Ted Kennedy.

The youngest of nine Kennedy siblings, Ted Kennedy entered the world on February 22, 1932 in Brookline, Massachusetts, to Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Kennedy. Growing up in a politically dominant Irish-American family, he was surrounded by future leaders: his brother John became president, and Robert became attorney general. He attended Harvard College, graduating in 1956, and earned his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1959.

Ted Kennedy was elected to the U.S. Senate in a special election on November 6, 1962, filling the seat previously held by his brother John. He quickly rose to become majority whip and chaired several committees. On July 18, 1969, the Chappaquiddick incident derailed his career: his car plunged off a bridge, killing passenger Mary Jo Kopechne. He pleaded guilty to leaving the scene and received a suspended sentence. In 1980, he challenged incumbent President Jimmy Carter for the Democratic nomination but lost. He continued as a powerful liberal voice, championing healthcare and civil rights. He endorsed Barack Obama in January 2008 and remained active until diagnosed with brain cancer in May 2008.

He married Joan Bennett on November 29, 1958; they had three children: Kara born 1960, Edward Jr. born 1961, and Patrick born 1967. The couple divorced in 1982. He later married Victoria Reggie on July 3, 1992. His siblings included President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, both assassinated, and his sister Eunice Shriver, who died 15 days before him. He resided in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan.

Ted Kennedy’s nearly half-century in the Senate produced major legislation on health, education, and civil rights. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 and earned an honorary knighthood from the British government. Kennedy’s endorsement of Barack Obama in 2008 helped propel Obama to the Democratic nomination. His nickname, the Lion of the Senate, reflected his progressive advocacy.