[Behind the Scenes: Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Anthony Kelly on Bringing the Kennedys to Life]-[The 'Love Story' Cast Picks Who's Most Likely To Know Kennedy Trivia]

Variety · B1 ·

📋 Summary

Exploring the Interior Lives of Public Figures

In this engaging discussion, actors Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Anthony Kelly, stars of the series Love Story, delve into the complexities of portraying iconic public figures like Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. The central ambition of the series, as Pidgeon articulates, was to explore the "interior lives" of these individuals. Rather than focusing solely on historical facts, the goal was to "infuse that knowledge into what might have happened behind closed doors," providing a human perspective to figures often defined by their public image.

The Craft of Character and Collaboration

Both actors emphasize the rigorous preparation required to inhabit their roles. Kelly notes that his character knowledge was heavily rooted in the "Kennedys in particular," allowing him to navigate the script with depth. They credit writer Connor Hines for creating a world that was "very easy to drop into," describing his writing as both "exciting" and deeply "invested and protective of these characters."

Regarding the performance process, the actors clarified that while they were dedicated, nobody on set was strictly "method." The intensity of the work was balanced by a collaborative atmosphere, though they admitted that certain scenes—particularly those involving the paparazzi—were "intense" and "tough." Pidgeon remarked that simulating the constant surveillance of the press gave her a profound "appreciation for what that intensity must have felt like" for the real Carolyn Bessette, noting how it made her feel "hunted."

Fashion as Narrative and Essence

Fashion played a pivotal role in establishing the visual identity of the characters. Pidgeon discusses the importance of the "capsule wardrobe" associated with Carolyn Bessette, highlighting how they utilized authentic "Calvin pieces" to capture her essence. The focus was not just on the clothes, but on "how do those clothes look on my body and how do I fill them out." This attention to detail helped transition the character's style from her "Calvin Klein days" to her later years as a public figure.

Life On and Off Set

Beyond the serious work of acting, the pair shared lighter anecdotes about their time filming in Tribeca. They expressed a growing "affinity for that neighborhood," citing iconic spots like Walker's and Bubby's. The conversation also touched on the quirks of production, such as Kelly's habit of listening to "90s alternative" bands like Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains to get into the "mood" of his character.

Ultimately, the actors reflected on their growth through the process. When asked about reading reviews, Pidgeon shared a newfound philosophy: "Morbid curiosity is dead." Instead, they prefer to focus on the "incredible amount of knowledge" they gained while exploring the lives of their subjects, leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of the human beings behind the famous names.

🎯Key Sentences

I think you make a really good team.

I would have to say you probably know more about...

But I think I could hold my own.

I don't know if I could really put a finger on one point exactly.

I'm all caught up.

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📝Key Phrases

hold my own

put a finger on

in one sitting

all caught up

drop into

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📖 Transcript

They seem to like you a lot.

I would say.

I mean, look at them.

Hi, I'm Sarah Pidgeon.

And I'm Paul Anthony Kelly.

And we're playing Most Likely 2 with Variety.

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