Edward M. Kennedy, often referred to as Ted Kennedy, was a prominent American politician and member of the Kennedy family. Born on February 22, 1932, he served as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts for nearly 47 years, from 1962 until his death in 2009. He was known for his work on health care, education, and civil rights legislation. Throughout his career, Kennedy played a significant role in shaping many important laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Children's Health Insurance Program. He was a key figure in the Democratic Party and was often seen as a champion for the underprivileged and marginalized in society.