In a twist that could only come from the Kennedy family’s orbit, Kick Kennedy, the 36-year-old granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy, has found herself in the spotlight, linked to none other than Ben Affleck. According to “Page Six,” Kennedy has been seen mingling with Affleck at the Polo Lounge. Despite speculation fueled by their recent encounters, both TMZ and Affleck’s representatives have dismissed any romantic implications, suggesting they are simply friends.
Kick Kennedy’s Lineage and Nickname
Kick Kennedy, born Kathleen Alexandra Kennedy, is the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — the controversial former presidential candidate known for his unconventional views and colorful past. Her mother, Emily Ruth Black, was Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s first wife. After their divorce in 1994, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. married Mary Kathleen Richardson, who later died by apparent suicide amid their divorce proceedings. Kick has one older brother and four younger half-siblings, including Conor Kennedy, Taylor Swift’s ex-boyfriend. Kick is also a cousin of Jack Schlossberg.
Her nickname, “Kick,” pays homage to her great-aunt Kathleen Agnes Kennedy, a socialite and sister of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy Sr. The original Kick was known for her vibrant personality and was estranged from the Kennedy family after marrying outside the Catholic Church. The estrangement was so pronounced that only her father attended her funeral after she died in a plane crash in 1948.
Kick’s Career and Charitable Work
Kick Kennedy pursued a degree in history at Stanford University and initially aimed for an acting career. She made appearances on shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Gossip Girl, and starred in an Off-Broadway production of Antigone. Recently, she has transitioned into working at an art gallery called False Flag.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Kick has been actively involved in charitable causes, especially those related to clean water, echoing her father’s former advocacy before his shift to controversial topics. Notably, she participated in a 2008 rafting trip through the Grand Canyon for a documentary on water conservation and hiked Mount Kilimanjaro in 2010 with notable figures such as Emile Hirsch and Jessica Biel.
The Whale Head Story
Kick’s name has recently resurfaced due to a bizarre tale from her childhood. In a 2012 Town & Country profile, she recounted an incident where her father, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., brought home a dead whale head. According to Kick, the whale had washed ashore near their Cape Cod residence, and her father sawed off the head, affixed it to their minivan, and drove it back to their home in Mount Kisco, New York. The journey, marked by “whale juice” seeping through the car windows, was described by Kick as “the rankest thing on the planet” but a normal occurrence in her upbringing.
Dating Rumors and Connections
Kick Kennedy’s dating history includes past rumors of a relationship with Paul Simon’s son, Harper, and speculation that she was involved with banking heir Matthew Mellon before his death in 2018.
Family Connections
Kick’s half-brother Conor Kennedy was briefly linked to Taylor Swift in 2012, and Kick has expressed her fondness for Swift, noting their cute relationship. Whether she attended those famous Kennedy Fourth of July parties remains a tantalizing question.
As Kick Kennedy navigates her public life amidst these headlines, her unique background and intriguing stories continue to captivate the public’s imagination.