyond just being linked to a famous personality.
Bill McDonald was a war veteran, a businessman, and a father who lived a life filled with both hardship and accomplishment. His life story stands on its own—with service, hardship, business success, and a role as a father.
In today’s article, we are here to gather to explore everything about John McDonald, his early life and background, career, health challenges, Meeting and Marrying Eartha Kitt, family life, marriage struggles, after divorce life, and death—everything will be disclosed here:
Table of Contents
Everything about John William McDonald
John William McDonald, best known as Eartha Kitt’s ex-husband, was born on April 12, 1923, in Los Angeles, California. He came from a mixed heritage, including German and Irish roots. He was an Accountant and a real estate investor in his professional life, who died on May 12, 2005, in his hometown, Los Angeles.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Real name | John William McDonald |
| Birth date | April 12, 1923 |
| Birth place | Los Angeles County, California, USA |
| Age (at the time of death) | 82 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Zodiac sign | Aries |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish-German |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | University of Southern California (Accounting) |
| Height | 163 cm |
| Career | Accountant and real estate investor |
| Military Service | Korean War veteran, suffered severe injuries, and opioid dependency |
| Marital status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Eartha Kitt |
| Relationship timeline | 1960, divorced in 1964–65 |
| Children | One daughter, Kitt McDonald |
| Net worth | N/A |
| Source of income | Business and real estate investing |
| Famous for | Ex-husband of Eartha Kitt |
| Death | May 12, 2005, Los Angeles |
Early Life and Background
John William McDonald was born on April 12, 1923, in Los Angeles, California. He came from a family background that follows German and Irish heritage. Not much is known about his childhood, but he grew up with a hardworking, practical perspective.
Military Service and Health Challenges
As a young man, McDonald served in the United States Army during the Korean War. His time in the military was marked by severe hardship. He was badly injured in the war, reportedly from a grenade explosion. These injuries required him to undergo at least 25 major surgeries. His recovery was long and difficult, and he suffered both physically and emotionally. To manage the pain, John became dependent on opioids, which impacted his health for the rest of his life.
Career: From Soldier to Businessman
After leaving the army, John William McDonald worked to rebuild his life. He first began his career as an accountant. Later, he moved into real estate investment. Despite the challenges he faced from his war injuries, he showed strong business skills and became financially successful. However, the full details of his business ventures and the extent of his wealth were not widely shared with the public.
Meeting and Marrying Eartha Kitt
John met Eartha Kitt in 1957 in Las Vegas. A friend named Bob Dix introduced them. At the time, Eartha Kitt was already a rising star known for her unique voice, style, and acting talent. The two quickly connected to each other and fell in love.
McDonald and Eartha reached their chosen destination to get married. McDonald’s family does not even accept their relationship. However, Eartha announced their engagement during a concert at the El Rancho in Las Vegas. Both are planning a small wedding on a beautiful sunny day on Thursday evening with a few family members and guests. They finally tied the knot in a private ceremony in 1960. Some sources say it happened on July 6, while others mention June 9 as the wedding date.
Family Life and Parenthood
On November 26, McDonald and Eartha’s home was decorated by their daughter, Kitt McDonald. Later, she took the name Kitt Shapiro. Kitt was their only child, and her birth brought joy to both parents.
She was baptized at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Los Angeles. Later in life, Kitt Shapiro wrote a touching memoir titled “Eartha & Kitt: A Daughter’s Love Story in Black and White”, where she shared stories about her famous mother and her family life. She also launched a lifestyle brand called Simply Eartha to celebrate her mother’s legacy.
Struggles in Marriage
Though John and Eartha started their marriage with love and hope, they soon faced serious problems. Eartha Kitt’s career required her to travel often and work long hours, which meant she spent a lot of time away from home. At the same time, John was still dealing with the effects of his war injuries, including his ongoing use of pain medication. These personal struggles, along with differences in lifestyle, created tension between the two.
By July 1963, their marriage had become too imperfect. They separated, and Eartha filed for divorce, citing Mental Cruelty as the reason. The divorce was finalized in 1965. After the separation, John William McDonald agreed to pay $100 a month in child support for their daughter.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, John William McDonald moved on with his life. He remarried twice and had another child, a son named Chad, who is about eight years younger than his daughter Kitt. His wife’s name is still a mystery. Despite the end of his marriage to Eartha Kitt, he remained involved in business and focused on his personal life. He stayed out of the spotlight for most of his later years.
Death
John McDonald passed away on May 12, 2005, in Los Angeles at the age of 82. His death was not widely covered in the media, but his life left an impact on those who knew him personally. He was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California.
Legacy and Reflection
Today, McDonald is often remembered through the stories told by his daughter, Kitt Shapiro. In her memoir, she painted a picture of a complex man who loved his family but struggled with inner pain. While his marriage to Eartha Kitt didn’t last, their daughter continues to honor both parents in her life and work. Kitt Shapiro always respects her parents and recognizes them as well as she does.
Final Thought
John William McDonald lived a life marked by service, sacrifice, love, and quiet success. He was a war hero who took great physical pain, a businessman who built a career after military service, and a father who left a legacy through his daughter.
Although his name is often mentioned because of Eartha Kitt, his story stands on its own as one of strength and resilience.
As his story reminds us, we should remember that “Life gives back more than what it takes from you”. Indeed, John William McDonald was not well-recognised for his resilience, but his daughter Kitt still prioritises his customs with regard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Eartha Kitt?
Eartha Kitt was an American singer and actress. She married John William McDonald in 1960, and they had a child, the famous author Kitt McDonald. She died on December 25, 2008, at the age of 81 years.
Who is Kitt McDonald?
Kitt McDonald, formerly known as Kitt Shapiro. She is a famous author. She is also the founder and owner of Simply Eartha. Kitt married Allan Bruce Rothschild in 2022. She is now 63 years old.
Why is John William McDonald famous?
John William McDonald was an American entrepreneur and property investor. He is widely recognized as the former husband of Eartha Kitt.
How long was Eartha Kitt married to John McDonald?
Eartha Kitt and John McDonald were married for 4 years. They married in 1960 and divorced after four years, in 1964.
What is the reason behind Eartha Kitt and John McDonald’s divorce?
Eartha Kitt and John McDonald filed for divorce in 1964, and Eartha cited Mental Cruelty as the core reason.
