Childhood and Education Journey of Joe Biden in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Joe Biden, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Joe Biden, a member of the Democratic Party, served as the 46th U.S. president (2021-2025). Before his presidency, he was the 47th Vice President under Barack Obama (2009-2017) and represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate (1973-2009).

Sections (7)

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

November 20, 1942: Birth of Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.

On November 20, 1942, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born.

1946: Family Moved to Garden City

In 1946, the Biden family purchased a home in Garden City, New York.

1953: Family Moved to Claymont, Delaware

Beginning in 1953, when Joe Biden was ten, the family lived in an apartment in Claymont, Delaware.

1961: Graduated from Archmere Academy

In 1961, Biden graduated from Archmere Academy.

1965: Graduated from the University of Delaware

In 1965, Biden graduated from the University of Delaware.

1965: Received Bachelor of Arts Degree

In 1965, Biden received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware.

August 27, 1966: Married Neilia Hunter

On August 27, 1966, Biden married Neilia Hunter in Skaneateles, New York.

1968: Earned Juris Doctor

In 1968, Biden earned a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.

1968: Graduated from Syracuse University College of Law

In 1968, Biden graduated from Syracuse University College of Law.

1968: Conditional Medical Deferment

In 1968, Joe Biden received a conditional medical deferment based on a physical examination.

1968: Biden's Withdrawal Compared to Johnson's

Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election was compared to Lyndon B. Johnson's withdrawal from the 1968 presidential election.

December 18, 1972: Death of Wife and Daughter

On December 18, 1972, Joe Biden's wife, Neilia, and one-year-old daughter, Naomi, died in a car accident in Hockessin, Delaware.

1974: Described Political Stance

In 1974, Joe Biden described himself as liberal on civil rights and liberties, senior citizens' concerns, and healthcare, but conservative on other issues.

1975: Met Jill Jacobs

In 1975, Joe Biden met Jill Tracy Jacobs on a blind date.

June 17, 1977: Married Jill Tracy Jacobs

On June 17, 1977, Joe Biden married Jill Tracy Jacobs at the United Nations chapel in New York.

1981: Birth of Daughter Ashley Biden

In 1981, Joe Biden and Jill Biden had a daughter, Ashley Biden.

February 1988: Surgery for Intracranial Berry Aneurysm

In February 1988, Joe Biden underwent surgery to correct a leaking intracranial berry aneurysm after experiencing severe neck pain.

1991: Began Teaching at Widener University

In 1991, Joe Biden began co-teaching a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law as an adjunct professor.

1991: Kevin Nealon Portrays Biden on Saturday Night Live

In 1991, Kevin Nealon became the first person to portray Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live.

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2008: Jason Sudeikis Portrays Biden on Saturday Night Live

During the 2008 election season, Jason Sudeikis portrayed Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live and reprised the role many times.

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2008: Ended Teaching at Widener University

In 2008, Joe Biden concluded his time co-teaching a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law as an adjunct professor.

2008: Spokesperson Statement on Deferment

In 2008, a spokesperson for Biden stated his having had "asthma as a teenager" was the reason for his 1968 conditional medical deferment.

November 2009: Biden's net worth was $27,012

As of November 2009, Biden's net worth was $27,012.

May 2012: Biden's statement on Same-Sex Marriage

In May 2012, Joe Biden publicly stated that he was "absolutely comfortable" with same-sex marriage, contrasting with Obama's "evolving" position. This statement, made without administration consent, spurred Obama to announce his support for same-sex marriage within days.

2015: Death of Son Beau Biden

In 2015, Joe Biden's son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer.

2015: Defense of Marriage Act Ruled Unconstitutional

In 2015, the Defense of Marriage Act, which Joe Biden had voted for in 1996, was ruled unconstitutional in Obergefell v. Hodges.

2015: Death of Biden's son Beau

Particularly since the 2015 death of his elder son Beau, Biden has been noted for his empathetic nature and ability to communicate about grief.

2016: Greg Kinnear Portrays Biden in 'Confirmation'

In 2016, Greg Kinnear portrayed Joe Biden in the HBO television film Confirmation, which was about the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court nomination hearings.

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2016: Biden Appears in Law & Order: SVU

In 2016, Joe Biden appeared as himself in an episode of Law & Order: SVU.

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2016: Biden Introduces Lady Gaga at Academy Awards

In 2016, Joe Biden introduced Lady Gaga at the 88th Academy Awards and spoke about sexual violence, receiving a standing ovation.

2017: Biden's Memoir Published

In 2017, Joe Biden wrote his memoir, Promise Me, Dad, and embarked on a book tour.

[Joe Biden] Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose - Hardcover

Check it on Amazon

2018: Biden Gives Eulogy for John McCain

In 2018, Joe Biden gave a eulogy for Senator John McCain.

2019: Biden Leaves Penn Biden Center

After leaving the Vice Presidency, Joe Biden became an honorary professor at the University of Pennsylvania, developing the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement and remained in that position until 2019.

2019: Biden's Post-Vice Presidency Earnings

By 2019, Joe Biden and his wife reported earning over $15 million since the end of his vice presidency from speaking engagements and book sales.

2019: Regret Expressed to Anita Hill

In 2019, Joe Biden told Anita Hill he regretted his treatment of her during the 1991 Clarence Thomas nomination hearings, though Hill said afterward she remained unsatisfied.

November 2020: The Bidens were worth $9 million

By November 2020, the Bidens were worth $9 million, largely due to sales of Biden's books and speaking fees after his vice presidency.

2020: Biden Portrayed by Multiple Actors on Saturday Night Live

During the 2020 election season, Joe Biden was portrayed by John Mulaney, Alex Moffat, Mikey Day, Woody Harrelson, and Jim Carrey on Saturday Night Live.

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July 21, 2022: Biden tests positive for COVID-19

On July 21, 2022, Biden tested positive for COVID-19, experiencing reportedly mild symptoms. He was treated with Paxlovid, according to the White House. He worked in isolation for five days and later returned to isolation after another positive test on July 30.

2023: Biden undergoes Mohs surgery

In 2023, Biden underwent Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead, following a previous removal of a basal-cell carcinoma from his chest.

July 17, 2024: Biden tests positive for COVID-19 again

On July 17, 2024, Biden tested positive for COVID-19 again.

2024: Dana Carvey Plays Biden on Saturday Night Live

In 2024, Dana Carvey played the role of Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live.

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May 18, 2025: Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer

On May 18, 2025, it was announced that Biden had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer with bone metastasis during a routine physical examination. He confirmed that he had begun treatment on May 30.