From his birth to his death, Americans watched. But it wasn't until he saluted his father's coffin at the tender age of three that we realized JFK Sr. wasn't only the president. He was a father. A husband. A friend. That little boy stole our hearts...no matter what your age.
While his mother, Jackie, (who would have been 70 next week) tried to keep him and his sister, Caroline, out of the public eye, paparazzi still followed them everywhere. But mischievous dad wanted pictures of his children in the White House. When Jackie was away, JFK Sr. invited renowned photographer Stanley Tretick to take pictures of his children at play. Tretick captured the lasting image of JFK Jr. hiding under his father's desk in the Oval Office while President Kennedy worked. Ironically, Tretick died Monday afternoon.
John Jr. tried to live a private life but he was America's favorite son. He was even dubbed America's Prince. As hard as that is to live up to, he did. With grace. With style. With dignity. His life was thrown back into the spotlight when he was named one of the sexiest men in America by People magazine. That issue remains People's best-selling "Sexiest Man Alive" cover beating out Brad Pitt and George Clooney.
But he was more than just a 'pretty face.' He resisted the pressure to follow in his father's political footsteps. Although, rumor has it, he was eyeing the New York senate until Hillary Rodham Clinton announced she was running. He also gave up early dreams of an acting career but still dated actresses like Daryl Hannah, Madonna, Brooke Shields and Sarah Jessica Parker.
John Jr. worked in the district attorney's office but left after only six cases. He told the media, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." And with that, he launched George* magazine. His goal was to make politics sexy to non-insiders. The 1995 initial cover
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