John William McDonald is a name that appears in Hollywood history primarily because of his brief marriage to the legendary singer and actress Eartha Kitt. While Eartha Kitt became famous worldwide for her sultry voice, iconic role as Catwoman, and timeless Christmas hit “Santa Baby,” her ex-husband remained a largely private figure.
This article dives into the life of John William McDonald, exploring his background, his marriage to one of entertainment’s most unforgettable stars, their family life, and what happened after their relationship ended.
John William McDonald Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | John William McDonald |
| Also Known As | Bill McDonald |
| Born | April 12, 1923 in Los Angeles, California |
| Died | May 12, 2005 in Los Angeles, California (age 82) |
| Ethnicity | White, of German-Irish descent |
| Profession | Real estate investor, businessman, Korean War veteran |
| Known For | Ex-husband of Eartha Kitt |
| Married To | Eartha Kitt (1960-1964) |
| Children | Kitt Shapiro (daughter, born November 26, 1961) |
Who Was John William McDonald?
John William McDonald, often called Bill by those close to him, was an American real estate investor and businessman who lived a largely private life away from the Hollywood spotlight. He is best known today as the second husband of Eartha Kitt, the iconic singer and actress who captivated audiences with her sultry voice and unforgettable performances in the 1950s and 1960s.
McDonald was born on April 12, 1923, in Los Angeles, California, to a wealthy Irish-American family . Before entering the business world, he served as a soldier in the Korean War. His service was cut short when he sustained severe injuries, which required him to undergo as many as 25 surgeries . After retiring from the army, he transitioned into a career as a businessman and real estate investor.
John William McDonald’s Early Life and Family Background
Born into a wealthy Irish-American family in Los Angeles, John William “Bill” McDonald came from a privileged background . He was the eldest son in a prominent family, and his upbringing gave him a comfortable start in life . His heritage was predominantly white, with German-Irish roots.
McDonald’s early life took a significant turn when he was drafted to serve in the Korean War. While serving his country, he suffered a severe injury that led to his dismissal from the army and eventually required him to undergo 25 different surgeries . This injury and his subsequent recovery were pivotal moments that shaped his later life and professional choices.
John William McDonald’s Career and Professional Life
Professionally, John William McDonald was a businessman who carved out a career in the real estate sector. At the time of his marriage to Eartha Kitt, he was working as an associate at a real estate investment company . His work in real estate provided a stable, if not glamorous, career that was far removed from his wife’s world of entertainment.
McDonald’s professional identity was also shaped by his status as a Korean War veteran. After sustaining his injury and retiring from the army, he transitioned into the business world, where he spent the rest of his working life as a real estate investor . Unlike Eartha Kitt, he never sought the limelight and was content to remain a private businessman.
How Did John William McDonald Meet Eartha Kitt?
John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt first crossed paths in 1957 through a mutual friend named Bob Dix . The meeting took place in Las Vegas, where Kitt had just finished a tour and met up with her friend Bob. Bob decided to bring along his childhood friend, Bill McDonald, who was dating someone else at the time.
The three formed a strong friendship, and Kitt initially fell in love with Bob Dix. However, Bob had just gotten out of a marriage and was not ready for a serious commitment. When Bob left for an acting job, Kitt and Bill began spending more time together. They bonded over their shared heartbreak Kitt’s feelings for Bob and Bill’s troubles with his girlfriend—and their friendship soon blossomed into romance .
John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt’s Marriage
John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt were married on June 9, 1960, in a small, intimate ceremony with only about 20 guests in attendance . The wedding announcement came as a shock to McDonald’s sister, but the couple proceeded with their plans. Their interracial relationship was notable for the time, but despite societal challenges, they moved forward with their commitment.
The couple welcomed their only child, a daughter named Kitt McDonald, on November 26, 1961 . McDonald was a first-time father, and Kitt was his only child. Their daughter was born at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles and was later baptized in the Catholic faith at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Why Did John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt Divorce?
The marriage between John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt was troubled from the start and lasted only a few years. The couple separated on July 1, 1963, and their divorce was finalized on March 26, 1964 . Several factors contributed to their marital breakdown, including Eartha Kitt’s demanding career and McDonald’s personal struggles.
