Who is Robert Francis Kennedy Jr.?
Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) is an American environmental lawyer, author, and activist. Born on January 17, 1954, he is the son of Robert F. Kennedy, the former U.S. Attorney General and Senator, and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his efforts in environmental protection and legal advocacy.
RFK Jr. has been a key figure in fighting for clean water, leading organizations such as the Waterkeeper Alliance and Hudson Riverkeeper. He has also been involved in controversial public health discussions, particularly regarding vaccines. In 2023, he announced his candidacy for the U.S. presidential election but later withdrew and endorsed another candidate. His career spans law, politics, and activism, making him one of the most influential figures in modern American advocacy.
Early Life and Education
Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. was born on January 17, 1954, in Washington, D.C., into the prominent Kennedy family. He is the third of eleven children born to Robert F. Kennedy, former U.S. Attorney General and Senator, and Ethel Skakel Kennedy. Growing up, he was surrounded by political discourse and public service, deeply influencing his future endeavors.
Kennedy attended Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976. He furthered his education at the London School of Economics and obtained a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. Demonstrating a commitment to environmental law, he pursued a Master of Laws from Pace University.
Personal Life
In 1982, Kennedy married Emily Ruth Black, whom he met during his time at the University of Virginia. The couple had two children before divorcing in 1994. Shortly after, he married Mary Kathleen Richardson, with whom he had four children. Their marriage faced challenges, and they separated in 2010. Tragically, Richardson died by suicide in 2012. In 2014, Kennedy married actress Cheryl Hines, known for her role in “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” The couple resides in Los Angeles and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Family
As a member of the Kennedy family, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is part of a lineage deeply embedded in American politics. His father, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1968 during his presidential campaign. His uncle, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1963. The Kennedy family has faced numerous tragedies, including the death of his cousin, John F. Kennedy Jr., in a plane crash in 1999. Despite these hardships, the family remains influential in American politics and public service.
Career
Kennedy began his career as an assistant district attorney in New York City. In the mid-1980s, he joined Riverkeeper and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), focusing on environmental protection. He became an adjunct professor of environmental law at Pace University School of Law in 1986 and founded Pace’s Environmental Litigation Clinic in 1987. In 1999, he established the Waterkeeper Alliance, a nonprofit environmental group.
Over time, Kennedy became a vocal critic of vaccines, promoting misinformation and public-health conspiracy theories. He founded Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine advocacy group. His stance on vaccines has been widely criticized by public health experts and has led to significant controversy.
In 2024, Kennedy ran as a Democratic candidate and later as an independent in the U.S. presidential election before withdrawing and endorsing Donald Trump. Following the election, President Trump nominated Kennedy to lead the Health and Human Services Department, a decision that raised concerns due to Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines.
Throughout his career, Kennedy has authored several books, including “The Riverkeepers” (1997), “Crimes Against Nature” (2004), and “The Real Anthony Fauci” (2021). His journey from environmental advocacy to a controversial figure in health policy highlights the complexities of his public life.
Environmental Advocacy
Kennedy has been a prominent environmental lawyer, serving as Senior Attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council and as Chief Prosecuting Attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper. He co-founded the Waterkeeper Alliance, an organization focused on protecting water bodies worldwide. His efforts have been instrumental in various environmental conservation initiatives.
Legal and Academic Roles
In addition to his environmental work, Kennedy has served as a Clinical Professor and Supervising Attorney at Pace University School of Law’s Environmental Litigation Clinic. He has also been of counsel to Morgan & Morgan, a nationwide personal injury law firm.
Political Involvement
In April 2023, Kennedy announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. However, in October 2024, he suspended his campaign and endorsed the Republican nominee, Donald Trump. Following Trump’s re-election, Kennedy was nominated for the position of United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. |
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1954 |
| Place of Birth | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Parents | Robert F. Kennedy (Father), Ethel Skakel Kennedy (Mother) |
| Education | – Bachelor of Arts, Harvard University – Juris Doctor, University of Virginia School of Law – Master of Laws in Environmental Law, Pace University School of Law |
| Occupation | Environmental Lawyer, Author, Activist |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $50 million as of 2025 |
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Username | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| @RobertKennedyJr | https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr | |
| @robertfkennedyjr | https://www.instagram.com/robertfkennedyjr | |
| Robert F. Kennedy Jr. | https://www.facebook.com/robertfkennedyjr |
Latest News
As of February 4, 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has advanced closer to becoming the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services after the Senate Finance Committee voted 14-13 along party lines to advance his nomination. The committee’s decision followed contentious hearings where Kennedy faced criticism for his past statements on vaccines and public health. Despite opposition from Democratic senators, key Republican support has positioned him for likely confirmation by the full Senate.
Height and Physical Appearance
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. He has a slender build, with distinctive features that reflect his Kennedy lineage, including a strong jawline and expressive eyes. Over the years, he has maintained a professional appearance, often seen in formal attire during public engagements.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. His wealth primarily stems from his legal career, authorship, and involvement in various organizations. Additionally, his inheritance as a member of the Kennedy family contributes to his financial standing.
People also ask
What happened to John F. Kennedy’s younger brother Robert?
Robert F. Kennedy, JFK’s younger brother, was assassinated on June 5, 1968, in Los Angeles, shortly after winning the California Democratic primary during his presidential campaign. He died the next day from his injuries.
Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. related to JFK?
Yes, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the nephew of President John F. Kennedy. He is the son of Robert F. Kennedy, JFK’s younger brother.
What was Robert Kennedy famous for?
Robert F. Kennedy was famous for serving as U.S. Attorney General from 1961 to 1964, where he fought organized crime and supported civil rights. He later became a U.S. Senator from New York and ran for president in 1968.
Why is RFK’s voice so scratchy?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s scratchy voice is due to a medical condition called spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological disorder that affects the muscles controlling the voice box.
