The FX anthology series Love Story has quickly become must-watch television since its premiere on February 12, 2026. The show chronicles the intense romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, from their first meeting in New York City to their private wedding and tragic deaths in a 1999 plane crash .
Episode 4, titled “I Love You,” debuted on February 19, 2026, and marks a turning point in the couple’s relationship . Directed by Gillian Robespierre and written by D.V. DeVincentis, this episode delves deeper into the pressures facing the famous couple as their private love becomes public obsession .
With the series now streaming on FX and Hulu, audiences are eager to learn more about the talented actors bringing these iconic figures to life. Here is a complete guide to the Love Story Episode 4 cast and characters.
The Lead Cast of ‘Love Story’ Episode 4
Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette
Sarah Pidgeon takes on the role of Carolyn Bessette, the Calvin Klein publicist who captured the heart of America’s most eligible bachelor. Pidgeon, a Tony Award-nominated actress for her Broadway performance in Stereophonic, brings depth and vulnerability to the character .
Speaking about portraying the real-life figure, Pidgeon shared her approach with Marie Claire:
“What was so exciting in taking on this role was this freedom I had in learning about this person and then creating this character. She’s become so incredibly important to me, and I revere her and everything that I’ve learned about her and her legacy.”
Viewers may recognize Pidgeon from her previous work in The Wilds, Tiny Beautiful Things, and I Know What You Did Last Summer .
Paul Anthony Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr.
Newcomer Paul Anthony Kelly steps into the iconic role of John F. Kennedy Jr. , the son of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis . Despite being a relative unknown, Kelly’s performance has drawn praise for capturing Kennedy Jr.’s charm and complexity.
Kelly told Variety that he immersed himself in archival material to prepare for the role:
“Everything’s very well documented. So it was easy to just be a sponge and let the algorithm show me everything.”
The Kennedy Family Cast
Naomi Watts as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Two-time Oscar nominee Naomi Watts portrays Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the mother of John F. Kennedy Jr. . Watts, known for her roles in The Impossible, Mulholland Drive, and Ryan Murphy’s All’s Fair, brings gravitas to the role of the former First Lady who outlived two husbands and her son .
Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy
Grace Gummer plays Caroline Kennedy, John Jr.’s older sister and the only surviving member of John F. Kennedy’s immediate family . Gummer, a Theatre World Award winner for her Broadway debut in Arcadia, has appeared in Mr. Robot, Dr. Death, and American Horror Story . Interestingly, Gummer previously worked with Ryan Murphy on American Horror Story: Cult .
Ben Shenkman as Edwin Schlossberg
Ben Shenkman appears as Edwin Schlossberg, Caroline Kennedy’s husband . Shenkman, a Tony Award nominee for Proof, has an extensive resume that includes Angels in America, Billions, and The Trial of the Chicago 7 .
The Fashion World Cast
Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein
Tony-nominated actor Alessandro Nivola portrays legendary fashion designer Calvin Klein . Nivola made his Broadway debut in 1995 opposite Helen Mirren and was nominated for a Tony for The Elephant Man in 2014 . His film credits include The Brutalist and American Hustle .
Leila George as Kelly Klein
Leila George plays Kelly Klein, Calvin Klein’s wife from 1986 to 2006 . George, daughter of actor Vincent D’Onofrio and Greta Scacchi, has appeared in The Beast in Me and Disclaimer .
The Bessette Family Cast
Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette
Sydney Lemmon takes on the role of Lauren Bessette, Carolyn’s twin sister . Lemmon made her Broadway debut in The Parisian Woman and starred off-Broadway in Job, which later transferred to Broadway . Her onscreen credits include Hulu and Marvel’s Helstrom, HBO’s Succession, and the 2022 film Tár .
Constance Zimmer as Ann Messina Freeman
Constance Zimmer portrays Ann Messina Freeman, Carolyn’s mother . Zimmer joined the cast in November 2025 in a key recurring role . Viewers know Zimmer from her extensive television work, including UnREAL, Entourage, and Good Trouble.
Extended Cast in Episode 4
Erich Bergen as Anthony Radziwill
Erich Bergen plays Anthony Radziwill, John Jr.’s cousin and close friend . Bergen is best known as Blake Moran on Madam Secretary and for playing Bob Gaudio in the Jersey Boys film, a role he originated on stage . He has also appeared on Broadway in Boop!, Waitress, and Chicago .
Michael Nathanson as Michael Berman
Michael Nathanson portrays Michael Berman, a figure in the Kennedy circle . Nathanson made his Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck and has extensive stage credits including the national tour of The Lion King .
Noah Fearnley as Michael Bergin
Noah Fearnley plays Michael Bergin, a model and friend of the couple . Bergin was notably a Calvin Klein model and dated Carolyn Bessette before her relationship with Kennedy Jr.
Dree Hemingway as Daryl Hannah
Dree Hemingway appears as Daryl Hannah, the actress who famously dated John F. Kennedy Jr. . Hemingway, the great-granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, brings her own modeling and acting experience to the role.
Omari K. Chancellor as Gordon Henderson
Omari K. Chancellor portrays Gordon Henderson in a recurring role . Chancellor joined the cast in July 2025 .
Broadway Talent in the Supporting Cast
One of the standout features of Love Story is its deep bench of Broadway talent in supporting roles .
Grey Henson, a Tony and Drama Desk Award nominee for Mean Girls, appears in the series . Richard Hollis, seen on Broadway in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Hangmen, also has a role . Cary Donaldson, who appeared in Straight White Men on Broadway, joins the cast, as does Adam Grupper, whose Broadway credits include My Fair Lady, Wicked, and Fiddler on the Roof .
Other Broadway alums include Sasha Hutchings (Hamilton, Oklahoma!), Angela Reed (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and Allen Fawcett, who starred on Broadway in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1981 .
About ‘Love Story’ Episode 4
Episode 4, “I Love You,” continues to explore the deepening connection between John and Carolyn as their relationship faces new challenges . The episode follows the couple as they navigate the increasing media attention and family dynamics that come with being a Kennedy.
The series is created by Connor Hines and executive produced by Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, and others . It is based on Elizabeth Beller’s biography, Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy .
Love Story airs Thursdays at 9 PM ET/PT on FX and streams the next day on Hulu . For viewers outside the United States, the series is available on Disney+ in many regions, with new episodes added weekly .
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