Origins & Early Life

Douglas Clark Francis Kenney (December 10, 1946 – August 27, 1980) was an American comedy writer of magazine, novels, radio, TV and film, who co-founded the magazine National Lampoon in 1970. Kenney edited the magazine and wrote much of its early material. He went on to write, produce, and perform in the influential comedies Animal House and Caddyshack. Douglas Clark Francis Kenney was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, to Estelle "Stephanie" (née Karch) and Daniel Harold "Harry" Kenney, both originally from Massachusetts.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His paternal grandparents, Daniel J. Kenney and Eleanor Agnes (née Noonan), were of Irish origin. His maternal grandparents, Anthony Karczewski and Victoria Lesniak, were Polish. He was named for General Douglas MacArthur. His family moved to Mentor, Ohio, in the early 1950s, before settling in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Kenney lived in Chagrin Falls from 1958 to 1964 and attended Gilmour Academy, a Catholic prep high school for boys in nearby Gates Mills, Ohio. While at Harvard University, Kenney was a member of the Signet Society, president of the Spee Club and editor of The Harvard Lampoon. Kenney...

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• 1946 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1946
• December 10 (12-10) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 10
• 1980 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1980
• August 27 (08-27) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 27