29 Fun Facts about JFK | The Untold Stories and Trivia
-
JFK sailed competitively as a teen, winning regattas.
-
He worked briefly as a journalist for Hearst in 1945.
-
His 1953 wedding cake stood six feet tall.
-
Kennedy sparked a school fitness craze in the 1960s.
-
He collected scrimshaw, rare whalebone art.
-
JFK met Elvis Presley secretly in 1960.
-
Steroids for Addison’s disease deepened his voice.
-
JFK’s favorite dessert was chocolate ice cream with hot fudge.
-
He owned a pet hamster named Debbie during his childhood.
-
Kennedy memorized poetry, often reciting it to impress friends.
-
He once lost a bet and swam in cold Nantucket waters.
-
JFK’s campaign used a song called “Kennedy, Kennedy” to rally voters.
-
He kept a lucky silver dollar in his pocket daily.
-
Kennedy admired Winston Churchill and studied his speeches.
Table of Contents
1. JFK was the youngest elected U.S. president.
John F. Kennedy took office at age 43, a record for an elected president. His youth brought energy to the White House.
Kennedy’s charm and vigor captivated the nation during his 1960 campaign. He narrowly defeated Richard Nixon, proving age was no barrier.
2. He survived a near-fatal shipwreck in World War II.
Kennedy commanded the PT-109, which sank after a Japanese destroyer hit it. His bravery saved most of his crew.
He swam for hours, towing an injured crewman by a life-jacket strap. Kennedy later used a coconut husk as a desk paperweight.
3. Kennedy won a Pulitzer Prize for his book.
JFK authored Profiles in Courage, earning a Pulitzer Prize in 1957. The book celebrated senators who defied public opinion.
Some credit his speechwriter Ted Sorensen for much of the writing. Still, Kennedy remains the only president with this honor.
4. He was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
READ ALSO: 22 Fun Facts About Christopher Columbus/ Behind The Iconic Explorer
On November 22, 1963, President Kennedy was tragically assassinated while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas. This event shocked the nation and the world.
His death led to numerous conspiracy theories and ongoing investigations. The assassination remains a pivotal and somber moment in American history.
5. He donated his entire presidential salary to charity.
Kennedy gave away his $100,000 annual salary to various causes. His wealth allowed him to prioritize public service.
He also donated his congressional salary earlier in his career. Charities like the Boy Scouts benefited from his generosity.
6. JFK revealed he was the first Catholic president.
Kennedy broke barriers as the first Roman Catholic elected president. His faith sparked debate during the 1960 campaign.
He addressed concerns about his religion in a famous Houston speech. This victory was a milestone for Catholic Americans.
7. He recorded secret White House conversations.
Kennedy installed a taping system to capture private meetings. These recordings offer historians a glimpse into his presidency.
He wasn’t the first to record, as FDR did it too. The tapes were meant for future memoirs.
8. He was a Harvard graduate.
READ ALSO: 22 Fun Facts About Abraham Lincoln You Don’t Know
John F. Kennedy graduated from Harvard University in 1940 with a degree in international affairs. His senior thesis was later published as a book titled “Why England Slept.”
His academic background and intellectual curiosity greatly influenced his approach to governance and policy-making. Harvard’s emphasis on public service left a lasting impact on his career.
9. Kennedy loved James Bond novels.
JFK was a huge fan of Ian Fleming’s spy series. He even listed From Russia with Love among his favorite books.
His enthusiasm helped popularize Bond in America. Kennedy reportedly wanted to write his own spy novel.
10. He bought 1,200 Cuban cigars before the embargo.
Just before banning Cuban imports, Kennedy secured a large stash of cigars. He smoked four to five daily.
His aide rushed to buy them before the embargo took effect. This move showed JFK’s love for fine cigars.
11. JFK showed he could read incredibly fast.
Kennedy read at a remarkable 1,200 words per minute. This skill helped him consume vast amounts of information.
He took speed-reading courses to keep up with reports. His quick mind impressed aides and journalists alike.
12. JFK’s speeches inspired a generation.
READ ALSO: 26 Fun Facts About Muhammad Ali | Poet in the Ring
John F. Kennedy’s speeches were known for their inspirational and forward-thinking messages. His ability to convey hope and unity resonated deeply with the American public.
Many of his speeches, such as the inaugural address and his moon speech, continue to inspire and influence leaders and citizens alike. They are often quoted and referenced in discussions of leadership and vision.
13. He was the first president to dance with Black women at an inaugural ball.
Kennedy made history by dancing with African American women in 1961. This act symbolized his support for civil rights.
The moment was a bold statement against segregation. It reflected his push for equality during his presidency.
14. Kennedy suffered from chronic health issues.
JFK battled Addison’s disease and severe back pain his entire life. He kept his conditions hidden from the public.
Multiple surgeries and medications managed his pain. His resilience despite illness amazed those close to him.
