See the ‘Love Story’ Cast vs. Their Real-Life Counterparts: JFK Jr. & More (PHOTOS)
One of the most iconic and talked-about couples of the 20th century has stepped into the spotlight, and viewers can’t get enough of this real-life romance. FX’s limited series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, explores the whirlwind romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Their relationship became a global obsession, and the intense media attention put their lives under a microscope.
From the get-go, the internet has been very invested in every detail of Love Story, which is the first in Ryan Murphy‘s Love Story anthology. Newcomer Paul Anthony Kelly has taken on the role of JFK Jr. The Wilds star Sarah Pidgeon plays Carolyn Bessette. Kelly and Pidgeon are joined by an incredible roster of actors, including Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy, Naomi Watts as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein, and more.
With a new episode of Love Story dropping every Thursday, Swooon has assembled a side-by-side comparison of the cast with their real-life counterparts. Scroll down to see the actors playing some of the most notable figures in American history.
Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, Thursdays, FX and Hulu
Paul Anthony Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr.
Paul Anthony Kelly made his TV debut as the debonair JFK Jr. in Love Story. Before getting his big break, Paul worked in modeling.
When asked to describe his connection to Sarah, he told Interview, “Probably compassion and security. When I got the job, I remember telling her, ‘I’m here for you. I’m so excited to fall in love with you every day, and the days that we have to hate each other, I’m excited to go through that together.” And she did the same for me.”
Sarah Pidgeon plays Carolyn Bessette, the fashion publicist JFK Jr. falls in love with after a chance meeting at a Calvin Klein store where she worked.
In July 2025, Sarah addressed the online controversy about the Love Story footage that showed her in character as Carolyn. “I know how special Carolyn is to me and I understand how widely beloved she is, so this role comes with a lot of responsibility — and I’m not surprised that people have strong opinions about it,” she told Variety.
Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy
Grace Gummer plays Caroline Kennedy, JFK Jr.’s older sister. When Love Story begins, Caroline is already married to her husband, Edwin Schlossberg.
Naomi Watts as Jackie Kennedy Onassis
Ryan Murphy vet Naomi Watts stepped into the role of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, JFK Jr. and Caroline’s mother. The series covers Jackie’s later years. The former first lady died in 1993 from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein
The Many Saints of Newark star Alessandro Nivola plays fashion designer Calvin Klein. Carolyn worked at his fashion house, and they became close friends.
Leila George as Kelly Klein
The role of Kelly Klein is being played by Leila George. Kelly was Calvin Klein’s second wife. She became friends with Carolyn after the latter began working at Calvin Klein.
Dree Hemingway as Daryl Hannah
Dree Hemingway, daughter of Mariel Hemingway, plays actress Daryl Hannah. JFK Jr. and the Splash star dated for nearly five years before they broke up in 1994.
Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette
Helstrom star Sydney Lemmon plays Carolyn’s older sister, Lauren Bessette. Lauren was an investment banker. She died in the same plane crash as her sister and brother-in-law.
Noah Fearnley as Michael Bergin
Noah Fearnley stars as former Baywatch star Michael Bergin. Michael claimed that he and Carolyn had an affair in 1997, less than a year after she married JFK Jr.
Erich Bergen as Anthony Radziwill
Erich Bergen stars as Anthony Radziwill, JFK Jr.’s best friend and first cousin. Anthony was married to Carole Radziwill and died less than a month after JFK Jr., Carolyn, and Lauren were killed in a plane crash.
Ben Shenkman as Edwin Schlossberg
Ben Shenkman stars as Edwin Schlossberg, Caroline Kennedy’s husband. Caroline and Edwin married in 1986 and have three children: Rose, Tatiana, and Jack.
