Since rising to fame after being topped Miss Ohio USA 1970, Kennedy has served as a pioneering determine. The NFL At this time marked gig on CBS her as one of many first Black girls to host a significant sports activities present She additionally earned her due accolades, together with an NAACP Picture Award and an Emmy Award. Her efficiently numerous profession spans leisure, broadcasting, enterprise ventures and activism, lending to fairly a powerful web value.
Born Oct. 27, 1951 in Washington, D.C., Kennedy was raised as certainly one of six youngsters. She had a devoted and bold household. Kennedy’s dad and mom instilled the worth of accomplishment in her from a younger age. In highschool, she was a cheerleader and held a number of management roles in scholar authorities. She was a member of the Nationwide Honor Society, vice-president of the sophomore class, and president of the junior class. Although the indicators had been actually there, little did folks know a magnificence queen and media mogul was rising.
Jayne Kennedy made historical past as an iconic tv persona, actress, mannequin, sports activities broadcaster, producer, author and philanthropist. By means of sporting so many hats directly, she proves magnificence doesn’t should be compromised relating to doing all of it.
In 1970, Kennedy was topped Miss Ohio USA, making her as the primary Black girl to take action. She superior to the Prime 10 at Miss USA, shattering limitations in an area that was finally dominated by white contestants. Her pageant success would go on to help in launching her tv and modeling profession.
Kennedy’s skilled achievements lengthen far past leisure. In pattern with the occasions, her train video “Love Your Physique” turned a greatest vendor. It adopted behind Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons. She additionally introduced her magnificence to loads of infomercials for main manufacturers and modeled for Fortune 50 corporations.
As a number, she was the face of “Best Sports activities Legends,” marking her as the one feminine host for a long-running sports activities sequence. She additionally produced the 1990 theatrical musical “The Journey of the African American,” keynoted MLK occasions, co-hosted charity telethons, and served as nationwide spokesperson for the Nationwide Council of Negro Girls.
Kennedy made a significant pivot when getting into into the world of sports activities broadcasting. She additionally turned one of many first Black girls to host a nationwide sports activities tv program. With this position, she proved that nothing may stand in the best way of her going after her needs.
Her most notable position got here within the early Nineteen Eighties when she changed Phyllis George as a co-host on “The NFL At this time.” This was a significant milestone, not just for Kennedy personally, however for ladies of colour in sports activities media. The sphere had lengthy been dominated by white males. By occupying that area, Kennedy opened doorways for the numerous who witnessed her.
Throughout her tenure on “The NFL At this time,” she delivered commentary and performed interviews with prime NFL gamers. She additionally offered perception throughout pregame protection. Past that, she hosted and appeared on “Best Sports activities Legends,” serving as the one girl to be a daily host within the present’s historical past. Her work was acknowledged with a 1982 Emmy Award for Excellent Sports activities Programming. It was a testomony to her prowess and influence in a male-dominated trade. Kennedy’s legacy in sports activities broadcasting continues to be celebrated for the visibility, credibility and excellence she dropped at the area.
Most not too long ago, she launched her memoir, “PLAIN JAYNE.” Her Black id has all the time been her skilled pillar. Kennedy’s life and profession signify a pioneering path of breaking racial and gender ceilings throughout magnificence pageants, Hollywood, sports activities media, and entrepreneurship.
A yr after highschool, Kennedy met Leon Isaac Kennedy, a DJ with hopes of working as a author and actor. Falling in love, the 2 married in 1971. In reality, Motown singer/songwriter Smokey Robinson served as greatest man at their marriage ceremony. The 2 divorced in 1982, after a few decade collectively. Although their marriage ended, each have spoken publicly about remaining amicable co-parents for his or her daughter, Cheyenne
After stepping again from on-camera work, Kennedy selected to concentrate on household, philanthropy and the behind the scenes of her enterprise. She confronted well being challenges, like endometriosis, balancing taking good care of herself and her mission whereas elevating her daughters and supporting her husband’s profession. Lately, she has chosen to resume her public presence, talking at occasions, consulting on the LA 2028 Olympic bid and serving as a mentor and inspiration throughout the sports activities media area. She can be lively on social media, by no means failing to make use of the attain of her platform.
