Kennedy's Childhood

Ted Kennedy was born on February 22, 1932—the ninth child to Joseph P. and Rose Kennedy. “Teddy soon realized that his role in the family was like that of court jester, and he performed beautifully,” The Boston Globe recently wrote. “A naturally gregarious child, he loved jokes and stories, and would entertain the others with his antics.” John culver, a longtime friend, told the Globe, “"I think Ted did have probably a very sad childhood in spite of terrific parental support. I mean, to be away at school at that age is hard, and the thing that's amazing to me is how he's come through it, in terms of his personality. Part of it I think is reflected in his incredible empathy and sympathy and in the political positions he's taken."