Jayne Kennedy - Hollywood Icon (Ep. 38)

Jayne Kennedy is an American actress, model, sportscaster, and author whose groundbreaking career spans entertainment, sports journalism, and fitness. In 1970, she made history as the first African American woman to be crowned Miss Ohio USA.

She began her career as a dancer on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In and soon found success as a model, appearing on the covers of Jet and Ebony. Her acting career grew steadily in the 1970s with roles on television shows such as Ironside, Sanford and Son, and The Six Million Dollar Man.

In 1978, Kennedy broke new ground in sports broadcasting when she joined CBS’s The NFL Today. As one of the first women—and the first African American woman—to serve as a sportscaster on a major national sports program.  Her performance in the 1981 film Body and Soul earned her the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.

Kennedy’s resilience and personal journey are chronicled in her memoir, Plain Jayne (2025), which explores her experiences in breaking barriers and navigating challenges in Hollywood, broadcasting, and beyond. She has since been recognized by the National Museum of African American History and Culture for her trailblazing career.

Jayne Kennedy's Website Here

Order Jayne's Book Here

Jayne Kennedy's Signature Fragrances 

Jayne's Instagram Page

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