Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Discover the career path of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, known as Jackie Kennedy and later Jackie O, was the First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963 during John F. Kennedy's presidency. She was considered a global icon due to her distinctive fashion sense and role as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. Her impact extended beyond politics, solidifying her place in popular culture and history.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1951: Graduation and Career Beginnings

In 1951, Jacqueline Bouvier graduated from George Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in French literature. She then started working as an inquiring photographer for the Washington Times-Herald.

November 1958: John Kennedy's Re-election to the Senate

In November 1958, John Kennedy was reelected to a second term in the Senate, and he credited Jacqueline's visibility as vital in securing his victory.

January 2, 1960: John F. Kennedy Announces Presidential Candidacy

On January 2, 1960, John F. Kennedy announced his candidacy for the presidency at the Russell Senate Office Building.

November 8, 1960: John F. Kennedy wins the U.S. presidential election

On November 8, 1960, John F. Kennedy narrowly defeated Republican opponent Richard Nixon in the U.S. presidential election.

1960: Becoming a Fashion Icon

In 1960, Jacqueline Kennedy became a global fashion icon after her husband's election. She commissioned Oleg Cassini to design her wardrobe for her appearances as First Lady.

1960: John F. Kennedy elected to the presidency

In 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected to the presidency, making Jacqueline Kennedy the First Lady of the United States. During this time, Jacqueline was known for her highly publicized restoration of the White House and emphasis on arts and culture as well as for her style.

January 20, 1961: John F. Kennedy's inauguration

On January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy was sworn in as president, making Jacqueline Kennedy the First Lady at the age of 31. She was the third youngest woman to serve as first lady, and the first Silent Generation first lady.

1961: Dressed by Cassini

From 1961, Oleg Cassini designed many ensembles for Jacqueline Kennedy, including her Inauguration Day fawn coat and Inaugural gala gown, and outfits for visits to Europe, India, and Pakistan. In 1961, Kennedy spent $45,446 more on fashion than the $100,000 annual salary her husband earned as president.

1961: The Kennedys' first official visit to France

In 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy and President Kennedy made their first official visit to France. Before arriving in the country, a television special was shot in French with the First Lady on the White House lawn. Jacqueline Kennedy impressed the public with her ability to speak French, as well as her extensive knowledge of French history.

1961: Jacqueline Kennedy visits France with President Kennedy

In 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy visited France with President Kennedy, where her language skills and cultural knowledge were highly respected. She made a speech in French at the American University in Paris, which was widely praised.

February 14, 1962: Jacqueline Kennedy's White House tour on television

On February 14, 1962, Jacqueline Kennedy, accompanied by Charles Collingwood of CBS News, gave American television viewers a tour of the White House. The film was watched by 56 million television viewers in the United States, and was later distributed to 106 countries.

November 21, 1963: The Kennedys embark on a political trip to Texas

On November 21, 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy and President Kennedy embarked on a political trip to Texas. This was the first time that she had joined her husband on such a trip in the U.S.

1963: Dressed by Cassini

Until 1963, Oleg Cassini designed many ensembles for Jacqueline Kennedy, including her Inauguration Day fawn coat and Inaugural gala gown, and outfits for visits to Europe, India, and Pakistan.

1964: Supports Robert Kennedy's Senate Run

In 1964, Jacqueline Kennedy supported Robert F. Kennedy's campaign for United States Senator from New York, after convincing him to stay in politics.

January 1968: Encourages Robert Kennedy to run for president

In January 1968, following the Tet Offensive, Jacqueline Kennedy encouraged Robert Kennedy to enter the upcoming presidential race, reversing her previous advice to him. Despite her private concerns about his safety, she supported his campaign.

1968: Vice President of Newport Restoration Foundation

In 1968, Jacqueline Onassis was appointed as the vice president of the Newport Restoration Foundation by Doris Duke, and publicly championed the foundation.

1968: 'The Kennedys: After Camelot' focuses on Jackie's life after 1968

The 2017 miniseries 'The Kennedys: After Camelot' focuses on Jacqueline Kennedy's life after 1968.

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1975: Consulting editor at Viking Press

In 1975, after the death of her second husband, Jacqueline Onassis returned to the United States permanently and became a consulting editor at Viking Press, a position she held for two years.

1975: Career as a Book Editor

In 1975, following Onassis's death, Jacqueline Kennedy began a career as a book editor in New York City, working first at Viking Press and then at Doubleday.

1977: Resigns from Viking Press

In 1977, Jacqueline Onassis resigned from Viking Press after John Leonard of The New York Times suggested she was partially responsible for the publication of Jeffrey Archer's novel Shall We Tell the President?, which depicted an assassination plot against Ted Kennedy.

1995: Encourages Dorothy West to complete 'The Wedding'

In 1995, Jacqueline Onassis encouraged Dorothy West, to complete her novel "The Wedding", a story about race, class, wealth, and power in the U.S.

1998: 'The Wedding' adapted as a miniseries

In 1998, the novel "The Wedding" by Dorothy West, which Jacqueline Onassis encouraged the author to complete, was adapted into a miniseries starring Halle Berry and Lynn Whitfield, produced by Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions.

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2003: Completion of Time Warner Center

In 2003, the Time Warner Center, a large twin-towered skyscraper at Columbus Circle, was completed despite protests, including those led by Jacqueline Onassis, who opposed the project due to its shadows on Central Park.

2011: Katie Holmes portrays Jacqueline Kennedy in 'The Kennedys'

In 2011, Katie Holmes portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in the miniseries 'The Kennedys', which is set during the Kennedy presidency.

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2013: Ginnifer Goodwin portrays Jacqueline Kennedy in 'Killing Kennedy'

In 2013, Ginnifer Goodwin portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in the television film 'Killing Kennedy'. Goodwin used intimate photos to better portray Jacqueline Kennedy and was concerned to do her justice.

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2013: Minka Kelly portrays Jacqueline Kennedy in 'The Butler'

In 2013, Minka Kelly portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in the film 'The Butler'. She gives the film's protagonist one of her husband's neckties after his assassination. Kelly admitted to having difficulty with perfecting Kennedy's voice.

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2016: Kim Allen portrays Jacqueline Kennedy in 'LBJ'

In 2016, Kim Allen portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in the film 'LBJ'. It was noted that Allen was in a non-speaking role.

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2016: Natalie Portman portrays Jacqueline Kennedy in 'Jackie'

In 2016, Natalie Portman portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in the film 'Jackie'. The movie is set during the JFK presidency and the immediate aftermath of the assassination. Portman was nominated for Best Actress by Academy Awards, AACTA Awards, AWFJ, AFCA, and BSFC, and won the category by the Online Film Critics Society.

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2017: Jodi Balfour portrays Jacqueline Kennedy in 'The Crown'

In 2017, Jodi Balfour portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in the eighth episode of the second season of Netflix's 'The Crown', titled "Dear Mrs. Kennedy".

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2017: Katie Holmes reprises her role in 'The Kennedys: After Camelot'

In 2017, Katie Holmes reprised her role as Jacqueline Kennedy in 'The Kennedys: After Camelot', which focused on her life after 1968. Holmes stated that reprising the role was a "bigger challenge".

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