Harold J. Kennedy, a renowned figure in the entertainment industry, was the grandson of Daniel J. and Mary Loughrey O'Neil, with Daniel serving as President of the Eastern League Baseball Association and Hampden County Commissioner.
Born into a family of educators, Harold was the elder brother of John Paul Kennedy and the son of J. Harry Kennedy and Mary O'Neil Kennedy, both of whom were dedicated to the field of education.
Growing up on Lincoln Avenue in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Harold developed a passion for the performing arts, which would eventually become his lifelong career. After graduating from Holyoke High School, he pursued his undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College, followed by a stint at Yale Drama School.
Throughout his illustrious half-century-long career in show business, Harold worked as an actor, writer, director, and producer in various mediums, including theater, film, and television. His big break came when Orson Welles, the renowned director and actor, took a liking to him and offered him his first job in the theater.
Harold went on to write several plays, including "A Goose for the Gander," which he created for his friend, the legendary actress Gloria Swanson. The play premiered on Broadway at the Playhouse Theater in 1945, marking a significant milestone in Harold's career.
In addition to his work in theater, Harold was well-known for his appearances on the summer stock circuit, where he honed his craft and worked alongside some of the most talented entertainers of the 20th century.
In 1978, Harold published his book, "No Pickle, No Performance: An Irreverent Theatrical Excursion from Tallulah to Travolta," which was released by Doubleday. The book is a humorous account of his experiences working with some of the most iconic figures in the entertainment industry, including Tallulah Bankhead, Truman Capote, and John Travolta, among others.
