Kennedy’s Nick Robinson, Laura Donnelly on Not Using Family Boston Accent

The upcoming Netflix drama series “Kennedy” is set to chronicle the famous political dynasty from 1931 to 1944. However, one notable aspect of the Kennedy family will be portrayed differently in the show – their signature Boston accent. Nick Robinson, who plays Joe Kennedy Jr., the older brother of JFK, revealed that the decision was made to steer away from the classic Boston accent in the series. He explained that the accent has evolved over the years, shifting from a mid-Atlantic upper-class accent to one associated with working-class Boston.

Preparing for his role as Joe Kennedy Jr. was a learning experience for Robinson. He admitted that he didn’t know much about the Kennedy family, particularly Joseph Kennedy Jr., before diving into the role. The deep dive into the character’s life and legacy proved to be a fascinating journey for the actor.

Laura Donnelly, who portrays matriarch Rose Kennedy in the series, shared her experience with preparing for the role alongside Michael Fassbender, who plays patriarch Joe Sr. While they initially worked on perfecting the couple’s accents, they were later asked to dial it back for the show. Donnelly explained that the Kennedy accent was aspirational and distinctive, but they had to find a balance for the younger actors portraying the Kennedy children.

Based on Fredrik Logevall’s book “JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956,” the series delves into the family’s history and legacy. Donnelly, who is Irish, discussed the pressure of taking on the role of such an iconic figure in American history. She emphasized the importance of portraying Rose Kennedy as a real woman, rather than succumbing to the pressure of expectations.

In her preparation for the role, Donnelly watched footage of Rose being interviewed later in life, gaining admiration for her strength, dignity, and grace. Despite the challenges of embodying such a well-known figure, Donnelly approached the role with respect and a deep appreciation for Rose’s resilience.

As “Kennedy” brings the legendary political dynasty to the screen, the focus on character development, historical accuracy, and nuanced portrayals promises to offer audiences a compelling and insightful look into the lives of the Kennedys.