Casting the role of John F. Kennedy Jr. for the upcoming limited series “Love Story” turned out to be a daunting experience for the production team. As the series prepared for its start in April last year, three weeks out from filming, the lead role remained unfilled, leaving the crew in a frenzy.
Actress Sarah Pidgeon, already secured for the role of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, was viewed as a fitting portrait of the late fashion icon following a convincing Photoshopped image that presented her as blonde. However, finding an actor to embody JFK Jr. proved to be far more challenging. Brad Simpson, an executive producer on the series helmed by Ryan Murphy, recalled extensive casting efforts, reaching out to agencies in Australia and England, auditioning male models and aspirants from various walks of life—essentially any white male between 25 and 40 years old.
Kennedy, a familiar face since his childhood in the White House, had become a national sensation, known for his high-profile relationships with celebrities and a dazzling physique. The need for a leading man who could convincingly portray this multifaceted figure was evident, yet the production struggled to find him.
As the deadline approached, Paul Anthony Kelly, a relatively unknown former model, emerged as a serious contender after an intensive casting search. Following multiple readings, he caught the attention of the producers with his striking appearance and demeanor, reminiscent of JFK Jr. Ultimately, the creative team agreed to cast him, leading to a chemistry-building exercise between him and Pidgeon before the actual shoot began.
Fast forward to December, after filming wrapped, the two actors reflected on their complex roles at a restaurant in Manhattan. Pidgeon approached her portrayal with an analytical lens, while Kelly exuded a decisiveness that marked a contrast to the uncertainty often associated with his character. Kelly’s background in a small Ontario town added an element of nervousness as he prepared to portray an American icon, someone whose story was vastly different from his own.
“Love Story,” set to premiere on February 12, promises to be a heartfelt narrative exploring the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. The series aims to provide insight into a couple whose love story captivated the nation, while also addressing the tragedy of their untimely deaths in a plane crash in 1999. This exploration of their relationship comes with a fresh perspective, focusing not just on public personas, but also on the intimate struggles they faced, illustrated by a love that echoed throughout their lives.
Despite the pitfalls encountered during production, including online criticism about costume choices and the portrayal of their iconic personas, the production ultimately captured the essence of the couple’s glamorous yet tumultuous existence. Emphasizing character development, the series, unlike other Ryan Murphy creations, strives to maintain a manipulation-free narrative and delve into the emotional layers of its subjects.
The series comes at a time when the Kennedy family grapples with its own ongoing narrative, with figures such as Jack Schlossberg publicly questioning the portrayal of their legacy. Yet, producers argue that the core essence of “Love Story” is a romantic tribute meant to resonate with viewers, embodying universal themes of love and loss. As the show prepares to share a new vision of these iconic figures, anticipation builds for how the story will unfold and what it will reveal about the human factor behind their celebrity status.
“Love Story,” like its namesake, promises to resonate across global audiences, offering an engaging and nuanced portrayal focused on the humanity behind the headlines. The story appears set to be a compelling watch, inviting both admiration and contemplation as the memories of Kennedy and Bessette are explored anew.