John William McDonald: The Life and Legacy of Eartha Kitt’s Ex-Husband

John William McDonald: The Life and Legacy of Eartha Kitt's Ex-Husband

John William McDonald was an American businessman and real estate investor, best known as the ex-husband of Eartha Kitt. Eartha was a renowned American singer, actress, comedian, dancer, and activist. But what is the story behind her former husband, John William McDonald?

Profile Summary

Real nameJohn William McDonald
NicknameBill McDonald
GenderMale
Date of birth12 April 1923
Age82 years old (as of 2005)
Zodiac signAries
Place of birthLos Angeles, California, United States
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityWhite
ReligionChristianity
SexualityStraight
Height in inches5’4″
Height in centimetres163
Hair colourLight brown
Eye colourBrown
Marital statusDivorced
Ex-spouseEartha Kitt
Children1
ProfessionBusinessman, real estate investor

John William McDonald’s Biography

John William McDonald, an American veteran of the Korean War, was born on April 12, 1923, in Los Angeles, California. He was of white ethnicity with German-Irish ancestry. McDonald became widely known for his relationship with the legendary singer and actress Eartha Kitt, although their marriage was brief. Despite their short-lived union, John McDonald’s name is often mentioned alongside Eartha Kitt’s legacy.

Is John William McDonald Still Alive?

John William McDonald passed away on May 12, 2005, at the age of 82 in Los Angeles, California. His ex-wife, Eartha Kitt, passed away from colon cancer three years later, on December 25, 2008, in Weston, Connecticut.

John William McDonald’s Career

John William McDonald was a businessman and real estate investor. Known for his military service during the Korean War, McDonald retired from the U.S. Army after being injured in the conflict. He underwent 25 surgeries before transitioning to a successful career in real estate.

What is John William McDonald’s Net Worth?

While John McDonald’s net worth remains uncertain, Eartha Kitt, his ex-wife, reportedly had a net worth of approximately $4 million at the time of her death, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt’s Relationship

John McDonald married Eartha Kitt on July 6, 1960. They met in Las Vegas in 1957 through a mutual friend, Bob Dix, when Eartha’s career was flourishing and John was still a student. Before marrying John, Eartha had been romantically linked to famous individuals, including Orson Welles, Arthur Loew Jr., Charles Revson, and John Barry Ryan III.

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Their marriage produced one child, Kitt McDonald, also known as Kitt Shapiro. Kitt was born on November 26, 1961, and baptized at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Unfortunately, John and Eartha’s marriage ended after just four years, with their divorce finalized in 1964. Since their daughter was just two years old, John was required to pay $100 in monthly child support.

What Happened to John William McDonald?

After retiring from the U.S. Army due to injuries sustained during the Korean War, John William McDonald turned to business. He underwent numerous surgeries and later became a successful real estate investor. His life after the military was focused on building his career in the business world.

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