Anthony Radziwill is widely described in reputable sources as John F. Kennedy Jr.’s closest friend and “best friend,” especially in the final decade of JFK Jr.’s life.

Quick Scoop: Who Was JFK Jr.’s Best Friend?

Most biographical and media accounts single out Anthony Radziwill (JFK Jr.’s first cousin) as his best friend.

They grew up in the same rarefied Kennedy–Radziwill world and, as adults, were inseparable in New York and on family holidays.

Key points people highlight:

  • Anthony Radziwill is explicitly referred to as JFK Jr.’s “maternal cousin and best friend” in major outlets.
  • He was the son of Lee Radziwill, Jackie Kennedy’s sister, placing him at the emotional center of the Kennedy family along with John.
  • Friends recall that John introduced himself jokingly as “Anthony’s better half,” underlining how tight the bond was.
  • Their stories are often told together in profiles of Carole Radziwill (Anthony’s wife) and in retrospectives of JFK Jr.’s private life.

Other Close Friends Often Mentioned

While Anthony is most often tagged as “best friend,” several others are repeatedly described as very close to JFK Jr.:

  • Jason Beghe – childhood friend and classmate at New York’s Collegiate School, described as “very close” to John from an early age.
  • Christiane Amanpour – became “best friends” in college as roommates and stayed inseparable for about 20 years.

So, if you’re looking for the name that most sources treat as the answer to “who was JFK Jr.’s best friend,” the clearest and most consistent one is Anthony Radziwill.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.