Erich Bergen, known for his role in the series “Madam Secretary,” has stepped into the world of limited series drama with a performance in FX’s “Love Story,” where he portrays Anthony Radziwill, cousin of John F. Kennedy Jr. The series, directed by Ryan Murphy, explores the romantic relationship between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Despite his eagerness to collaborate with Murphy, Bergen initially turned down an audition for JFK Jr., stating that he felt he did not possess the physique necessary for the iconic role.
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Reflecting on the initial call, Bergen, now 40, remarked, “They asked me to audition for JFK Jr., and usually, I’m all in for Ryan Murphy. But this time, I thought, ‘I’m not your JFK.’ I realised there weren’t enough sit-ups in the world that could prepare me for that.” Clearly apprehensive, he expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity but did not hesitate to audition for the role of Radziwill, ultimately securing the part in a series that has garnered significant attention prior to its release.
Bergen’s concerns about public reception were influenced by the intense scrutiny surrounding the show. “I had never been part of a project so heavily discussed online before its premiere,” he said. The negative reactions to first-look images from the set had left him anxious about how the series would be received, especially given its controversial nature. “I really was uncertain,” he admitted. Fortunately, early online reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief. “That’s gratifying, especially considering the work that went into creating this series.”
When discussing what attracted him to Murphy’s artistic vision, Bergen highlighted the producer’s adventurous approach to storytelling. “Ryan takes risks that others shy away from. His willingness to explore uncharted themes is what fuels discussion around his projects,” Bergen explained. Although he found the initial storyline unsettling due to its historical context, his respect for Murphy’s creative approach ultimately led him to join the production team.
In light of the critical voices surrounding the show, including comments from Jack Schlossberg, JFK Jr.’s cousin, who expressed discomfort over exploiting family legacy, Bergen attempted to understand those sentiments. “It’s challenging to witness family members portrayed in any medium,” he acknowledged. He empathises with the scrutiny a public figure’s family faces and maintains that the series aims to weave a fictional narrative rather than a verbatim account of history.
Despite declining the earlier opportunity to audition for JFK Jr., Bergen’s desire to collaborate with Murphy never waned. “When the audition for Anthony Radziwill came in, I was drawn to it because I already knew about his story,” he revealed. He conducted his audition in Central Park to mirror the character’s experiences and was captivated by the script’s authenticity.
The script resonated with Bergen, particularly because Radziwill’s battle with cancer mirrored his own past as a survivor. “Anthony Radziwill initially had the same cancer diagnosis as I did, and I want to inspire men to be proactive about their health,” he remarked. He sees his own experiences being poignant in the narrative, adding another layer to his portrayal and opening up vital conversations about health awareness.
Bergen’s preparation for the role didn’t just rely on scripts or research; his personal memories of growing up in New York City during the time of JFK Jr. also inform his performance. “I grew up just down the street from the fashion world, and I have vivid memories of their lives unfolding in the city around me,” he recounted. These experiences helped to shape his understanding of the characters and their circumstances.
As Bergen reflects on his career trajectory, he is definitely keen to explore new frontiers. “I’ve played supporting roles for a long time and would love the chance to lead a project,” he noted. Aiming for a comedy next, he described his ambitions in a light-hearted manner, drawing on dreams of eventually working on a Steven Spielberg project, illustrating a hopeful future in his career.
“Love Story” airs on FX Thursday evenings and becomes available for streaming on Hulu the following day. As the series delves into the complex relationships of one of America’s most scrutinised families, Bergen’s portrayal promises to evoke interest and contribute to a conversation that intertwines reality with artistic interpretation.