Eartha Kitt’s career required her to travel extensively, often spending months away from home while touring Europe. When she toured, she took their daughter along while McDonald stayed home . Their time together as a couple was frequently spent thousands of miles apart. Additionally, McDonald reportedly struggled with drug use, which his friends and family believed stemmed from the morphine used to treat his war injuries. This created significant strain in their marriage . After their divorce, McDonald was ordered to pay $100 per month in child support.
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John William McDonald’s Daughter Kitt Shapiro and Family Life
John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt’s only child, Kitt Shapiro, was born on November 26, 1961 . She grew up to become a successful businesswoman and author. In 2021, she published her memoir, “Eartha & Kitt: A Daughter’s Love Story in Black & White,” which chronicles her life growing up as the daughter of one of the most iconic entertainers of the 20th century.
Kitt Shapiro has publicly discussed the complexities of her family, particularly her mixed-race heritage. Because she has fair skin and features often perceived as white, strangers have repeatedly questioned whether she could actually be Eartha Kitt’s biological daughter. Her father, John William McDonald, was white with Irish and German ancestry . Despite these challenges, Shapiro has embraced her heritage and continues to manage her mother’s estate and legacy. She also founded Simply Eartha, a lifestyle brand celebrating her mother’s memory.
Where Was John William McDonald Later in Life?
After his divorce from Eartha Kitt in 1964, John William McDonald largely disappeared from the public eye. He continued his work as a businessman and real estate investor, but he did not seek fame or media attention. McDonald remarried twice after his divorce from Kitt and fathered a son from one of these later marriages.
John William McDonald lived a quiet life in his native Los Angeles, where he passed away on May 12, 2005, at the age of 82 . His ex-wife Eartha Kitt died three years later on December 25, 2008, from colon cancer.
John William McDonald’s Legacy and Connection to Eartha Kitt
John William McDonald’s legacy is forever tied to his brief marriage to Eartha Kitt and his role as the father of Kitt Shapiro. While he did not share his ex-wife’s fame, his life story provides an important part of Eartha Kitt’s personal history a story that has been carried forward by their daughter.
McDonald is remembered as a Korean War veteran who transitioned into business, a man from a wealthy family who faced his own personal demons, and a father whose daughter has become the guardian of Eartha Kitt’s legacy. His life reminds us that behind every celebrity story, there are often quiet, private individuals who played a significant role in their personal journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was John William McDonald married to?
John William McDonald was married to the legendary singer and actress Eartha Kitt. The couple was married on June 9, 1960, and their marriage lasted until their divorce was finalized on March 26, 1964.
2. Did John William McDonald have children?
Yes, John William McDonald had one daughter, Kitt Shapiro, with Eartha Kitt. She was born on November 26, 1961. He also had a son from a later marriage.
3. What was John William McDonald known for?
John William McDonald is known for being the ex-husband of Eartha Kitt. He was also a Korean War veteran and worked as a real estate investor.
4. When did John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt get married?
John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt were married on June 9, 1960. Their marriage lasted approximately four years.
5. What happened to John William McDonald after his divorce from Eartha Kitt?
After his divorce from Eartha Kitt in 1964, John William McDonald remained in Los Angeles and continued his work in real estate. He remarried twice and fathered a son. He passed away on May 12, 2005, at the age of 82.
Conclusion
John William McDonald may not have been a public figure like his famous ex-wife, Eartha Kitt, but his brief marriage to the iconic entertainer connected him to Hollywood history. While many details of his life remain unknown, his role as the father of Kitt Shapiro and the husband of one of America’s most beloved stars ensures his place in the story of Eartha Kitt’s extraordinary life.
He was a Korean War veteran, a real estate investor, and a man who faced personal struggles while being married to a world-famous entertainer. His daughter, Kitt Shapiro, continues to honor her mother’s legacy, keeping the memory of Eartha Kitt alive for new generations. The story of John William McDonald reminds us of the often-unseen individuals who stand beside the famous, contributing their own quiet chapters to history.
