The cultural importance of the Kennedy family tree didn't stop in the 20th century - it has continued on through the family heirs paving their own way in the worlds of politics, Hollywood, philanthropy and fashion. While some of these names, like Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy, might ring a bell because of the familiar surname, others might not quite have landed on your Kennedy radar.
We're taking a look at the new generation of Kennedy scions carrying the torch and continuing to fascinate the public today.
The enduring legacy of the Kennedys
How do we know the Kennedys are as enthralling as ever these days? Just look at Netflix, which is releasing a new series, Kennedy, starring Michael Fassbender as patriarch Joe Kennedy Sr, with a likely premiere date of 2027.
President John F Kennedy and his charismatic wife Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, seen above during their engagement, are featured in the upcoming Netflix drama, 'Kennedy'
And Gen X's favorite Kennedys had a resurgence this year with renewed interest in JFK, Jr and his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy - who were both killed in a fateful 1999 plane crash - as Ryan Murphy's anthology series Love Story made its debut in February.
"To me, the Kennedys are just my family... I'm one little branch on my family tree"
Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy
It revived the fascination for a dynasty that has shaped American culture for decades and was also a reminder of how the current generation of scions is firmly on the country's radar.
Far from simply living in the shadow of that famous surname, a dazzling vanguard of Kennedy offspring is stepping elegantly into the forefront of the zeitgeist.
The actor is married to stunning model Abby Champion
Who is he? The actor is a Kennedy via his mother, JFK's niece Maria Shriver, the daughter of Eunice Kennedy. Dad is action star and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Patrick has successfully carved out his own career as an actor and model, earning critical acclaim for his standout performances in The White Lotus, Scream Queens and Gen V.
Off-camera, his personal life is equally captivating; in 2025 he married fellow model Abby Champion, with whom he currently co-stars in a Tommy Hilfiger campaign.
When their engagement was announced, Patrick's mother journalist Maria Shriver congratulated him and Abby on X (formerly Twitter), enthusing: "I'm beyond thrilled."
While his stunning new wife might evoke the image of super chic Carolyn Bessette, Patrick meanwhile has sparked comparisons to his famous relative, John F Kennedy, Jr.
"The story of the Kennedys is the closest we have to American mythology – somewhere between Shakespeare and The Bold and the Beautiful," Netflix Kennedys showrunner Sam Shaw told Tudum
The International Fashion Trailblazer: Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy
The New York native is in the Italian fashion scene
Who is she? Kyra is a granddaughter of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and is one of Robert F Kennedy Jr's six children. Her mother was the late Mary Richardson Kennedy, the second wife of current US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
"To me, the Kennedys are simply my family," the fashion designer told HELLO!'s sister brand HOLA! Fashion. "I feel very lucky that they are my greatest support."
The Fashion Institute of Technology graduate made her society debut in the Bal des Debutantes at the age of 18 in 2013, donning a couture Dior gown as she joined her dad and stepmother Cheryl Hines at the Paris soirée.
The face of some very high-profile luxury brands who is often spotted front row at Fashion Week, Kyra - who grew up in NYC but spends time in Milan - documents her life on Instagram, where she has around 45,000 followers.
Of her stylish roots, she says: "I'm just one little branch on my family tree. I've always admired my mother and her classic, simple style, as well as my grandmother Ethel, who was known for wearing bold and eccentric designs."
The viral political heir ran for office in NY in 2026
Who is he? The son of JFK's only daughter, Caroline Kennedy and her husband Edwin Schlossberg.
Having once been described as both the "new face" of the Kennedys and the "new hope" for the Democratic Party, Jack Schlossberg is a political scion who first gained fame for going viral on social media.
In 2024, he became Vogue's political correspondent, and gave his first in-person speech on the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago endorsing candidate Kamala Harris.
The Harvard graduate ran unsuccessfully for New York's 12th congressional district during the June 2026 U.S. House of Representatives election. “In the journey of a thousand miles, this campaign was a proud many steps. I love New York, and I love my country. We're all in this together — this understanding will remain my North Star," he told People.
Since his election loss, he has been focused on family, helping his family organize a July 18 fundraiser for the Martha's Vineyard Cancer Center in memory of his late sister, Tatiana.
As far as his personal life, while campaigning Jack hinted that we won't see any Kennedy-style nuptials anytime soon. "I seriously don't have a girlfriend," he told Andy Cohenand co-host John Hill on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live. "No, I live a monastic lifestyle and I really work really, really hard... I don't have a girlfriend because really New York 12 is my girlfriend."
The Bestselling Author: Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt
Katherine married actor Chris Pratt in 2019
Who is she? Like her younger brother Patrick Schwarzenegger, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt traces her Kennedy lineage through her mother, Maria Shriver.
While Katherine shares her life with actor husband Chris Pratt, she has independently established herself as a successful author. She published an impactful series of self-help and lifestyle books, among them her 2020 release, The Gift of Forgiveness: Inspiring Stories from Those Who Have Overcome the Unforgivable.
In June 2026, she and her Guardians of the Galaxy star husband celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary. "Grateful that I get to share this lifetime with you. Happy 7 years, Darling!" the actor wrote in an Instagram post marking the special day.
Kick, named after her great-aunt - Bobby Kennedy and JFK's sister - devotes her voice to environmental activism
Who is she? Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s daughter - her mother is Emily Ruth Black - and she was named after her great-aunt, Bobby Kennedy and JFK's sister, Kathleen Agnes 'Kick' Cavendish, Marchioness of Hartington.
Stanford-educated Kick launched a now-dormant acting career over 15 years ago, landing jobs on shows like Gossip Girl,Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Newsroom.
Despite being an aspiring actor, being famous was never the point. "I was born with a sticker — a name — that has made me totally uninterested in the fame factor of success," she told Town & Country back in 2012. "I see all my actor friends really going for it in that way because it's such a big part of the job, but it kind of turns me off. I'm frightened of it, or at least uninterested, unamused."
Despite occasionally popping up in the press - like when she was falsely linked to Ben Affleck - Kick keeps a relatively low profile despite her iconic surname. She devotes her time to the arts and philanthropy, including her work as part of the Founders Circle for the animal welfare and environmental non-profit Well/Beings.
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