Kennedy, John F.: American political figure and magazine publisher.
John F. Kennedy Jr., often referred to as "John-John" by the media but rarely by his own family, was born in 1960 to President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Growing up in the spotlight, his personal life often became the focus of tabloid fodder, with his birth making the front page of every major newspaper.
John-John studied in the United States and India, graduating from Brown University in 1983 with a major in American history. During his undergraduate studies, he balanced his familial obligations with his professional work, including campaigning for his uncle, Ted Kennedy.
As television became the primary source for people getting their news, JFK Jr. came to power at a time when the media landscape was evolving. He considered law school as a possible career step but often sent letters alluding to future plans that hinted at a desire to redefine himself publicly.
In 1995, Kennedy launched George magazine, a glossy monthly publication covering politics, television, art, and culture. The provocative debut cover featured supermodel Cindy Crawford dressed as George Washington, and the magazine sold half a million copies on its launch day, making it the most successful magazine debut in history.
Kennedy coined the term "JK factor," referring to the public's fascination with him. This fascination extended to his romantic relationship and marriage to Carolyn Bessette, an American fashion publicist, in 1996. The couple remained under intense media scrutiny up through, and after, their deaths in 1999.
The CNN Original Series "American Prince: JFK Jr." highlights several key aspects of JFK Jr.'s life and career. It covers his early years marked by the trauma of his father's assassination and the intense public and familial pressure to uphold the Kennedy legacy. The series explores his professional decision to create and lead George, a political magazine that sought to innovate within the evolving 1990s media landscape and redefine political journalism.
Friends and family describe JFK Jr. as gracious, humble, and private, offering behind-the-scenes insights into his character beyond the public image. The series also touches on his struggles, such as the determination involved in becoming a licensed attorney despite multiple attempts at passing the bar exam.
Overall, the series paints a portrait of JFK Jr. as a complex figure grappling with legacy, media attention, career ambitions, and personal love life, while trying to craft his own identity. The CNN Original Series "American Prince: JFK Jr." is premiering on August 9 at 9 p.m, ET/PT.
[1] https://www.cnn.com/shows/american-prince-jfk-jr [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_F._Kennedy_Jr. [3] https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/25/magazine/the-jfk-jr-factor.html [4] https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/08/jfk-jr-cnn-documentary [5] https://www.cnn.com/2017/08/02/entertainment/american-prince-jfk-jr-documentary-trnd/index.html
- JFK Jr.'s life was marked by the public's fascination with him, often referred to as the "JK factor," which extended to his personal life, including his romantic relationship and marriage to Carolyn Bessette.
- JFK Jr.'s career ambitions took a turn beyond entertainment and politics, as he launched George magazine in 1995, a publication covering a wide range of topics like politics, television, art, and culture.
- His professional decision to create and lead George magazine was made at a time when the media landscape was evolving, seeking to innovate within the 1990s media landscape and redefine political journalism.
- Despite facing intense media scrutiny throughout his life, friends and family described JFK Jr. as gracious, humble, and private, offering insights into his character beyond the public image.
- During his undergraduate studies, JFK Jr. balanced his familial obligations with his professional work, including campaigning for his uncle, Ted Kennedy, and considering law school as a possible career step.
- Although he grew up in the spotlight, with his birth making the front page of every major newspaper, JFK Jr.'s personal life often became the focus of tabloid fodder, especially regarding his struggles with the bar exam and his quest to craft his own identity.
