John William McDonald was an American businessman and war veteran who became known to the public as the former husband of famous singer and actress Eartha Kitt. While his name often appears in connection with his celebrity ex-wife, McDonald lived a life full of courage, challenges, and quiet strength. This article will help you learn everything about this interesting man, from his early life to his relationship with one of America’s most loved entertainers.
Quick Bio Table
| Full Name | John William McDonald |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1923 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Date of Death | May 12, 2005 |
| Age at Death | 82 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Heritage | German and Irish |
| Occupation | Businessman, Accountant, Real Estate Investor |
| Military Service | Korean War Veteran |
| Spouse | Eartha Kitt (married 1960-1964) |
| Children | Kitt McDonald (daughter), Chad (son) |
Early Life and Background
John William McDonald was born on April 12, 1923, in Los Angeles, California. He came from a family with German and Irish roots. Growing up in a well-off family, John had a comfortable childhood. People who knew him described him as quiet but friendly, someone who thought carefully before speaking.
Not much is known about his school years, but John grew up during a time when America faced many changes. His early life was peaceful compared to what would come later when he joined the military.
Military Service and War Injuries
When the Korean War started, John William McDonald joined the United States Army. Like many young men at that time, he felt it was his duty to serve his country. His time in the military changed his life forever.
During combat, McDonald was badly hurt when a grenade exploded near him. The explosion caused serious injuries to his body. When he returned to the United States, doctors had to perform at least 25 surgeries to help him recover. The recovery process was long and painful, lasting for years.
These war injuries left deep marks on John, not just on his body but also on his mind. To deal with the terrible pain, doctors gave him strong pain medicine called opioids. Sadly, over time, John became dependent on these medicines, which would cause problems in his future life.
Career and Work Life
After leaving the army, John William McDonald worked hard to build a normal life again. He started his career as an accountant, working with numbers and helping people manage their money. He was good at his job and known for being careful and honest.
Later, McDonald moved into the real estate business. He became an associate at a real estate investment company, where he helped people buy and sell properties. This work gave him a steady income and allowed him to support his family.
Even though his personal life had many challenges, John continued working in business for many years. His work showed that he was determined to create a stable life despite everything he had been through.
Meeting Eartha Kitt
John William McDonald met the famous entertainer Eartha Kitt in 1957 through a mutual friend named Bob Dix. They first saw each other in Las Vegas. At that time, Eartha was already a well-known singer and actress, while John was still a student.
The three of them – John, Eartha, and Bob – became good friends. At first, Eartha actually fell in love with Bob Dix, but he was not ready for a serious relationship. Bob had just gotten divorced and was trying to start his acting career.
After Bob moved away for work, John and Eartha spent more time together. They both had experienced heartbreak, which helped them understand each other. Their friendship slowly turned into romance, even though their relationship was controversial because Eartha was Black and John was white. In the 1960s, interracial relationships were not accepted by many people in American society.
Marriage to Eartha Kitt
John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt got married on June 6, 1960. Their wedding was a small, private ceremony attended by close friends and family. The marriage was big news because they were an interracial couple at a time when such relationships were often criticized.
Despite the social pressure, John and Eartha were happy together at first. One year after their wedding, on November 26, 1961, they welcomed their daughter, Kitt McDonald. The baby was baptized at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Los Angeles. Their daughter brought much joy to both parents.
However, married life was not easy. Eartha’s career as a singer and actress kept her very busy. She had to travel often for shows and performances, which meant she was away from home a lot. Meanwhile, John stayed home more often and tried to be a good father to their daughter.
Struggles and Challenges
As time passed, serious problems began to appear in their marriage. John’s addiction to pain medicine from his war injuries got worse. He started using more drugs, which made him act strangely and caused difficulties at home. His daughter Kitt later mentioned that people would visit her father’s house and find drug equipment there.
Eartha loved her husband, but living with him became too hard. She was working a lot and traveling for her career, while John was dealing with his addiction and health problems. The combination of these issues put too much pressure on their relationship.
By 1963, Eartha Kitt realized she could not continue the marriage. She filed for divorce, stating “mental cruelty” as the reason. This meant that John’s behavior, often caused by his personal struggles, made it impossible for her to stay.
Divorce and Its Aftermath
The divorce between John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt was finalized in 1964, just four years after they got married. Eartha asked for full custody of their daughter and child support. John did not even appear in court when the divorce was being settled.
The court gave Eartha full custody of Kitt and ordered John to pay $100 every month as child support. This was a sad ending to a marriage that had started with so much hope and love.
The divorce was hard for everyone involved. Their daughter was only two years old when her parents separated. Eartha raised Kitt mostly on her own, though John cared about his daughter even if his problems made it difficult for him to be the father he wanted to be.
Life After Divorce
After his marriage to Eartha Kitt ended, John William McDonald stepped away from public attention. He lived a quiet, private life in Los Angeles, far from the spotlight that had once shone on him.
John married two more times after divorcing Eartha. From one of these marriages, he had another child, a son named Chad, who was about eight years younger than Kitt. Not much is known about his other wives, as John kept his personal life very private.
He continued working in real estate and tried to build a peaceful life. Though he faced ongoing health problems and personal challenges, John focused on his work and family. Most people who knew him during this time said he preferred a simple, quiet life away from fame and attention.
Conclusion
John William McDonald lived a life filled with both triumph and tragedy. From being a brave soldier in the Korean War to becoming the husband of a famous star, his journey was never simple. Though he faced serious challenges including war injuries, drug addiction, and the breakdown of his marriage, he continued to work hard and care for his family.
While his name will always be connected to Eartha Kitt, John William McDonald’s own story shows the strength of a man who faced difficult times with quiet dignity. He represents countless veterans who returned home from war with wounds both visible and invisible, trying their best to build normal lives despite the pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long were John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt married?
John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt were married for about four years, from 1960 to 1964. Their marriage ended in divorce due to several challenges including John’s health issues and Eartha’s demanding career.
2. Did John William McDonald have any children?
Yes, John had two children. His daughter Kitt McDonald (now known as Kitt Shapiro) was born in 1961 from his marriage to Eartha Kitt. He also had a son named Chad from one of his later marriages.
3. What did John William McDonald do for work?
John worked as an accountant and later as a real estate investor. He was an associate at a real estate investment company and had a successful career in business.
4. When did John William McDonald die?
John William McDonald died on May 12, 2005, in Los Angeles, California. He was 82 years old at the time of his death. The exact cause of his death was not made public.
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