Alessandro Nivola has taken on the role of fashion designer Calvin Klein in the new series Love Story, which explores the life of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, who worked at Klein’s label before marrying John F. Kennedy Jr. The actor prepared intensively for the role but has not met Klein personally, despite the show’s growing popularity since its release.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on March 6, Nivola expressed his curiosity about Klein’s opinion of his portrayal. Reflecting on the challenges of playing a real person, he shared his own thoughts on how he might feel in Klein’s position regarding the depiction.
Challenges and Perspectives on Playing a Real Person
Nivola admitted that imagining someone else portraying him in a film or show would likely be frustrating, saying,
“People keep asking me, ‘How would you feel if somebody were playing you in a show or a film?’ And I always say, ‘It would piss me off!’ I can’t imagine it not being annoying, but maybe it’s fun.”
However, he clarified his approach to the series by emphasizing respect for the characters involved.
“I think that the show certainly isn’t in the business of trying to slander anybody. It was important to me, when I was reading it to begin with, that I didn’t feel that these character portrayals were at anybody’s expense or trying to sort of dramatize things in a way that was going to damage reputations. I can’t imagine he would feel that way. I hope not.”
Feedback from Those Connected to Calvin Klein
Although Nivola has not heard from Calvin Klein directly, the designer’s former wife, Kelly Klein, who was married to him for 20 years, has commented positively on the series. Portrayed by Leila George in the show, Kelly shared her thoughts on Instagram, describing watching Love Story as a nostalgic experience. She wrote,
“Watching @lovestoryfx with @leilageorge and @alessandro.nivola is a trip down memory lane! To relive the essence of the ’90s and the way we dressed and the way the office looked was spot on! It may not be perfect but it captures 10 years of my life with and without CBK!”
Nivola acknowledged how meaningful her response was to him during the interview.
Closest Encounter with Calvin Klein in Person
Though Nivola moved to New York City in 1994 and frequented the same spots, he revealed he had never met Klein in person. His most memorable near-encounter happened at the Bar Pitti restaurant just before filming began. He recounted,
“He was asking me what I was doing next, and I told him I was about to start playing Calvin Klein the next morning in Ryan Murphy‘s show. As I said the name ‘Calvin Klein,’ this big black SUV pulled up by the side of the curb and out he stepped with his boyfriend and walked in. I had lunch three tables from him for an hour and a half. Both my friend and I were just s—ing ourselves.”
Research and Preparation for Capturing Calvin Klein’s Character
Since Nivola never had direct conversations with Klein, he relied on extensive research to embody the iconic designer. He immersed himself in footage and images to recreate Klein’s presence accurately. The actor explained,
“I’d watched so much footage of him in the two months leading up to that day, that I just knew.”
He also shared a vivid memory of recognizing Klein by his mannerisms alone:
“I had such a powerful image of the way that he walked and his physicality that I couldn’t even see his face as he was getting out of the car, just as his foot landed on the sidewalk, I knew it was him. He almost brushed right by me.”
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Journey at Calvin Klein
The series also highlights Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s career at the Calvin Klein fashion house. Beginning in 1988 as a store salesperson at the Chestnut Hill Mall in Newton, Massachusetts, she advanced through several roles—including celebrity salesperson, public relations director, and show production director—before leaving the company in 1996. Her departure coincided with her wedding to John F. Kennedy Jr. in September that year.
Significance and Impact of the Portrayal
Nivola’s role offers viewers a look into a formative time at the Calvin Klein label through the lens of important figures in the designer’s life, particularly Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. By approaching the character with respect and depth, Nivola helps illuminate the personal and professional dynamics behind the brand’s history. While the real Calvin Klein’s perspective remains unknown, responses like Kelly Klein’s affirm the series’ meaningful portrayal of this era. As the show continues to resonate, it may prompt more conversations about the intertwining of fashion, celebrity culture, and personal stories from the 1990s.
