Meet the Actors Behind Netflix’s Latest Kennedy Series and Their Real-Life Inspirations

Joshuah Melnick is set to portray a younger John F. Kennedy in Netflix’s upcoming series, Kennedy.
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Cesc Maymo/Getty; TPLP/Getty

New Netflix Series Explores the Kennedy Family Legacy

A new Netflix drama series is set to delve into the formative years of the Kennedy family, one of America’s most prominent dynasties. The series, titled Kennedy, will focus on Joseph Kennedy Sr., his wife, Rose, and their nine children, illustrating how they established a significant political legacy.

Netflix announced that the show will depict "the intimate lives, loves, rivalries and tragedies that shaped the most iconic dynasty in modern history." The series is adapted from Fredrik Logevall’s biography, JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956. The first season will center on the Kennedy clan’s rise, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by the second son, Jack, who attempts to break free from the shadow of his older brother.

Showrunner Sam Shaw described the saga of the Kennedys as akin to "American mythology," suggesting it occupies a narrative space "somewhere between Shakespeare and The Bold and the Beautiful."

"Fredrik Logevall’s stunning, nuanced biography pulls a veil on the human strivings and burdens behind the myth," Shaw noted, emphasizing the relevance of their story to contemporary America.

In October 2025, it was revealed that Michael Fassbender would play Joseph Kennedy Sr., the family patriarch and father of President John F. Kennedy. Pamela Keogh, a biographer, remarked on Joe Sr.’s remarkable accomplishments, stating, "He got them to the top of the mountain, the absolute peak of American society, and really, the world, in terms of politics, money, Wall Street, Hollywood, everything."

Additional casting updates include several prominent actors in key roles:

Michael Fassbender as Joe Kennedy Sr.

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Michael Fassbender, a two-time Oscar nominee known for roles in 12 Years a Slave and Steve Jobs, will depict Joe Kennedy Sr. He was instrumental in establishing the family’s legacy, serving as the first chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission and as an ambassador to the U.K.

Laura Donnelly as Rose Kennedy

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Laura Donnelly, recognized for her roles in Outlander and The Nevers, will portray the enigmatic Rose Kennedy. Keogh notes her complicated maternal relationship, stating she was "not a good mom" despite her prominence in society.

Nick Robinson as Joe Kennedy Jr.

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Nick Robinson will take on the role of Joe Kennedy Jr., the eldest son whose ambitions were curtailed by his untimely death during World War II. Keogh described him as "big and strong and handsome."

Joshuah Melnick as Jack Kennedy

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Joshuah Melnick will portray Jack Kennedy, exploring the early life of the future president. This series aims to examine his evolution into the political figure we know today.

Additional Casting

The cast also includes Lydia Peckham as Rosemary Kennedy, Saura Lightfoot-Leon as Kick Kennedy, Imogen Poots as Gloria Swanson, and Cole Doman as Lem Billings, among others.

The announcement of additional casting comes as Netflix continues to develop this ambitious portrayal of the Kennedy family’s legacy. The production is drawing interest as it promises to reveal the nuances of this iconic family and their profound influence on American history.