All of the JFK Jr outfits from the set of Ryan Murphy’s ‘American Love Story’

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and JFK Jr are walking the streets of New York City once again. Here, we round up all the looks from set so far, as well as details on the cast and plot

By Tyler Dane Wingco

Published: Jun 20, 2025

jfk jr american love story — Paul Kelly plays John F. Kennedy Jr. in Ryan Murphy’s *American Love Story*. Photography: @ryanmurphyproductions

WHILE THE INTERNET is up-in-arms about just how accurate Ryan Murphy’s depiction of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe is in his upcoming American Love Story, he’s got JFK Jr’s fits down to a T (it was always going to be easier for the men’s wardrobe, let’s be real). But as the showrunner behind American Horror Stories, the writer and director has always exercised an interest in the uncanny.

Part of our fascination with the couple (and why we’re getting a season focused on them) is the mystique that their clothing and style give them. As the son of assassinated President Kennedy, the couple lived throughout the 1990s carrying the hopes, dreams, and burden of a next generation Camelot. As well as founding a magazine and working as a high-profile lawyer, Jr’s wardrobe has stood the test of time, finding a home among the Pinterest boards of just about every menswear head. It’s the ease, that sprezzaturra (an Italian term similar to nonchalance), that guys todays are hoping to replicate. (Our advice, shop vintage.)

With filming now underway in New York City, it is somewhat eerie to have the couple walking around the Big Apple again. Scroll on for all the photos from the set, and everything you need to know about the cast and plot details.

jfk jr and carolyn bessette-kennedy — JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in front of their apartment in New York City. Photography: Getty Images

**What is American Love Story about?**

American Love Story is an anthology series created by writer, director and producer Ryan Murphy. His resume also includes American Horror Story, Glee, Pose, and the recent Netflix hit Monsters.

Entering its first season, Love Story will focus on the life and marriage of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy during the 1990s, until their death from a plane crash in 1999. In the years since, or at least when Pinterest was invented, the couple has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue with what few recorded interviews they’ve given, and, of course, the prospect of another Kennedy in the White House.

(Considering this is an anthology series, it has us wondering what other iconic couples Murphy will tackle next. Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson, perhaps?)

**Who is in the cast of American Love Story?**

Paul Kelly plays John F. Kennedy Jr.
Sarah Pidgeon plays Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
Naomi Watts Jackie Kennedy Onasis, Jr’s mother.
Grace Gummer plays Caroline Kennedy, Jr’s older sister. Gummer is one of Meryl Streep’s daughters.
Sydney Lemmon plays Lauren Bessette, Carolyn’s older sister.
Alessandro Nivola plays Calvin Klein, the famed American designer and Carolyn’s longtime employer. Nivola is father of Sam Nivola, whose breakout role was as Lochlan Ratliff in season three of The White Lotus.
Leila George plays Kelly Klein, Calvin’s wife during that period