15. He used a coconut husk as a paperweight.
After the PT-109 rescue, Kennedy carved a message on a coconut. He later kept it on his Oval Office desk.
The husk became a symbol of his wartime heroism. It’s now displayed at the JFK Presidential Library.
16. JFK was an avid reader.
READ ALSO: 22 Fun Facts About Martin Luther King Jr
John F. Kennedy had a deep love for reading and was known to read several newspapers a day. He believed that staying informed was crucial to effective leadership.
His personal library included a wide range of subjects, from history and politics to literature and science. This habit of reading extensively contributed to his well-rounded knowledge and insightful decision-making.
17. Kennedy’s family had a pet-filled White House.
The Kennedys owned dogs, ponies, parakeets, and more. Their home was a lively place for young Caroline and John Jr.
A Soviet gift, a dog named Pushinka, joined the family. The White House felt like a zoo at times.
18. Kennedy was a talented doodler.
JFK often sketched sailboats and staircases during meetings. His doodles revealed a creative side under pressure.
Some of his sketches have been auctioned for thousands. They offer a glimpse into his relaxed moments.
19. He created the Peace Corps.
Kennedy launched the Peace Corps in 1961 to promote global service. It remains one of his lasting legacies.
Over 240,000 Americans have served in 142 countries since. Volunteers teach, build, and foster goodwill abroad.
20. He was a champion of the space race.
READ ALSO: 25 Fun Facts About George Washington
JFK was instrumental in advancing the United States’ efforts in the space race against the Soviet Union. He set the ambitious goal of landing a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s.
This vision was realized in 1969 with the Apollo 11 mission. JFK’s commitment to space exploration marked a turning point in scientific and technological progress.
21. Kennedy’s father survived a Wall Street bombing.
Joseph Kennedy escaped a 1920 terrorist attack near Wall Street. The blast killed 38 but left him unharmed.
This event happened just after JFK’s birth. It shaped the family’s drive for success.
22. He was a Boy Scout.
JFK joined Troop 2 in Bronxville, New York, as a young boy. He was the first president with this background.
His scouting experience taught him leadership and teamwork. He later supported the organization as president.
23. He had a famous affair with Marilyn Monroe.
One of the most talked-about aspects of JFK’s personal life was his alleged affair with actress Marilyn Monroe. Their rumored relationship captured the public’s imagination and added to his mystique.
Monroe’s famous “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” performance in 1962 remains an iconic moment. While the full extent of their relationship remains speculative, it continues to be a topic of fascination.
24. JFK was an advocate for physical fitness.
READ ALSO: 24 Fun Facts About Tom Hanks | America’s Beloved Everyman
John F. Kennedy was a strong proponent of physical fitness and health. He believed that a healthy nation was essential for a strong and productive society.
He launched the President’s Council on Physical Fitness to encourage Americans to lead active lifestyles. His emphasis on fitness has had a lasting impact on public health initiatives.
25. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
After his assassination, John F. Kennedy was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. His gravesite features an eternal flame, which symbolizes the enduring legacy of his presidency.
The location has become a place of pilgrimage for those wishing to honor his memory. It is one of the most visited sites in the cemetery, reflecting the profound impact of his life and leadership.
26. He played baseball in school.
Kennedy was a right-handed pitcher and third baseman at Choate. Sports helped him bond with peers.
His athleticism persisted despite health struggles. He later enjoyed touch football with family.
27. His inauguration featured a top hat.
Kennedy wore a traditional top hat at his 1961 inauguration. He was the last president to do so.
He removed it often, sparking rumors he disliked hats. This choice reportedly influenced fashion trends.
28. Kennedy’s siblings held high government roles.
While JFK was president, Robert was Attorney General, and Ted was a senator. This was a historic family achievement.
No other family has matched this level of influence. Their unity strengthened JFK’s administration.
29. His funeral drew global leaders.
Over 100 countries sent representatives to Kennedy’s 1963 funeral. It was the largest such gathering in U.S. history.
Millions watched on television, mourning his loss. Jackie Kennedy modeled the ceremony after Lincoln’s.
FAQs
JFK earned a Purple Heart for his bravery after the PT-109 was sunk in 1943. He was injured but led his crew to safety, swimming for hours. The Navy recognized his courage under fire.
John F. Kennedy was nicknamed Jack by his family as a child. The name, a common diminutive for John, stuck throughout his life. Friends and the public often used it affectionately.
JFK enjoyed sailing, reading James Bond novels, and playing touch football. He also loved sketching sailboats and collecting scrimshaw art. These hobbies offered relaxation amid his busy life.
JFK inspired the moon landing goal and created the Peace Corps, promoting global service. His leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis averted nuclear war. His civil rights advocacy advanced equality.
JFK was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on May 29, 1917. He grew up in a wealthy, influential family. The Boston suburb shaped his early years.
JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. A sniper, Lee Harvey Oswald, shot him during a motorcade. The tragedy shocked the world.
