John William McDonald became famous because of his former marital relationship with the renowned singer and actress Eartha Kitt.

Eartha Kitt’s former spouse, John William McDonald, had a multifaceted background beyond his connection to the renowned singer. He had a successful career as an accountant, businessman, and associate in a real estate investment company.

Additionally, John William McDonald was actively involved in the military and fought in the Korean War, bravely defending his country. Unfortunately, he suffered significant injuries during service due to a grenade explosion. To cope with the pain, he relied on opioids, which eventually led to his addiction to painkillers.

John William McDonald Early Life

John William McDonald was born on April 12, 1923. Although details regarding his early life and family background remain largely unknown, it is evident that he was raised by his parents in Los Angeles County, CA, in the United States. Based on available records, John Williams McDonald was an American citizen of German-Irish heritage.

When Did John William McDonald Wed Eartha Kitt?

John William McDonald and Eartha Kitt tied the knot on June 9, 1960, and their marriage ended on July 1, 1963, lasting slightly over three years. The exact circumstances surrounding their romantic connection remain unknown, but it is documented that their relationship began sometime in the 1950s.

After several years of true friendship, they decided to marry in 1960. The wedding ceremony was attended by close friends and family members. Approximately a year into their marriage, they welcomed their only child, Kitt McDonald, born on November 26, 1961.

Who Is John Willliam McDonald’s Wife, Eartha Kitt?

Eartha Mae Keith was born in North, South Carolina on January 17, 1927. Her mother, Annie Mae Keith (later Annie Mae Riley), had Cherokee and African heritage. The identity of Eartha’s father was uncertain, but it was believed that he was the son of the farm owner where she was born, and her conception resulted from rape.

However, there is a claim by British journalist that her father was a white doctor named Daniel Sturkie, which has been disputed by Eartha’s daughter, Kitt McDonald Shapiro. After Annie Mae’s death, Eartha was not accepted by the black man her mother went to live with due to her lighter skin.

She was then raised by a relative named Aunt Rosa, but unfortunately, she experienced abuse in that household. After Aunt Rosa’s passing, Eartha lived with another relative named Mamie Kitt in Harlem, New York City. 

Eartha began her career in 1943 as a member of the Katherine Dunham Company and remained with the troupe until 1948. She showcased her talent as a singer with a unique voice. She recorded several successful songs, including “Let’s Do It.” By 1987, she had been on Broadway, known as a voice-over artist, and climbed to the peak of success in her career.

What Happened to John William McDonald’s Marriage?

John and Eartha’s divorce seems to have been influenced by several factors. One significant reason was John’s reliance on opioids to manage the pain resulting from his war injuries, which led to addiction. Additionally, Eartha’s demanding career as a celebrated singer and actress, known for popular songs like “C’est si bon” and “Santa Baby,” created challenges in balancing her role as a wife and entertainer.

In July 1963, John and Eartha separated. Eartha filed for divorce and alleged mental cruelty. With John’s absence in court proceedings, Eartha eventually won the case in 1964, and John William McDonald was mandated to pay $100 per month in child support.

Where Are John William McDonald and His Wife Today?

Following his divorce from Eartha Kitt, John William McDonald led a highly private life, effectively disappearing from public view. Whether he remarried or remained involved in his daughter’s life remains unknown. John’s existence remained largely unnoticed until 2005 when news of his death spread widely. He passed away at 82 and was reportedly laid to rest in Los Angeles, California, United States.

Meanwhile, Eartha Kitt dedicated her attention to raising her daughter, Kitt, while pursuing her career in the entertainment industry. She embarked on numerous tours, captivating audiences in various countries, including the United States, Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, and Japan. Eartha brought her daughter to her performances, ultimately contributing to Kitt gaining international recognition.

Tragically, Eartha Kitt succumbed to colon cancer at her residence in the United States on December 25, 2008, at 81. According to her daughter, medical interventions had reached their limit, and intense screams marked Eartha’s final moments before she finally let go.

What Is John William McDonald’s Child Up to Today?

John William’s only child Kitt has grown so much over the years. Kitt McDonald has faced criticism and backlash throughout her life due to her physical appearance. She was different from her mother, Eartha, who was black. Kitt’s features resemble her white father’s, contributing to her being born with a lighter complexion.

It is worth noting that Eartha herself was unaware of her father’s identity, as reported by The Guardian. Following Eartha’s passing, Kitt established her own business called Simply Eartha. It offers a range of products, such as bracelets, mugs, blankets, and shirts.

Additionally, Kitt maintains a blog where she shares her thoughts about her mother and their deep love for each other. One of her most notable and widely read posts is titled “Why Don’t You Look More Like Your Mother?.” In this piece, Kitt explains the physical differences between her and her mother.

Currently, Kitt is 56 years old, a mother of two, and primarily focuses on managing her business and nurturing her entrepreneurial endeavors.

Another celebrity husband who everyone is curious to know about is Anne Hathaway’s husband, Adam Shulman. However, unlike John William’s marriage to Eartha, Adam’s marriage to Anne seems blissful.