Is Pam Shriver Related To Kennedy? Family Tree Explored

The intriguing question of whether former professional tennis player Pam Shriver is related to the Kennedy family has captivated the imagination of many.

People often find themselves curious about the possibility of their favorite stars having hidden connections to famous historical figures.

In this article, we embark on a journey through Pam Shriver’s family tree to uncover any ancestral links with the Kennedys, shedding light on this captivating topic.

Pam Shriver, a former professional tennis player, is now a prominent coach and broadcaster for ESPN and the BBC.

Born on July 4, 1962, in Baltimore, Maryland, she is best known for her remarkable career in professional tennis.

However, as a roving interviewer, Shriver has made a name for her versatility, strong opinions, and sense of humor.

She dominated the women’s doubles circuit throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, winning numerous Grand Slam titles.

After retiring from professional tennis in 1996, Shriver subsequently transitioned into a successful career as a tennis commentator and pundit.

A past president of the Women’s Tennis Association (1991-1994), Shriver was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2002.

Is Pam Shriver Related To Kennedy?

The world of celebrity genealogy has long been intrigued by the potential connection between former professional tennis player Pam Shriver and the Kennedy family.

The Kennedys, often called America’s royal family, are a political dynasty that profoundly influenced the nation’s history, captivating the American public across generations.

To determine whether Pam Shriver is related to President John F. Kennedy, we must first acknowledge her familial connection to Maria Shriver.

Maria Owings Shriver, a prominent American journalist and author, notably served as the former First Lady of California and is a distinguished Kennedy family member.

What’s particularly fascinating is that Maria Shriver’s mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, was the sister of John F. Kennedy, cementing a direct link between Maria and the Kennedy lineage.

It’s worth noting that Pam Shriver is a fourth cousin of Maria Shriver.

Delving deep into the genealogical ties that bind the Shrivers and Kennedys across several generations, it becomes evident that Pam Shriver can be recognized as the niece of President John F. Kennedy.

Exploring Pam Shriver Family Tree

The 22-time grand slam doubles champion was born into a middle-class family. Her father’s name is Samuel “Sam” Henry Shriver.

Also, Sam was an insurance executive from the Baltimore suburb of Lutherville. Born in 1931, Sam died in 2006 at the age of 75. 

Similarly, her mother’s name is Margot Shriver (nee Ketcham). Margot lived from 1934 till 2021.

Both of her parents were very supportive of her tennis career. Besides, they regularly flew to her matches and cheered from the sidelines.

Moreover, Pam grew up with her older sister, Marion, and her younger sister, Eleanor. While Eleanor lives in Maryland, Marion died from cancer in 1997.

Married Life And Kids

A mother of three, Shriver has been married twice in her lifetime. Firstly, she was married to Joe Shapiro for a short period between 1998 and 1999.

Joe Shapiro is a former Walt Disney Company lawyer. Reportedly, he died of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1999.

Meanwhile, her second marriage was a relatively sturdy one. She married an Australian actor, George Lazenby, in 2002 and got divorced in 2011.

Their first child, George Samuel, was born on July 12, 2004. Twins Kaitlin Elizabeth and Samuel Robert followed their eldest brother after a year on October 1, 2005.

Henceforth, the family tree of the doubles legend Pam Shriver stretches up to her children as of today.