Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story casting and details have finally been unveiled, revealing an impressive ensemble led by Naomi Watts and Sarah Pidgeon. The new anthology series, set to premiere soon, turns the spotlight on the iconic romance between Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr., with filming taking place in the United States under Murphy’s creative vision.
Spotlight on Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
Stepping into the coveted role of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is American actor Sarah Pidgeon. Pidgeon, recognized for her notable appearances in Prime Video’s “The Wilds” and as a younger version of Kathryn Hahn’s character in Hulu’s “Tiny Beautiful Things,” is positioned for a breakout performance as the elegant Bessette-Kennedy. This part could mark a turning point in her career, as she was recently nominated for a Tony Award after making her Broadway debut in David Adjmi’s “Stereophonic.”
Pidgeon is set to expand her filmography even further, with roles in projects like the upcoming reboot of
“I Know What You Did Last Summer,”
alongside established actors Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Her blend of performance skills and a striking resemblance to Bessette-Kennedy makes her casting a standout highlight of the series.
Naomi Watts Cast as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Naomi Watts will portray Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the renowned former first lady and the mother-in-law of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Watts and Pidgeon have previously shared the screen in Scott McGehee and David Siegel’s 2024 drama “The Friend.” This marks another collaboration within the Ryan Murphy universe for Watts, who notably starred in Netflix’s “The Watcher” and received both Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her recent turn as Babe Paley in “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.”
Watts brings significant experience and acclaim to the role, following in the footsteps of actresses such as Katie Holmes, who played Jackie in the 2011 miniseries “The Kennedys,” and Natalie Portman, who took on the part in 2016’s “Jackie.” While viewers may need to wait to see Watts in the signature pearls and pillbox hats, she is also set to star in Murphy’s upcoming legal drama, “All’s Fair,” with a notable cast including Kim Kardashian, Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Niecy Nash, and Teyana Taylor.
Paul Kelly Leads as John F. Kennedy Jr. with Notable Supporting Cast
The pivotal role of John F. Kennedy Jr. will be played by newcomer Paul Kelly. Kennedy, the only son of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and famously married to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, is central to the series’ narrative. The casting process for this role was extensive, with Murphy and his team reportedly considering more than a thousand candidates before selecting Kelly. Despite his newcomer status, his physical resemblance to Kennedy and evident on-screen presence contributed to his selection.
Recent updates from Deadline confirm several other key casting decisions. Grace Gummer is set to take on the role of Caroline Kennedy, the elder sister of JFK Jr. Sydney Lemmon, who has been recognized for her work on television in “Helstrom” and “Fear the Walking Dead,” as well as her Broadway performance in Max Wolf Friedlich’s “Job,” will appear as Lauren Bessette, Carolyn’s sister. Lauren, like her sibling and brother-in-law, lost her life in the same tragic plane crash. Rounding out the supporting cast, Alessandro Nivola has been tapped to play Calvin Klein, the renowned designer and Carolyn’s longtime employer.
The True Story Behind American Love Story’s First Installment
The series’ first season is set against the backdrop of the real-life romance that captivated the public. Carolyn Bessette, originally from upstate New York and raised in Connecticut, built her career as a fashion publicist at Calvin Klein. Her life changed dramatically when she met John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1992, at a time when he was both an attorney and a celebrated publisher and was still linked with actress Daryl Hannah.
Their friendship blossomed into romance two years later, and by 1995 they were engaged. The couple kept their 1996 wedding a secret, with Bessette stunning attendees in a white slip dress designed by Narciso Rodriguez—a garment that instantaneously made the designer a household name, given Bessette-Kennedy’s friendship and professional ties with him at Calvin Klein. Their union, celebrated for its style and mystique, ended in tragedy when both, along with Lauren Bessette, lost their lives in a plane crash.
The Anticipation for Murphy’s Star-Studded Anthology
Ryan Murphy’s decision to focus the launching season of this new series on such an iconic American couple reflects both his creative ambitions and his continued fascination with headlines that resonate far beyond their time. The star power attached to the project—spanning established veterans like Naomi Watts and promising talents like Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Kelly—seems poised to capture public attention in much the same way that the Kennedys themselves did. By drawing on real events and the lives of such notable figures, “American Love Story” is set to combine drama, history, and emotional complexity in a way that viewers and critics alike are likely to find compelling.
With the cast assembled and Murphy’s proven ability to shape anthologies that blend true stories with deep emotional impact, anticipation continues to build for “American Love Story.” Audiences can expect the series to offer not only a fresh portrayal of historical romance, but also powerful performances that could push its stars to new heights in their careers, all while contributing to Murphy’s growing legacy of engaging, character-driven storytelling.
