Chris Pratt supports Robert Kennedy Jr., seeing him as family, despite political controversies linked to Trump's affiliations.
Chris Pratt expressed his favorable opinion of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., emphasizing a personal connection amid the controversies surrounding Kennedy’s current role as United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Jurassic World actor highlighted his experiences with Kennedy as part of his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger’s extended family, underlining a familial bond beyond political disputes.
On the August 18 episode of Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, Pratt said,
“I’ve spent a number of occasions hanging with him,”
adding,
“In a strictly family dinner kind of vibe. And I really got along with him well.”
He described Kennedy as someone he likes and admires, stating,
“I think he’s great. I think he’s funny. I like him. I love him.”
Understanding the Controversy Around Kennedy
Pratt, aged 46, acknowledged why many view Robert F. Kennedy Jr. differently due to his associations and political alliances. He drew parallels to Hollywood, where appearances can be misleading. Pratt explained,
“Politics it’s a nasty business,”
and elaborated,
“I’m not in politics, obviously, but there’s a certain level to this in Hollywood, because Hollywood itself is a political institution. I’ve seen in Hollywood how the person you are can be such a contrast to the person that people being are told that you are, and you can go, ‘Wow, that is pure fiction.’”
Pratt also recognized the divisiveness of Robert’s political alignment, particularly with former President Donald Trump, stating,
“When you jump on the bandwagon with who is the most divisive president ever, it makes sense that you’re going to be made to look terrible.”
Private Moments Show a Different Side of RFK Jr.
Despite public scrutiny, Pratt shared glimpses of Robert Kennedy Jr.’s character during private gatherings. The actor recalled that their time together often involved simple activities such as playing cards or having dinner, saying,
“just playing cards or Mafia or having fun or having dinner.”
Pratt admitted he prefers not to speculate on the negative rumors around Kennedy, stating,
“I’m not gonna pick his brain to find out exactly which of those things are true,”
and continued,
“I just kind of assume that none of them are, and for the most part I wish him well.”
Contrasting Opinions Within the Kennedy Family
While Pratt maintains a positive view, other members of the Kennedy family have publicly criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Caroline Kennedy, his first cousin and daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, has expressed a starkly different perspective. In a letter to the Senate before RFK Jr.’s cabinet confirmation, Caroline harshly described him, saying,
Image of: Chris Pratt
“I’ve known Bobby my whole life. We grew up together,”
and added,
“It’s no surprise that he keeps birds of prey as pets, because Bobby himself is a predator.”
Caroline, 67, detailed her observations of Robert’s influence on his siblings and cousins, mentioning,
“I watched his younger brothers and cousins follow him down the path of drug addiction. His basement, his garage, his dorm room were always the center of the action where drugs were available.”
She further accused him of dishonesty, stating,
“has gone on to misrepresent, lie and cheat his way through life today.”
She also condemned his pursuit of attention and authority, noting,
“While he may encourage a younger generation to attend AA meetings,”
followed by,
“Bobby is addicted to attention and power.”
The Extensive Kennedy Family Tree
Origins of the Kennedy Family
Joseph P. Kennedy married Rose Fitzgerald in 1914, and by 1932 they had nine children: Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., John F. Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy, Eunice Kennedy, Patricia Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Jean Kennedy, and Edward Kennedy. This lineage laid the foundation for a significant American political dynasty.
Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. and His Legacy
Born in 1915, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. was groomed for political leadership until his death during World War II in 1944. He died in a bombing mission as part of Operation Aphrodite, and his body was never recovered. His name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, honoring WWII casualties.
John F. Kennedy’s Political Rise and Family
John F. Kennedy, born in 1917, rose from Congress to the presidency in 1960. He married Jacqueline Bouvier, and they had two surviving children: Caroline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr. Their other children, Arabella and Patrick, died young. JFK’s assassination in 1963 marked a momentous chapter in American history.
Caroline Kennedy’s Diplomatic and Family Roles
Caroline Kennedy served as U.S. ambassador to Japan and later to Australia. Married to Edwin Schlossberg, they have three children: Rose, Tatiana, and John “Jack” Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg. Rose is a TV producer who married restaurateur Rory McAuliffe, Tatiana is a Yalegraduate and journalist, and Jack, a Yale and Harvard graduate, is involved in political discourse.
Jack Schlossberg described his commitment to public service, telling Vogue in 2024,
“I am inspired by my family’s legacy of public service,”
and added,
“I take that very seriously, and I want to contribute in my own way. I have big dreams, but I also know that I’m trying to make a positive impact today.”
