Actors Portraying JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Shine Together at Love Story Premiere: Check Out Their Connection

John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (left); Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon (right).
Credit:

Brooks Kraft LLC/Sygma via Getty; Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for FX

NEED TO KNOW

• Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Anthony Kelly attended the New York City premiere of Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette at Carnegie Hall on February 3.
• The duo will portray JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette in the series.
• The couple, often referred to as American royalty, tragically died in a plane crash over Martha’s Vineyard in 1999.

The actors who portray John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette made a notable appearance at the New York City premiere of Ryan Murphy’s upcoming FX series, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, held at the iconic Carnegie Hall on February 3.

Sarah Pidgeon dazzled in an Art Deco-inspired dress adorned with a black diamond-beaded pattern, complemented by a black ribbon and feathery white trim. The 29-year-old actress, previously featured in The Wilds and the upcoming I Know What You Did Last Summer, takes on the role of Bessette. She is also recognized as a Tony nominee for her performance in the 2024 Broadway musical Stereophonic.

Paul Anthony Kelly showcased a classic look in a black suit paired with a crisp white shirt, stylishly left unbuttoned without a tie. This role as JFK Jr. marks Kelly’s first significant venture into Hollywood.

The pair was photographed alongside Naomi Watts, who portrays Jacqueline Kennedy in the series.

Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon.

Stephanie Augello/FX via Getty

The series will explore the real-life romance of JFK Jr. and Bessette, which captivated the nation due to JFK Jr.’s status as the only son of the assassinated President John F. Kennedy. Since the couple’s secret wedding in 1996, intrigue has surrounded Bessette, who never publicly spoke in interviews before the tragic plane crash that claimed their lives in 1999 near Martha’s Vineyard.

Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon at the NYC premiere of ‘Love Story’.

Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup

The recently released trailer for the series, inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, depicts JFK Jr. as America’s “most eligible bachelor,” highlighting how he evolved into a prominent figure after the assassination of his father.

Meanwhile, Bessette is portrayed as a confident and ambitious woman who climbed the ranks at Calvin Klein, becoming a trusted executive for the renowned designer.

John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

Brooks Kraft LLC/Sygma via Getty

As their eventual courtship begins, the trailer captures a pivotal moment when JFK Jr. meets Bessette during a professional fitting at Calvin Klein, creating a palpable connection.

Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon.

Theo Wargo/Getty

FX’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette is set to premiere with three episodes on February 12 on the FX linear channel and Hulu, with subsequent episodes launching weekly on Thursdays.