Why does Jacqueline Kennedy from Love Story look familiar? Here’s where we’ve seen the actor before

Aashna
A still from  Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette (Image via FX Networks)
A still from Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette (Image via FX Networks)

With FX's Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette bringing one of America’s most iconic families back into the spotlight, audiences were quick to notice the poised and commanding presence of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in Ryan Murphy's romantic anthology series.

Known for her elegance, quiet strength, and cultural influence, the former first lady of the United States and JFK Jr.'s mother remains a figure of enduring fascination. As the series revisits pivotal moments surrounding her family and legacy, viewers have found themselves equally intrigued by the actress stepping into her shoes.

Portraying such a globally recognized historical figure is no small task, which is why celebrated British actress Naomi Watts was chosen for the role. The Mulholland Drive star brings the popular icon to life in Love Story, carefully portraying Jacqueline Kennedy's public composure, private resilience, and undying love for her children, JFK Jr. and Caroline.

More on this in our story.


Actress Naomi Watts brings Jackie to life in FX's Love Story

Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominated British actress Naomi Watts brings the former first lady of the United States and John Jr.'s mother to life in Ryan Murphy's Love Story.

Watts needs no introduction, as she is one of the most celebrated actresses in the industry today. Naomi Watts made her debut in the 1986 Australian film For Love Alone. Following some minor roles in sitcoms like Hey Dad! and Home and Away, the actress got her big break when she played an aspiring actress in David Lynch's neo-noir film Mulholland Drive in 2001. The role garnered her international recognition and opened doors of opportunities for her.

In the following years, the actress appeared in Rachel Keller's horror movie The Ring, The Ring 2, and Alejandro González Iñárritu's 21 Grams, the latter of which also earned her Best Actress nominations for the Academy and British Academy Film Awards.

In 2017, Naomi Watts returned to the small screen as Janey-E Jones in Showtime's mystery-horror miniseries Twin Peaks: The Return. She also appeared as Gretchen Carlson in Showtime's drama miniseries The Loudest Voice and Ann Ratigan in Netflix's rom-com series Too Much. Naomi Watts is currently part of the ensemble cast of Tyler Perry's legal drama All's Fair, alongside Kim Kardashian, Niecy Nash-Betts, and Sarah Paulson.


Exploring Naomi Watts' role in Love Story

Naomi Watts plays Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis in Love Story, affectionately called Jackie, following her marriage to President John F. Kennedy. Jackie was an international icon, regarded for her stylish fashion choices and work as a cultural ambassador in the US. After graduating, she worked as an inquiring photographer at the Washington Times-Herald.

In FX's Love Story, Watts plays a much older Jackie Kennedy, charting out her final days with her children. Following her non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, which eventually spread to her spinal cord, brain, and liver, her cancer was deemed terminal by doctors. Episode 3, titled America's Widow, shines a spotlight on the famous personality and her complicated relationship with her son, JFK Jr. The series especially highlights Jackie's disapproval of John Jr.'s romantic partners, especially actress Daryl Hannah, her son's ex-girlfriend before Carolyn.

After battling cancer in the latter years of her life, Jackie passed away in May 1994 at her Manhattan apartment at age 64, surrounded by her children and family. Love Story honors Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis in Episode 3, highlighting her influence on pop culture in the 50s.

Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette drops new episodes every Thursday on FX and Hulu.


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Edited by Aashna