Rising Stars
A Deep Dive Into Paul Kelly, the Hunky Actor Playing JFK Jr. in ‘American Love Story’
Paul Kelly is the person everyone is wondering about. The actor has been cast as John F. Kennedy Jr. in Ryan Murphy‘s upcoming series American Love Story.
The actor will star alongside Sarah Pidgeon, who will play Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and Naomi Watts, who is set to play Jackie Kennedy Onassis. The limited series will chronicle the whirlwind romance between JFK Jr. and Bessette, which captivated the world.
The handsome fellow is a newcomer to the television world, but the role of JFK Jr. will absolutely put Kelly on the map. So, who is Paul Kelly? Swooon has gathered all the intel about this rising star.
Is this Paul Kelly’s first acting role?
Yes, playing JFK Jr. is Kelly’s first onscreen role—and a big one at that. Prior to getting cast in American Love Story, Kelly was an actor in The Group Rep’s production of Can’t Live Without ‘Em and You Can’t Take It With You in Los Angeles.
“For the much-coveted part of John Jr., Murphy and team read close to one thousand actors over the course of six months – which reminded me immediately, of course, of the search for Scarlett O’Hara. In the end, they cast newcomer Paul Kelly for the star-making role,” Evan Ross Katz, who broke news, revealed on Instagram.
Is Paul Kelly married?
Yes, he is taken! Kelly is married to Syd Widziszewski-Kelly, who worked as an office production assistant on Don’t Worry Darling and C’mon C’mon. The couple married on May 1, 2023.
“One year ago we tied the proverbial knot and since that day I have been the happiest and healthiest I think I’ve ever been. I love you more than words will ever do justice. To several lifetimes more… X,” Kelly wrote on Instagram in 2024. In a separate post, Kelly sweetly called his wife the “love of my life.”
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They also share a dog named Malcolm.
What has Paul Kelly done before American Love Story?
Kelly has been an active model for years. He’s modeled for clothing brands Rhone, Bonobos, Marine Layer, and more.
How do you feel about Paul Kelly playing JFK Jr. in American Love Story? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
American Love Story, Limited Series, TBA, FX
