The eight-part series stars Greg Kinnear (Little Miss Sunshine) as JFK, Katie Holmes (Batman Begins) as Jackie Kennedy, Barry Pepper (True Grit) as Robert F Kennedy and Tom Wilkinson (The Green Hornet) as Joseph F Kennedy.
John F. Kennedy is part of one of America’s most beloved yet scrutinised political dynasties. They have been hailed as political icons, infamous socialites and called “America’s Royal Family”, surrounded by glamour, riches and beauty – the American dream. Below the surface of this glossy, hedonistic lifestyle, however, were the truths that created an era in American history.
These are the moments that sculpted this era through the life, death and times of JFK…
Graduation
JFK graduated from the prestigious Harvard University with a bachelor of science. His college thesis, “Appeasement In Munich”, detailed the failure of Britain to realise and prepare for the Nazi threat that would eventually tear through Europe. Later that year, it was published under the title, “Why England Slept”.
U.S. Navy
One year after his graduation, Kennedy was sworn into the U.S. Navy and would later graduate to the rank of Lieutenant. While on duty, the PT-109 that he had been commanding was sunk by the Japanese fleet. Kennedy “performed heroically” in saving his shipmates and would go on to receive the Purple Heart medal (the reward for getting injured on duty) and the Navy and Marine Corps medal.
Beginning of Politics
After his honourable discharge in 1945, Kennedy was elected as a U.S. representative for the 11th Congressional District in Boston at 29. He was then, in 1952, elected as a Massachusetts senator.
Marriage to Jacqueline Bouvier
In September of 1953, Kennedy married the woman whom would become the most beloved and iconic first lady in American history, Jackie Kennedy.
Beginning of the Kennedy Presidency
In January 1960, Kennedy announced his candidacy for President of the United State of America. Nine months later, he would go on to defeat Richard Nixon in the race by one of the thinnest margins in history – 49.75% to 49.55%. In January 1961, Kennedy delivered a legendary speech that contained these famous lines: “And so, my fellow Americans… ask not what your country can do for you… but ask what you can do for your country…” Kennedy was, and is, the youngest president ever to be elected.
Bay of Pigs
One of Kennedy’s darkest presidential actions is known as the “Bay of Pigs.” This operation was to oust Cuba’s Communist leader, Fidel Castro. When the invasion failed, Kennedy was heavily criticised by politicians, press and public.
“Ich bin ein Berliner…”
Kennedy delivered his speech to a horde of Germans at Schöneberger Rathaus in the Rudolph Wilde Platz, which contained the famous words, “All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in these words: ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’.”
Final Act as President
Wednesday, November 20, 1963, Kennedy signs a bill authorising medals commemorating the founding of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.
Assassination
Friday, November 22 1963, Kennedy is shot in the head and killed while riding in a motorcade through downtown Dallas, Texas. Later that day, Lee Harvey Oswald is arrested for the assassination of JFK. Kennedy is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.