Get ready to step back into the iconic ’90s romance of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Ryan Murphy’s highly anticipated American Love Story has just revealed its leads, offering the first glimpse at the actors tasked with portraying one of America’s most fascinating and ultimately tragic couples.
First Look Photos Reveal Striking Resemblance
Producer Ryan Murphy recently shared compelling first-look photos from the set, showcasing newcomer Paul Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr. and actress Sarah Pidgeon (The Wilds, Tiny Beautiful Things) as his wife, Carolyn Bessette. These initial camera test images immediately highlight the casting director’s clear vision, with many noting the actors bear a striking resemblance to the real-life pair.
Filming for the series began recently in New York City, and Murphy teased the photos on social media, describing the story as both “romantic and tragic.” The images capture some of the couple’s signature 90s style, from JFK Jr.’s ability to effortlessly carry off both sharp suits and casual looks (like an open vest and cap combo) to Carolyn Bessette’s famed propensity for sleek, minimalistic fashion, including elegant leather pieces and understated chic outfits like a black turtleneck and tan coat.
The Challenge of Casting American Icons
Finding actors who could embody the spirit and look of figures as recognizable as JFK Jr. – a national heartthrob, magazine cover star, and PEOPLE’s 1988 Sexiest Man Alive – and the notoriously private but stylish Carolyn Bessette was reportedly a significant challenge.
The search for JFK Jr. was particularly extensive, with reports indicating that newcomer Paul Kelly ultimately landed the coveted role after reportedly auditioning among nearly a thousand hopefuls. With a background in theater and modeling, Kelly’s test photos seem to validate the casting team’s decision to choose a relative unknown for such a high-profile part. Sarah Pidgeon, already an acclaimed actress and Tony nominee for Stereophonic, brings her talent to the role of Bessette.
Exploring a Legendary and Tragic Romance
American Love Story is the latest installment in Ryan Murphy’s successful ‘American Story’ anthology series, following hits like American Horror Story, American Crime Story, and American Sports Story. This new series promises to delve deep into the whirlwind romance between JFK Jr., son of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy, and Carolyn Bessette, who worked as a fashion publicist for Calvin Klein when they first met in 1992 during a private tour she was assigned to give him.
The series is expected to cover their courtship, their highly private marriage ceremony on Cumberland Island, Georgia, in September 1996, and ultimately, the tragic event that cut their lives short. On July 16, 1999, JFK Jr. was piloting a small plane carrying Carolyn and her sister, Lauren Bessette, en route to Martha’s Vineyard when the aircraft crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. Investigators later attributed the cause of the crash to a combination of JFK Jr.’s inexperience flying in the conditions and spatial disorientation.
An Accomplished Supporting Cast
In addition to Kelly and Pidgeon in the lead roles, American Love Story features a talented supporting cast portraying key figures in their lives. Naomi Watts is set to play Jackie Kennedy, Grace Gummer will portray Caroline Kennedy, Sydney Lemmon is cast as Lauren Bessette, and Alessandro Nivola will appear as Calvin Klein.
Anticipated Release Date
Fans eager to see this iconic story unfold on screen won’t have to wait too much longer. Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story is slated to premiere in February 2026, specifically planned to air during Valentine’s Day week.
