Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story Unveils First Look at JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette
Prolific producer Ryan Murphy is expanding his acclaimed “American Story” anthology universe with American Love Story, a new series delving into iconic romances that captivated the world. The highly anticipated first installment focuses on the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr., often called “America’s Prince,” and the eternally stylish fashion icon, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Now, fans are getting their first glimpse of the actors stepping into these roles.
Murphy recently took to Instagram to share “camera test stills” from the series, offering a thrilling initial look at Sarah Pidgeon (The Wilds, Tiny Beautiful Things) as Carolyn Bessette and Paul Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr. The images, shared on June 13th, showcased Pidgeon in signature Bessette-Kennedy style, sporting a blonde bob and sophisticated, minimalist looks, while Kelly appeared in various ensembles, from a sharp suit to a more casual, bohemian outfit reminiscent of real-life paparazzi shots of JFK Jr.
Casting the Iconic Couple
The casting process for these pivotal roles was extensive, with reports indicating that over a thousand actors auditioned for both Carolyn and John Jr. Murphy expressed confidence in his choices, calling Pidgeon and Kelly the “perfect fits.”
Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette: Pidgeon is a rapidly rising star, recently earning a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut. Her background in acclaimed TV series and her striking, uncanny resemblance to the late style icon have led many to praise the casting as “impeccable.” The “first look” images highlight her ability to embody Bessette-Kennedy’s distinct, minimalistic elegance, particularly her looks inspired by her time as a fashion publicist at Calvin Klein. Executive producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson noted in a 2024 interview that Carolyn’s story resonates deeply with younger women today, viewing her as a cultural icon.
Paul Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr.: A newcomer to the acting scene (with credits including modeling), Kelly was selected to portray the beloved son of JFK and Jackie O. The camera test stills revealed Kelly mirroring some of JFK Jr.’s memorable styles, reinforcing the team’s belief in his suitability for the role.
A Stellar Supporting Cast
American Love Story has also assembled a strong supporting cast to fill out the world of the Kennedys and Bessettes:
Naomi Watts as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A veteran of the Ryan Murphy universe (The Watcher, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans), Watts is set to portray Carolyn’s formidable mother-in-law, Jackie O. Her prior collaborations with Murphy and experience portraying real-life figures make her a natural fit for the role.
Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy: JFK Jr.’s older sister will be played by Gummer.
Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette: Carolyn’s older sister, who tragically died alongside her and John Jr., will be portrayed by Lemmon.
Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein: The renowned fashion designer and Carolyn’s longtime employer will be played by Nivola.
The Plot: Romance, Scrutiny, and Tragedy
The series is expected to explore the complex and ultimately tragic relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, from their meeting in the early 1990s (when he was reportedly still dating Daryl Hannah) through their secret 1996 wedding (where Carolyn famously wore a minimalist Narciso Rodriguez slip dress) and the intense media maelstrom that followed.
The narrative will chart how their beautiful union, seen by many as “American royalty,” began to fracture under the relentless pressure of paparazzi and tabloid scrutiny, combined with the demands of their careers and rumored family conflicts.
The story culminates in the devastating plane crash on July 16, 1999, off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, which claimed the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and her sister, Lauren Bessette. Reports indicated the crash, piloted by John Jr., was likely caused by a combination of inexperience and spatial disorientation in hazy conditions. The series will delve into the events leading up to this heartbreaking moment, focusing on the personal toll of living life under the intense public microscope.
Production and Release Date
Filming for the series reportedly began in New York City the week the first look photos were released. Ryan Murphy’s Instagram post also confirmed the target release window for American Love Story: Valentine’s Day week of 2026. This timing suggests the series aims to debut around the theme of love, albeit one with a poignant and tragic end.
As part of Ryan Murphy’s prolific output for FX, American Love Story joins the ranks of popular anthology franchises like American Horror Story and American Crime Story, promising a deep dive into another fascinating and dramatic chapter of American history.
