It’s remarkable how a couple can touch so many lives around the world. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a buzz like this about a TV series. Everybody is talking about it, from top magazines, newspapers, and websites to influencers to people who knew them to ordinary people, literally everybody.
Let me start with my own experience on set. I had the privilege of working on this masterpiece 10 times. Every single time, it was fantastic. Ryan Murphy Productions put such a great group of people working together, from the lead actors to the extras, from the directors to the production assistants, the best in the business; everybody was so in tune to create greatness.
The excitement for me started when I received calls from my agency, Roman Candle Casting, saying the production wanted me again. I knew I would have the opportunity to work with directors like Max Winkler, Jesse Peretz, and Crystle Roberson Dorsey, who are some of the best in the business.
Another highlight for me was the costume design team, Laura, Moira, Ester, Meghan, and everybody on Rudy Mance’s team. They did an excellent job making me look like a real paparazzi. I remember when we were filming scenes for the third episode in Central Park, I was in character, standing by the set area, when an NYPD Police Officer approached me saying, “No photos here.” I smiled ear to ear and told him I’m an actor, part of the scene, and I’ll take it as a compliment; he made my day. I lost count of how many times background actors came up to me asking if I was a real paparazzi in real life. I proudly replied that I’m a serious actor, and I thanked the great costume design, makeup, and hairstyling teams for achieving this level of perfection. A big shoutout, too, to assistant directors John, Jimmy, Maria, and everyone else I worked with on this project. You know who you are. I thank you for your hard work in making it happen.
I remember on my seventh or eighth time on set, Paul Anthony Kelly came up to me and said, “Welcome back.” He made me feel like I belonged there, and he made my day, too. Sarah Pidgeon, Naomi Watts, and Dree Hemingway are the sweetest actresses to work with. One day was 110º dog days in NYC, and Dree asked how I was dealing with the heat, such a sweet girl.
We were a big, loving family, working together to gift the world with this iconic Love Story between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bassette, a couple who so many people knew and loved. I believe that Ryan Murphy’s production achieved this goal in a big way.
One of the most emotional moments on set for me was when we filmed the third episode, “America’s Widow,” the last moments and the passing of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It brought tears to my eyes the moment John saw himself across the street as a kid saluting his mother, as he did for his father. The production team created such an emotional environment on the day we filmed that it was impossible to hold back my tears. The same happened to me while watching each of the first three episodes at home. I’m already preparing myself for the next ones.
Every scene of “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bassette” was made with respect, care, and attention to detail. Watch now, it’s available on FX, Hulu, and Disney+.
Below are some of my best moments from the first three episodes: