From his charming on-screen depiction of JFK Jr. to his undeniable chemistry with Sarah Pidgeon, Kelly is quickly becoming a fan favourite.
Ryan Murphy has hit the jackpot again with a new American heartthrob story. Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette was released on Feb 12, and has captured the hearts of viewers who adored the 90s couple.
John F. Kennedy Jr. was the only son of President John F Kennedy. America revelled as the young Kennedy saluted his slain father at his funeral procession in 1963. Dubbed the American prince, Kennedy studied law at New York University School of Law, failing the bar exam 2 times before passing on his third try. “John John,” as he is often called by his family and friends, founded his own publishing company, George, in September 1995.
Kennedy was not just an heir to the most influential political family in US history; he was also a ladies’ man. He was quite the catch, dating actress Darlyn Hannah for several years, a rumoured fling with Madonna, a short-lived relationship with Julie Baker and ultimately a tragic love story with Carolyn Bassette.
Love Story showcases the tumultuous relationship between Bassette and Kennedy, highlighting key moments in their lives leading up to their untimely passing in 1999. Kennedy is played by up-and-coming actor Paul Kelly. The 37- year-old auditioned for the role last June, ultimately landing the role as America’s prince.
The resemblance between Kelly and Kennedy is uncanny. The striking, full hairline, the chiselled face, the dark features, and the unforgettable aura show that Murphy chose the right man for the job.
Kelly sat down with GQ Magazine after his newfound success. “I was kind of thrust into the position with no time to think about anything else,” he said. To prepare for his role, Kelly went to acting classes, hired a dialect coach and spent his free time looking through old George Magazines.
Kelly had big shoes to fill while depicting not only a love interest but also a fashion connoisseur. JFK Jr. was known for his effortless, chic ’90s style. Kennedy would often be seen in New York City sporting a baseball cap, a tailored suit, athletic wear or a plain white t-shirt. Both Bassette and Kennedy were fashion icons. Bassette was a publicist at Calvin Klein; this close tie to the fashion industry contributed to her overall style, albeit unintentionally.
Bassette, played by Sarah Pidgeon, was a private person and rarely spoke in interviews. Her style spoke for her. Quiet, chic, and effortless, even while being the fiancée of the most eligible bachelor in New York City.
The show, now on its 6th episode, is receiving mixed reviews about the portrayal of the couple. The most recent episode follows the couple as they navigate the intruding paparazzi, family drama and Bassette’s relationship with Calvin Klein.
Jack Schlossberg, son of Caroline Kennedy and nephew of JFK Jr., criticized Murphy for exploiting his family. In a CBC Sunday Morning Interview, Schlossberg slammed Murphy by saying, “he’s making a ton of money on a grotesque display of someone else’s life.”
As the show enters its final two weeks, the project has garnered widespread praise on TikTok, with new trends emerging that replicate Bassette and Kennedy’s style. Some viewers have even made fancasts of Kelly, suggesting he should be the new Bruce Wayne. Kelly responded to the praise by saying, “If that’s what they say, then who am I to say no?… I mean, that would be a dream come true.”
The unfortunate part of this American love story is that we never got to see the full potential of little “John John” and the progression of the irreplaceable Bassette. Bassette and Kennedy, alongside Bassette’s sister Lauren, died in a plane crash in 1999 off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. There were numerous reports that the couple were bound for divorce and were living in separate homes just before the tragic accident.
For many years, people have speculated about whether they would have divorced if Kennedy had run for office, and what the progression of his magazine would have looked like. Even so, they live deeply in the hearts and minds of Americans who watched their story unfold, behind the glistening lights of American life.