| Full Name | John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. |
|---|---|
| Birthday | November 25, 1960 |
| Birth Place | Washington D.C., USA |
| Death Date | July 16, 1999 |
| Age | 38 years old |
| Height | 6‘1" |
| Net Worth | $100 million |
| Career | Lawyer, Journalist, Publisher |
| Social Media | Instagram Twitter |
John F. Kennedy Jr. was the charismatic heir to one of America‘s greatest political dynasties. As the only son of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, he captivated the nation from early childhood. After growing up in the spotlight, Kennedy carved out his own successful career in law, journalism, and magazine publishing. Though his life was cut tragically short in a 1999 plane crash at age 38, his intelligence, magnetism, and commitment to public service continue to inspire admirers today.
Early Life and Childhood
Born on November 25, 1960 in Washington D.C., Kennedy was the second child of JFK and Jackie after older sister Caroline. He was just three days shy of turning three when President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963. An iconic photo shows little John saluting his father‘s casket alongside his mother and sister during the televised funeral procession.
Despite losing his father at a young age, Kennedy had an idyllic childhood, growing up among high-profile family and friends. He attended elite private schools Phillips Academy and Brown University, earning a bachelor‘s degree in American studies in 1983. Handsome, athletic, and daring like his father, Kennedy easily attracted attention and enjoyed an active social life from a young age.
Education and Early Career
After Brown, Kennedy enrolled at New York University Law School, graduating in 1989. He failed the New York bar exam twice before finally passing on his third try in 1990. Though licensed to practice law, Kennedy‘s true passion was journalism. He did a summer internship at the Manhattan District Attorney‘s office and worked briefly at the New York City Office of Business Development. However, he soon pivoted to magazine publishing.
Founding George Magazine
In 1995, Kennedy co-founded and launched George magazine, serving as the founding editor-in-chief. George was a glossy monthly magazine covering politics, current affairs, and pop culture. Kennedy was able to secure major celebrity interviews and photo shoots thanks to his family connections. While the magazine struggled financially, it was an ambitious journalistic venture that allowed Kennedy to blend his interests in politics and celebrity culture.
During his stint at George, Kennedy conducted interviews with guests like Muhammad Ali, Al Gore, and Newt Gingrich. The magazine became known for its in-depth political profiles as well as glossy celebrity photo layouts. Though circulation topped 400,000, George never became profitable and ceased publication shortly after Kennedy‘s death.
Cultural Legacy as a Kennedy
As the heir to the Kennedy mystique, John Jr. became a celebrity in his own right from a very young age. Paparazzi tracked him throughout his life, eager to get snapshots of the handsome Kennedy bachelor. His active social life, risky hobbies like flying, and high-profile relationships kept him in the public eye.
Many saw parallels between Kennedy and his wildly popular father JFK – the athleticism, charisma, passion for public service, and early tragic death. Kennedy proved himself to be much more than just a socialite, pursuing law, creating his own magazine, and using journalism as a platform for political discourse.
Though Kennedy shied away from running for public office, he embodied the Kennedy family spirit, charm, and good looks. On what would have been his 60th birthday in 2020, Kennedy‘s intelligence, commitment to service, and lasting influence continue to inspire admirers.