Date of Birth: February 18, 1925
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: February 28, 2016
Biography
George Kennedy was an American actor renowned for his versatile performances in both film and television. Born George Harris Kennedy Jr., he came into the world on February 18, 1925, in New York City. Kennedy’s career spanned over five decades, during which he carved a niche for himself as one of Hollywood’s most dependable character actors. Kennedy’s early life was marked by a stint in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he served for 16 years and achieved the rank of captain. Post his military service, he transitioned into acting, initially working as a technical adviser on the television series “The Phil Silvers Show.” His breakout role came in the 1967 film “Cool Hand Luke,” where he played Dragline, a performance that earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Kennedy’s filmography includes notable roles in movies like “The Dirty Dozen,” “Airport,” and the “Naked Gun” series, where he showcased his comedic talents. Kennedy’s television work was equally impressive, with key roles in series such as “Dallas” and “The Blue Knight.” His deep, commanding voice and imposing presence made him a sought-after actor for roles requiring authority and gravitas.
5 Interesting Facts about George Kennedy
1. George Kennedy won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Cool Hand Luke.”
2. He served in the U.S. Army for 16 years, including during World War II.
3. Kennedy appeared in all four “Airport” movies, a series that was highly popular in the 1970s.
4. He was also a published author, having written a novel titled “Murder on Location.”
5. Kennedy had a lifelong passion for aviation and was a licensed pilot.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Kennedy
1. “I have a face that was launched a thousand roles.”
2. “You know, I’ve been in this business for over 50 years and I’m still awed by the magic of movies.”
3. “Winning the Oscar for ‘Cool Hand Luke’ was the pinnacle of my career.”
4. “I’ve always enjoyed playing characters that are very different from me.”
5. “The mark of a good actor is their ability to make you believe in the character they are playing.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
George Kennedy’s highest net worth achieved was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
George Kennedy had four children: 1. Kevin Kennedy 2. Shaunna Kennedy 3. Betty Kennedy 4. Taylor Kennedy
Relevant Links
1. [George Kennedy IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001421/
2. [George Kennedy’s Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Kennedy
3. [George Kennedy on Oscar.org](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1968
