Naomi Watts recently shared insights about her decision to portray Jackie Kennedy Onassis in Ryan Murphy’s new limited series, *Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette*. During a panel discussion at a For Your Consideration (FYC) event for FX, she recounted how a conversation with the renowned producer played a significant role in her ultimately accepting the challenging role.
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Watts, 57, expressed her initial reluctance to take on the character of Jackie O, citing a number of reasons for her hesitation. The actress noted that, despite her extensive career, she did not bear a resemblance to the former First Lady, nor was she American. Furthermore, she and her husband, fellow actor Billy Crudup, had plans for their honeymoon following their marriage in 2023.
“The idea of stepping into Jackie’s shoes was quite daunting,” Watts explained. She reflected on her surprise when Murphy approached her for the role, saying, “I thought, ‘Why me? Surely, 12 other actresses had turned this down.’” Despite these concerns, Watts acknowledged the profound influence Murphy has had on her career. “He has fundamentally shaped the latter part of my career, in a way that David Lynch did earlier on,” she noted, expressing her gratitude for the opportunities he has provided.
As Murphy, 60, persisted with his encouragement, Watts began to view the role in a different light. “Ryan has this seductive way of making you feel like it’s suddenly possible,” she remarked, revealing that she felt reassured by his confidence in her ability to portray such an iconic figure. “It’s terrifying, of course. Jackie O is America’s darling and an unforgettable First Lady.”
The limited series focuses on the passionate love story of Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr., ultimately leading up to their tragic deaths in a plane crash in 1999. The cast also features Sarah Pidgeon as Bessette and Paul Anthony Kelly as JFK Jr., the son of John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated during his presidency in 1963.
Watts delved deeper into the challenges of embodying Jackie Kennedy during this particular period in her life. She highlighted the significance of capturing the essence of the former First Lady, acknowledging that audiences would scrutinise her performance closely. “People will undoubtedly form opinions like, ‘Is that really Jackie?’,” she said, understanding the stakes involved. “I tend to gravitate towards challenging roles, especially those that invoke fear.”
In her performance, Watts explores a side of Jackie that has not been extensively covered in previous portrayals. “I liked that this version of Jackie reflects on her life knowing that her time is limited,” she said. She elaborated on Jackie’s desire to protect her family’s legacy and the wisdom she intended to pass on to her children. “She was intuitive enough to see that her daughter was well-prepared, whereas her son needed a bit more guidance,” Watts remarked, finding beauty in Jackie’s intentions.
Watts concluded with a sense of pride in taking on such a historical figure, suggesting that there is a depth to Jackie that resonates with audiences today. She reflected on the importance of conveying Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s character in a way that honors her memory while also making it relatable to viewers.
All episodes of *Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette* are now available for streaming on Hulu. As Naomi Watts continues to receive acclaim for her performance, her journey from hesitation to acceptance serves as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and artistic expression.