John F. Kennedy Jr.’s Life and Tragic End
Often regarded as an eligible bachelor and named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1988, JFK Jr. married Carolyn Bessette in 1996. The couple, along with Carolyn’s sister Lauren, died in a plane crash in 1999, striking a devastating blow to the Kennedy family.
Rosemary Kennedy’s Tragic Health Struggles
Born in 1918, Rosemary faced behavioral challenges which led to her undergoing a prefrontal lobotomy at age 23. The procedure, intended to help, left her severely disabled, and she spent the remainder of her life in institutional care, passing away in 2005. Rose Kennedy reflected on Rosemary’s life, saying,
“All along I had continued to believe that she could have lived her life as a Kennedy girl, just a little slower,”
and then,
“But then it was all gone in a matter of minutes.”
Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy’s Eventful Life and Legacy
Born in 1920 and affectionately known as Kick, Kathleen Kennedy married William Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington, in 1944 against her family’s wishes due to his non-Catholic faith. He was killed shortly after in World War II. Kathleen later died in a plane crash in 1948 along with her partner, Earl Fitzwilliam.
Born in 1921, Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics and married Robert Sargent Shriver Jr. They had five children, including Maria Shriver, the mother of Katherine Schwarzenegger. Eunice passed away at age 88, leaving behind a large family legacy.
Patricia Kennedy Lawford and Her Connections to Hollywood
Patricia, born in 1924, married actor Peter Lawford, linking the Kennedys to Hollywood’s Rat Pack. Their marriage produced four children before ending in divorce. Peter Lawford was close to President JFK and reputedly introduced him to Marilyn Monroe. Patricia died in 2006, and their son Christopher passed away in 2018 after a heart attack.
Robert F. Kennedy’s Life and Descendants
Robert F. Kennedy, known as Bobby, married Ethel Skakel, and they had eleven children. Bobby was assassinated in 1968 after winning the CaliforniaDemocratic primary. His family has experienced numerous tragedies, including the death of son David from a drug overdose and Michael in a skiing accident. Ethel Kennedy became a grandmother to 34 grandchildren, though some faced premature deaths.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—Personal Life and Family
Born in 1954, RFK Jr. has been married three times and is father to six children. He shares children Kathleen and Robert Francis Kennedy III with first wife Emily Black. He later married Mary Richardson, with whom he had four children, and though separated at the time of her suicide in 2012, they remained connected. In 2014, he wed actress Cheryl Hines.
Robert F. Kennedy III and His Family
Robert F. Kennedy III married Amaryllis Fox, a former CIAanalyst and author, in 2017. Together, they have twochildren and share a blended family with Amaryllis’ daughter from a previous relationship.
Kick Kennedy’s Modern Perspective
Kick Kennedy has reflected on life through its varied experiences. She told Town & Country in 2012,
“I like to say life is just a collection of experiences—some good, some bad—and the more you have the better.”
Recent rumors involving her and actor Ben Affleck, following his divorce from Jennifer Lopez, were addressed by Affleck’s representative who stated,
“Everything about him and Kick is untrue.”
Kick spoke candidly about the challenges of public perception, saying,
“People ask me, ‘What’s it like to be a Kennedy?’”
and explained,
“Maybe it’s just the temperature of the water, but I’m just like, ‘I have no idea.’ When I see my face or name in the tabloids, I get a knot in my stomach. It’s just not me—it’s reading something that’s not real.”
She also expressed a connection to her great aunt, who died before her father was born:
“It’s funny how similar we are,”
she said.
“She was fun and social and a performer in many ways.”
Conor and Kyra Kennedy’s Lives Beyond the Spotlight
Conor Kennedy gained media attention during his teenage years, notably for dating singer Taylor Swift. Following their brief relationship, he graduated from Georgetown Law School and is now engaged to singer Giulia Be. Meanwhile, Kyra Kennedy has carved out a niche in fashion and currently resides in Milan. She spoke in August 2024 about a personal transformation in a video collaboration with Elle and Bvlgari, sharing,
“Have I experienced a rebirth in my life?”
and answering,
“Yes, I definitely have. As a little girl, I was one person. And when I became a young adult, I did a complete 180.”
The Broad Impact of the Kennedy Legacy Across Generations
The Kennedy family has been marked by public service, tragedy, and significant cultural influence over more than a century. Family members have filled roles in politics, diplomacy, philanthropy, and the arts, constantly navigating both public scrutiny and private challenges. The contrasting views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. exemplify the complex dynamics within this high-profile clan. Chris Pratt’s defense of Robert highlights the personal warmth found in family connections despite external conflicts, adding a nuanced perspective to the ongoing political and familial drama surrounding the Kennedy name.
