Sarah Pidgeon Says Her Team Photoshopped a Picture of Her with Blonde Hair to Help Secure Role in “Love Story”

**Sarah Pidgeon Discusses Transformation for Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Role in FX’s ‘Love Story’**

Actress Sarah Pidgeon has opened up about the extensive preparations she undertook to embody Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in FX’s latest series, ‘Love Story’. During an appearance on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ on 3 March, the 29-year-old revealed that her team utilised Photoshop to simulate her wearing blonde hair throughout the casting process. While Pidgeon is naturally a brunette, she underwent a substantial transformation to capture the essence of the late fashion publicist.

Pidgeon’s revelation came as the series faced backlash following public scrutiny surrounding her styling, particularly after set images surfaced earlier this year. Fans promptly took to social media to voice their concerns regarding the discrepancies between Pidgeon’s appearance and Bessette Kennedy’s iconic blonde hair.

In her conversation with Kimmel, Pidgeon disclosed, “My team actually photoshopped blonde hair onto me. I have very naturally dark hair. So I think that maybe helped with convincing production that this was the right move.” It appears that the effort was essential, as capturing Bessette Kennedy’s trademark look was a significant part of the character portrayal.

Upon the release of set photos in June 2025, criticism ensued, leading Vogue to consult Carolyn’s hair colourist, Brad Johns, for his perspective. Johns, who had worked closely with Bessette Kennedy in the 1990s, mentioned, “No one would believe that Carolyn in the ’90s would ever have that colour from me. It’s too 2024.” He expressed disappointment at the styling choice, noting that it completely contradicted the essence of the character he had helped create.

Reflecting on his time working with Bessette Kennedy, Johns recounted the dedicated efforts made to achieve her signature golden blonde hue, which he described as “child-of-the-beach.” He recalled how creating the right shade of blonde was crucial, as it complemented her striking blue eyes. “Eye colour’s first because if it’s blue, anything that’s golden’s going to show that up,” he explained.

Despite the initial controversy, Ryan Murphy, the producer behind the series, responded to the criticisms in an interview with Variety. He clarified that the portrayal initially seen in promotional images was achieved with a wig, which was later replaced by a dye job. Murphy commented, “The hairstylist couldn’t even tell the difference between real hair and a wig because he insisted it was Sarah’s real hair. It wasn’t.” He expressed his frustration that Vogue had not reached out for his insights before publishing their views.

In light of the feedback, the production team ultimately made the decision to dye Pidgeon’s actual hair to better align with the character’s appearance. This shift showcased the team’s willingness to adapt and address concerns raised by fans and industry experts alike.

Johns, who is now retired from hairstyling and has pursued a career as a glass artist, also elaborated on a technique he created known as “chunking.” This method involved placing highlight chunks in foils around Bessette Kennedy’s face, providing a distinctive and flattering look that would hold up to various styles. Reflecting on the partnership, he fondly remembered her as “gorgeous” and admired the collaborative efforts in achieving her exquisite hair colour.

As Pidgeon prepares for the premiere of ‘Love Story’, she continues to make headlines not only for her portrayal of Bessette Kennedy but also for the significant transformation that accompanied the role. Through behind-the-scenes insights and industry responses, ‘Love Story’ serves as a window into the intricate process of crafting a character rooted in real-life glamour and influence.

Fans eager to see Pidgeon embody the late publicist can anticipate the series debut, while discussions surrounding the pressures of accurate portrayals in biographical storytelling remain at the forefront. As the series gains traction, it illustrates the delicate balance that the entertainment industry must navigate between creative interpretation and fidelity to lived experiences.