John F. Kerry

Date of Birth: December 11, 1943

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Biography

John Forbes Kerry is an American politician and diplomat who has served in various capacities over his extensive career. Born on December 11, 1943, in Aurora, Colorado, Kerry grew up in a family with a strong sense of public service. He attended Yale University, where he was an active member of the Yale Political Union and the Skull and Bones Society. After graduating in 1966, Kerry enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in the Vietnam War and earning several medals for his service, including a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. Following his military service, Kerry became a vocal critic of the Vietnam War, gaining national recognition as a spokesperson for the Vietnam Veterans Against the War. He entered politics in the early 1970s, starting with an unsuccessful run for the U.S. House of Representatives. However, he found success in 1982 when he was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. In 1984, he won a seat in the U.S. Senate, where he served for 28 years. Kerry was the Democratic nominee for President in the 2004 election but lost to incumbent President George W. Bush. In 2013, he was appointed as the 68th United States Secretary of State by President Barack Obama, a position he held until the end of Obama’s second term in 2017. During his tenure, Kerry played a significant role in negotiating the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris Agreement on climate change. After leaving office, Kerry has remained active in public service, particularly in the areas of climate change and international diplomacy. He was appointed as the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate by President Joe Biden in 2021.

5 Interesting Facts about John F. Kerry

1. John Kerry is fluent in French, a skill that has aided him in his diplomatic efforts.

2. He is an avid cyclist and has been known to take his bike on diplomatic trips.

3. Kerry’s paternal grandparents were Jewish, but they converted to Catholicism, and he was raised in the Catholic faith.

4. He is a distant relative of former President George W. Bush; they are ninth cousins twice removed.

5. Kerry is a published author, having penned several books including “A Call to Service: My Vision for a Better America.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John F. Kerry

1. “America is not defined by its borders. We are defined by our bonds.”

2. “We have an obligation to work together to make the world safer, more just, and more sustainable.”

3. “We cannot talk about the future without talking about climate change.”

4. “Dissent is the greatest form of patriotism.”

5. “Diplomacy is not a zero-sum game; it’s about finding solutions that benefit all parties.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by John Kerry is estimated to be around $250 million, largely due to his marriage to Teresa Heinz, heiress of the Heinz ketchup fortune.

Children

John Kerry has two daughters from his first marriage to Julia Thorne: 1. Alexandra Kerry, born in 1973, is a documentary filmmaker and actress. 2. Vanessa Kerry, born in 1976, is a physician and the founder of the non-profit organization Seed Global Health.