Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette (2026) is the biggest surprise of the year as a series that highlights a time in history everyone and their mothers are still obsessed with. Upon its announcement, it was easy to be frustrated with yet another biopic of sorts that'd essentially be a cash grab for people who've experienced far more grief and horrors than any human should. Yet, the FX series is shockingly taking on pieces of history with the grace and empathy necessary to underscore how the biggest problem in their story was always the paparazzi and the public.
The show's success is also in large part due to its illustrious cast, who are embodying the figures we know so well that they're sure to entice new viewers to come aboard. If you're now obsessed with and want to watch these actors in other properties, here are the Love Story cast's most famous roles, as well as where you can watch them on Prime Video, Netflix, and more.
Paul Anthony Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr.
There's nothing worse than discovering a new actor who feels like he stepped out of a time machine from an old Hollywood film, only to realize that he doesn't have a filmography you can look back on. That's right—the role of JFK Jr. is Paul Kelly's first acting gig, and it's wild to think that he has been auditioning for 12 years without any callbacks, as he mentioned on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
But Kelly is so exceptional in his performance as JFK Jr. that fans are now rooting for him to play Bruce Wayne in James Gunn's DCEU. In addition, he's now a popular fan cast for any adaptations getting announced because his work on Love Story proves that Hollywood has been sleeping on the kind of exceptional talent viewers want more of.
One to watch: It's simple, if Christian Bale in The Dark Knight franchise is your Batman, then watch Love Story to see what Paul Kelly is capable of.
Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette Kennedy
As much as Love Story centers around romance, it's Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's story that stands out. She's the one we're in awe of and wholly enamored with. In her casting, Sarah Piegeon not only had enormous shoes to fill, but an almost indescribable essence, too, and she does so brilliantly. How she commands a scene and imbues Carolyn with such heart and grace is accolade-worthy. It's awe-inspiring, really.
Before she stole every scene and all our hearts, however, a dark-haired Sarah Pidgeon starred in a pivotal role in I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025). But countless fans might also recognize her work in The Wilds (2020) or Tiny Beautiful Things (2023), where she ultimately showcased just how much she's capable of and the range she can bring to our screens.
One to watch: If you love shows with strong women leading the cast like Yellowjackets (2021), try The Wilds for a number of similar beats.
Naomi Watts as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
In truth, Naomi Watts is somewhat miscast as Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis, but to embody the late president's wife is a tremendous risk for any actress. Still, Watts adds a warmth and understanding to her that certainly works and rectifies some of the issues in her accent. So, because of that, there will be limited complaints from me. The heart is there, and that much feels right.
Watts is also an incredible actress who's maybe one of the most recognizable faces on this list, from iconic movies like Mulholland Drive (2001), to horrors like The Ring (2002), and heartbreaking movies like The Impossible (2012). Watts is versatile enough to take on any role while adding her own unique spin on them, which is precisely what makes her so great here in the limited time we get.
One to watch: If you're a fan of Twin Peaks (1990), then Mulholland Drive is a must-watch to get more of David Lynch's iconic vision as a director.
Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy
While many people recognize Grace Gummer as one of Meryl Streep's daughters, she's consistently made a name for herself as an impeccable actress with excellent range. Gummer could not be more perfect as Caroline Kennedy, and how she's able to convey her poise and gentleness in a natural union is absolutely stunning.
Gummer is also fantastic at carefully adding layers to all the characters she plays in order to give us a sense of familiarity with their essence, even if we don't spend too much time with them. That said, her performance in The Newsroom (2012) is among the most astounding performances to give us a journalist who's full of complexities in a manner that makes the series twice as intriguing.
One to watch: If you love shows like The Morning Show (2019), check out The Newsroom as another take on news-based journalism and plenty of drama.
Erich Bergen as Anthony Radziwiłł
Few things delight me more than seeing theatre actors on my screen, cast in roles they're absolutely perfect for. As a longtime fan of Erich Bergen, I was excited to see him in the Love Story cast list and knew he'd nail the role perfectly, adding layers and depth in a way that'd make Anthony Radziwiłł's story hit even harder for those who aren't familiar with it.
From Jersey Boys (2014) to Madam Secretary (2014), Bergen is particularly great at making smaller roles wildly memorable while bringing a levity to his characters in a way that makes them stand out. His work in Madam Secretary is something that's outright phenomenal, and how he's consistently held his own beside Téa Leoni is one of the best details in the show.
One to watch: If you love watching political shows centered around women like Veep (2012), check out Madam Secretary for its incredible focus on politics, too.
Ben Shenkman as Edwin Schlossberg
Ben Shenkman is an actor who's been around for quite some time now, and there are likely countless properties viewers have seen him in that they may not even realize. While his role in Love Story’s first four episodes is somewhat quieter, Shenkman is still infusing plenty into the scenes he's in, quietly listening and allowing us to understand most of what's necessary.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time Shenkman has acted alongside the Streep/Gummer family, but one of his best roles is in Angels in America (2003), alongside his on-screen wife's mother, the iconic Meryl Streep. Shenkman's performance in the limited series is one of the standouts, making it an absolute must-watch as a thoughtful series that addresses AIDS, politics, identity, and more.
One to watch: If you loved Queer as Folk (2000), check out Angels in America for great LGBTQ+ representation.
Leila George as Kelly Klein
Leila George's performance as Kelly Klein is incredible, and every time she shares a scene with Pidgeon's Carolyn, the spark between the two women is stunning. George is especially skilled in bringing to life complex women in TV shows like Disclaimer (2024) and Animal Kingdom (2016).
There's a lived-in, grounded element to how George brings life to characters that almost makes it feel like she was born to play the role, with attributes that are both familiar and unique. It's often challenging to portray a character another actor has or is currently bringing to life (as she's done with Animal Kingdom), so the fact that George can do it is a skill in and of itself, and it makes Kelly even more gripping in Love Story.
One to watch: If you love high-stakes shows like Sons of Anarchy (2008), check out Animal Kingdom for similar family dynamics.
Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein
Alessandro Nivola feels so much like Calvin Klein, it's almost wild. And the actor has been around for a while now, so you've likely seen him in movies like The Brutalist (2024) or shows like Royal Pains (2009). But it's his role as Dickie Moltisanti in The Many Saints of Newark (2021) that might feature his best performance to date.
How Nivola embodies Dickie's complex persona is also largely why he's such a great actor to portray the fashion designer today. Klein's elusiveness in the series that's paired with his drive to be successful is brought to life with a riveting portrayal that makes Nivola especially fascinating to watch alongside every other actor in the series.
One to watch: If you loved The Sopranos (1999), The Many Saints of Newark is worth watching for the performances.
Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette
Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette might not be seen as much as we'd like in Love Story’s first four episodes currently available at the time of writing this article, but she's important to Carolyn, and everything that we've seen from Lemmon thus far proves that she understands the tremendous shoes she'll be filling.
Fans may recognize Lemmon from various roles like Whitney in Tár (2022) and Isabelle in Fear the Walking Dead (2015). Despite smaller roles, Lemmon is fantastic at ensuring that we remember her characters, making the casting of Lauren excellent. She's also confirmed to be in A24's The Drama (2026) this year, so there's something to look forward to after this series ends.
One to watch: If you love zombie shows like Black Summer (2019), try Fear the Walking Dead.
