Ryan Murphy is adding a new chapter to his ever-expanding anthology empire with “American Love Story“, and the first installment is already generating major buzz. The FX series will spotlight one of the most iconic and tragic romances of the 1990s: the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Now, after a lengthy casting process, Murphy has reportedly found the stars to embody these American icons.
“American Love Story” Cast: Jackie Kennedy
Academy Award nominee, Naomi Watts is set to play Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. This marks another reunion with Murphy following their collaborations on “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” (Emmy nominated), “The Watcher”, and the upcoming Hulu legal drama “All’s Fair”. Watts, known for her dramatic gravitas in films like “Mulholland Drive”, “21 Grams”, and “The Impossible”, is expected to bring a complex emotional depth to the role of the former First Lady.
In a bold and intriguing move, relative newcomer Paul Kelly has landed the coveted role of John F. Kennedy Jr., beating out hundreds of contenders in a nationwide search. With a background in theater and modeling, Kelly will portray the beloved son of JFK and Jackie—often referred to as “America’s Prince”—who captivated the public with his charisma and pedigree before his untimely death.
Sarah Pidgeon rounds out the lead trio as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the Calvin Klein publicist who married JFK Jr. in a private ceremony on Georgia’s Cumberland Island in 1996. Pidgeon, a Tony-nominated actress, is best known for her work on “The Wilds” and “Tiny Beautiful Things”. She brings both elegance and dramatic skill to the role of a woman whose life, much like her husband’s, became fodder for relentless media obsession.
“American Love Story”: Love, Legacy, and Tragedy
The first season of “American Love Story” will chronicle the passionate but ultimately tragic relationship between JFK Jr. and Bessette. The couple first met in 1992, sparking a two-year romance that culminated in marriage and near-constant media attention. They were seen as American royalty—young, stylish, and wildly photogenic—but their fairy-tale narrative was shadowed by the weight of fame, family legacy, and public scrutiny.
Their story ended in heartbreak on July 16, 1999, when John’s private plane crashed off the coast of Massachusetts, killing him, Carolyn, and her sister Lauren. The series will reportedly explore not just their public life, but the private strain that came with being part of America’s most famous political dynasty.
“American Love Story” continues Murphy’s expansion of his “American Story” anthology brand, which already includes “American Horror Story”, “American Crime Story”, and “American Sports Story.” While the previous series have delved into horror, crime, and sports, Love Story aims to spotlight real-life romances that captured the world’s attention—beginning with one of the most famous couples of the 20th century.
Murphy serves as executive producer alongside Brad Simpson, Nina Jacobson, D.V. DiVencentis, and Connor Hines. The series is being produced under his overall deal with Disney and 20th Television.
Why This Casting Matters
The pairing of a seasoned performer like Naomi Watts with emerging talents like Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon suggests that American Love Story will balance star power with fresh perspectives. Watts brings gravitas and historical resonance to the role of Jackie Kennedy, while Kelly and Pidgeon are poised to inject youthful vitality into the doomed romance at the center of the show.
With its potent mix of glamour, politics, love, and loss, “American Love Story” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated TV events in Ryan Murphy’s storied career. No release date has been announced yet, but if Murphy’s track record is any indication, this stylish, star-studded retelling of American royalty will be both emotionally gripping and visually unforgettable.
