Vaughn Meader, a comedian known for his remarkable impersonation of President John F. Kennedy, was a unique figure in American entertainment history. Born Abbott Vaughn Meader in Boston, he faced hardships from the start. His father passed away when Vaughn was only 18 months old, and his school years were challenging, though he did find solace and applause in talent shows by imitating country singers. After graduating from Brooklyn High in Boston, Meader joined the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany. There, he found a creative outlet in a G.I. band and married his German-born wife. Once back in the United States, Meader sought to carve out a niche in show business and ventured into stand-up comedy. His pleasant appearance, coupled with his natural Boston accent, helped him craft a comedic routine impersonating President Kennedy. Unlike others who attempted to mimic Kennedy, Meader bore a striking resemblance to the President, which led to his big break as the star of "The First Family," a comedy album that quickly became a nationwide sensation. Released in October 1962, "The First Family" was a surprise hit, selling over a million copies by Christmas that year. The album offered a gentle, affectionate send-up of the Kennedy family, capitalizing on the public's admiration for them. Listeners enjoyed the light-hearted humor that depicted the Kennedy clan's life in the White House. However, Meader's success was short-lived. In November 1963, the assassination of President Kennedy sent shockwaves through the nation, rendering Meader's act a painful reminder of the loss. His career, tied so intimately to his Kennedy impersonation, collapsed overnight. Nightclubs and television shows canceled his appearances, and even a Grammy Awards performance was cut. Meader attempted to pivot with a new album that showcased his non-Kennedy material, but it was largely ignored by the public still in mourning. Despite attempts to reinvent himself, Meader struggled to regain his footing in the entertainment world. He staged a revue called "The Populace" and worked on a second album, but found little traction. By the late 1960s, Meader faded into obscurity, moving from the Bronx to a Los Angeles commune and finally settling in a cabin in Maine. He embraced a countercultural lifestyle in the 1970s, and though he sporadically resurfaced with projects like "The Second Coming" album, success eluded him. In later years, Meader was occasionally asked what had become of him. His life had taken many turns since the days of "The First Family," and he continued to pursue creative endeavors, from serious plays about JFK to country music albums. His final notable comedy appearance was a cameo on Rich Little's "The First Family Rides Again," an album focused on Ronald Reagan. Ironically, "The First Family" remains an influential comedy album, inspiring presidential parodies for years to come. Throughout his life, Vaughn Meader worked to remind the public that he was more than just the impersonator of a fallen President. Yet, he often found himself answering the perennial question: whatever became of Vaughn Meader?