Jayne Kennedy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jayne Kennedy
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Kennedy in 1980
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| Born |
Jayne Harrison
October 27, 1951 Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Other names | Jayne Overton |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1969–1990 |
| Title |
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| Term | 1970–1971 |
| Predecessor | Marlynn Singleton |
| Successor | Karen M. Haus |
| Spouse(s) |
Bill Overton
(m. 1985) |
| Children | 4 |
| Awards | NAACP Image Award – (1982) Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture (Body and Soul) |
Jayne Kennedy Overton, born Jayne Harrison on October 27, 1951, is a famous American television personality. She is also known as an actress, model, and sports broadcaster. Jayne has worked as a producer, writer, and public speaker. She is also a kind person who supports many good causes.
Contents
Jayne's Early Life and Family
Jayne Kennedy was born Jayne Gill Harrison in Washington, D.C. She was one of six children in her family. Her parents, Herbert and Virginia Harrison, taught their children to "aim high." They also taught them to be thankful and handle problems quietly.
In high school, Jayne was a cheerleader. She was also a member of the National Honor Society. She was vice-president of her sophomore class. Later, she became president of her junior class.
Marriages and Children
A year after high school, Jayne met Leon Isaac Kennedy. He was a DJ and also wanted to be a writer and actor. They got married in 1971. Famous singer Smokey Robinson was the best man at their wedding. Jayne and Leon divorced in 1982.
In May 1985, Jayne married actor Bill Overton in Bermuda. It was a small wedding, and both their parents were there. Jayne and Bill have three daughters together. Their names are Savannah Re, Kopper Joi, and Zaire Ollyea. Bill also has a daughter named Cheyenne from before their marriage. Jayne and Bill celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in May 2020.
Jayne's Amazing Career
Jayne Kennedy has had a very successful career in many areas. She started by winning a beauty pageant. Then she moved into television and movies.
Beauty Pageant Success
In 1970, Jayne was crowned Miss Ohio USA. This meant she was the most beautiful woman in Ohio that year. She then competed in the Miss USA 1970 pageant. She made it into the top ten finalists.
Early Television and Film Roles
In 1971, Jayne first appeared as a dancer. This was on the TV show Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. She also performed with Bob Hope's Christmas Tour for soldiers. This tour went to places like Vietnam and Japan. After that, she spent three years as a singer and dancer on "The Dean Martin Show."
Throughout the 1970s, Jayne appeared on many popular TV shows. These included The Six Million Dollar Man, Sanford and Son, and Starsky & Hutch. She also appeared in many commercials. She advertised products for companies like McDonald's and Chrysler. In 1977, she played a main role in the movie Big Time.
Becoming a Sportscaster
In 1978, Jayne made history. She joined The NFL Today on CBS as a reporter. This was a big step for women in sports broadcasting. After some disagreements with the network, she hosted Speak Up, America in 1980.
Jayne won an Emmy Award in 1982. This was for her excellent work hosting the Rose Bowl. In the same year, she started hosting Greatest Sports Legends. On this show, she interviewed famous athletes. Some of them were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Johnny Unitas.
Awards and Other Ventures
Jayne won the 1982 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture. This award was for her role as Julie Winters in the 1981 movie Body and Soul. She starred in this movie with her husband at the time, Leon Isaac Kennedy.
In the mid-1980s, Jayne appeared in TV commercials for The Coca-Cola Company's Tab soft drink. She also advertised Jovan Musk perfume. Jayne released her own exercise video called "Love Your Body." In the video, she encouraged people to "Establish a positive belief in yourself."
In 1990, Jayne and Bill Overton produced a show. It was called The Journey of the African American. This show was performed in Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Philanthropy and Public Speaking
Jayne Kennedy has always supported many good causes. She has made appearances and given speeches for charities. In 1986, she co-hosted "The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars." This event raised $10 million for The United Negro College Fund.
In 1987, Jayne was a main speaker at the Evanston Martin Luther King celebration. In 1988, she became a national spokesperson. This was for The National Council of Negro Women. She helped with their Black Family Reunion Celebration events. These events offered clinics and seminars across the country. In 1990, she spoke at the 12th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner.
Jayne's Film and Television Work
Here are some of the movies and TV shows Jayne Kennedy has been in:
Movies
- 1973: Group Marriage as Judy
- 1975: Let's Do It Again as Girl at Factory
- 1976: The Muthers as Serena
- 1977: Big Time as Shana Baynes
- 1978: Death Force as Maria Russell
- 1981: Body and Soul as Julie Winters (She won an NAACP Image Award for this role!)
Television Shows
- 1973: Ironside as Maylene
- 1974: Sanford and Son as Brenda
- 1975: The Six Million Dollar Man as Louise
- 1977: The New Adventures of Wonder Woman as Carolyn Hamilton
- 1978-1980: The NFL Today – Reporter for the NFL pre-game show
- 1979: Mysterious Island of Beautiful Women as Chocolate (TV movie)
- 1980: CHiPs as Pat Blake
- 1981: The Love Boat as Kelsey
- 1983: Diff'rent Strokes as Mrs. Jenkins
- 1984: Benson as Elizabeth Burnett
- 1986: 227 as Betty Mumphrey
- 2024: You Are Looking Live! as herself (a documentary about The NFL Today)
See also
In Spanish: Jayne Kennedy para niños
