Joseph P. Kennedy

Date of Birth: September 6, 1888

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: November 18, 1969

Biography

Joseph Patrick Kennedy Sr. was a prominent American businessman, investor, and politician. Born on September 6, 1888, in Boston, Massachusetts, he was a key figure in the early to mid-20th century. Known for his shrewd business acumen, Kennedy amassed a significant fortune through ventures in banking, stock trading, and real estate. He also played a pivotal role in the film industry, owning several studios and theaters. Kennedy’s political career began when he was appointed the first chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934. His efforts to enforce regulations and restore public confidence in the stock market were widely recognized. In 1938, Roosevelt appointed him as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, a role he held until 1940. During his tenure, Kennedy was a controversial figure due to his isolationist views and opposition to American involvement in World War II. He was the patriarch of the Kennedy family, fathering nine children with his wife, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. His children included John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, Robert F. Kennedy, U.S. Attorney General and Senator, and Ted Kennedy, a long-serving Senator. Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. passed away on November 18, 1969, in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.

5 Interesting Facts about Joseph P. Kennedy

1. Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. was instrumental in the early success of the RKO Pictures film studio.

2. He was the first chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

3. Kennedy was a strong advocate for the policy of appeasement toward Nazi Germany before World War II.

4. He suffered a debilitating stroke in 1961, which left him severely impaired until his death.

5. His daughter, Rosemary Kennedy, underwent a lobotomy at his behest, which resulted in severe mental and physical disabilities.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joseph P. Kennedy

1. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

2. “Don’t buy a single vote more than necessary. I’ll be damned if I’m going to pay for a landslide.”

3. “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”

4. “It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not.”

5. “I have no political ambitions for myself or my children.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his wealth, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.’s net worth was estimated to be around $400 million, equivalent to billions in today’s dollars.

Children

Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and his wife, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, had nine children: 1. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (1915-1944) – A naval pilot who died during World War II. 2. John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) – The 35th President of the United States. 3. Rosemary Kennedy (1918-2005) – Lived in a care facility after a failed lobotomy. 4. Kathleen Kennedy (1920-1948) – Died in a plane crash. 5. Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921-2009) – Founder of the Special Olympics. 6. Patricia Kennedy (1924-2006) – Married actor Peter Lawford. 7. Robert F. Kennedy (1925-1968) – U.S. Attorney General and Senator, assassinated in 1968. 8. Jean Kennedy Smith (1928-2020) – U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. 9. Edward “Ted” Kennedy (1932-2009) – Long-serving U.S. Senator from Massachusetts.