JFK Jr. Explained: The Man Behind the Kennedy Name
Beyond the iconic salute and 'America's Prince' title, who was JFK Jr.? Explore the life, career, and legacy of the man who forged his own path.
Julian Croft
Historian and writer focusing on 20th-century American political and cultural figures.
It’s one of the most seared images of the 20th century: a three-year-old boy in a crisp blue coat, standing on the steps of a cathedral, raising a small hand in a final, heartbreaking salute to his father's passing casket. In that moment, John F. Kennedy Jr. wasn't just a grieving son; he became a symbol of a nation's sorrow and the living legacy of a fallen president.
For decades, the world watched him, projecting onto him the hopes and dreams of a lost era. He was "John-John," "America's Prince," the heir to Camelot. But the boy who captured the world's sympathy grew into a man determined to be more than just a symbol. He spent his life navigating the immense weight of his name, striving to forge an identity that was entirely his own. So, who was the man behind the Kennedy name?
Growing Up in the Public Eye
After President Kennedy's assassination in 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy made a courageous decision to move her children, Caroline and John Jr., out of Washington D.C. to New York City. Her primary goal was to provide them with a life of normalcy, shielded from the relentless glare of the political world and the constant reminders of their loss. It was an almost impossible task.
Despite her best efforts, JFK Jr. grew up in a fishbowl. Paparazzi documented his every move—tossing a frisbee in Central Park, riding his bike through Manhattan, stumbling out of a college party. He was a public figure by birth, and every aspect of his life was subject to scrutiny. This constant attention shaped him, forcing him to develop a unique blend of grace, humor, and a steely sense of privacy.
Forging His Own Path
Many assumed John would follow the well-trodden Kennedy path directly into politics. He was handsome, charismatic, and bore a name that was political gold. Instead, he took a deliberate detour, choosing to build a life and career on his own terms first.
The Reluctant Lawyer
His first major step into the professional world was not on a campaign trail, but in a courtroom. After graduating from Brown University and NYU School of Law, JFK Jr. became an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan in 1989. It was a demanding, decidedly unglamorous job that signaled a commitment to public service, albeit in a different arena.
Famously, he failed the New York bar exam twice before passing on his third attempt. The press had a field day. But instead of hiding, John faced the media with disarming humility. After finally passing, he joked, "I'm clearly not a major legal genius." This moment was quintessential JFK Jr.: turning a moment of public failure into a display of relatable, self-deprecating charm. He worked as a prosecutor for four years, earning a reputation as a diligent and capable lawyer before deciding the profession wasn't his ultimate calling.
The Birth of 'George' Magazine
John's most significant professional achievement was arguably his most surprising. In 1995, he co-founded George, a glossy, mass-market magazine that blended politics with pop culture. The magazine's tagline was "Not just politics as usual," and it was a brilliant, disruptive idea. JFK Jr. believed that to engage a new generation, politics needed to be more accessible, more entertaining, and more connected to the broader culture.
George treated politicians like celebrities and celebrities like political commentators. Its covers were iconic: Drew Barrymore as Marilyn Monroe singing "Happy Birthday" to the president, Robert De Niro dressed as George Washington, Cindy Crawford as a gender-swapped founding father. It was bold, fresh, and a little irreverent—much like its founder.
As the magazine's editor-in-chief, John wasn't just a figurehead. He was deeply involved in every aspect, from brainstorming cover ideas to editing articles and conducting high-profile interviews. George was his platform to prove he was more than just a name; he was a businessman, an editor, and a creative force with a unique vision for political discourse.
Navigating the Kennedy Legacy
The question of a political future always loomed. In every interview, he was asked, "Will you run for office?" His answer was always nuanced. He never ruled it out, but he was adamant that if he ever did, it would be because he had something to offer beyond his lineage. George was, in many ways, his attempt to build that independent platform.
He understood the power of his name but was also wary of its shadow. He once said, "It's hard for me to imagine a life that is not engaged in public service in some way." He simply wanted to define what that service looked like for himself, whether it was through law, media, or eventually, perhaps, an elected office he had truly earned.
More Than a Pretty Face
In 1988, People magazine named him the "Sexiest Man Alive," cementing his status as a national heartthrob. But those who knew him best described a man of substance, intelligence, and a profound sense of kindness.
He was known for his down-to-earth nature, often seen cycling or rollerblading through the streets of New York without a security detail. He had a quick wit and a genuine curiosity about people. His 1996 marriage to Carolyn Bessette, a sophisticated and fiercely private fashion publicist, was a partnership of equals. Together, they were a magnetic couple, but their every move was stalked by an increasingly aggressive media, a pressure that took a significant toll on their lives.
A Legacy Cut Short
On July 16, 1999, the world stood still once more. The small plane piloted by John, carrying his wife Carolyn and her sister Lauren Bessette, disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean on its way to Martha's Vineyard. The crash was a devastating tragedy, cutting short three vibrant lives.
With his death, the world was left with a profound sense of lost potential. What would George have become? Would he have finally made the leap into politics, perhaps running for the New York Senate seat that Hillary Clinton would later win? These are the unanswerable "what ifs" that haunt his legacy.
John F. Kennedy Jr.'s life was a masterclass in navigating an extraordinary fate. He carried the weight of history with a rare combination of reverence and independence. He was the boy who saluted his father, the reluctant lawyer, the innovative publisher, and the New Yorker who just wanted to ride his bike in peace. More than a prince or a president's son, he was a man who, in his all-too-brief 38 years, succeeded in defining himself on his own terms.
