Inside the Real Love Story: Erich Bergen Talks JFK Jr., Carolyn Bessette, and the Power of TV Nostalgia
FX’s latest drama, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, has quickly captured the attention of audiences, blending high-stakes political intrigue with genuine romance and tragedy. At the heart of the buzz is Erich Bergen, who delivers a magnetic performance as Anthony Radziwill — a figure woven into the fabric of one of America’s most discussed families.
From Broadway to Hollywood: The Unexpected Journey of Erich Bergen
Bergen is no stranger to show business, but his path is anything but typical. Musical theatre connoisseurs will recognize him from his star turns as Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys and Dr. Pomatter in Waitress. Meanwhile, TV drama fans might remember his acclaimed role as Blake Moran in Madam Secretary. Having moved effortlessly between singing showstoppers and navigating political drama, Bergen’s latest transformation is proving especially resonant — both with long-time followers of the Kennedy legacy and a new generation of viewers experiencing this story for the first time.
A New Fandom, A Timeless Romance
Love Story’s release has triggered a unique kind of nostalgia. Young audiences, fascinated mainly by the 90s style aesthetics of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette they see trending on social media, are now engaging with their story on a more emotional level. Bergen himself points out how, for many millennials, this is a televised revisiting of a romance they witnessed unfold in real time — complete with magazine covers, news headline frenzy, and urban legend. The actor even recounts having seen the iconic couple in the streets of New York during his own childhood, reinforcing the almost mythic presence the Kennedys commanded.
Behind the Casting: Why Bergen Turned Down JFK Jr. (And Why That Matters)
Interestingly, Bergen was initially approached to audition for the role of John F. Kennedy Jr., but chose instead to step aside, feeling he couldn’t physically embody the cultural icon. His humility and self-awareness led him to Anthony Radziwill, JFK Jr.’s cousin and confidant. Bergen’s approach to casting is rooted in one of the best unspoken rules of acting: always take the audition, because a new vision might emerge that you never anticipated. In this case, the role of Radziwill became a transformative experience for Bergen, both professionally and personally.
According to Bergen, stepping into the shoes of a real-life figure is fraught with challenges. «There are so many differing opinions and versions of the story,» he notes, citing a line from Jersey Boys: ‘Everyone remembers it how they need to.’ The actor’s loyalty to the script and respect for the creative team’s vision ensures that his portrayal is both authentic and respectful, despite the intense scrutiny that comes with any Kennedy-adjacent story.
AI, Fame, and the Modern Actor’s Reality
Amusingly, Bergen recently found himself correcting an AI’s misconception about his role in an interview — the program insisted he played JFK Jr., a mix-up not uncommon in a world where algorithms parse entertainment news as quickly as any fan. Bergen laughed off the incident, but the exchange highlights a modern truth: even the sharpest technology can’t replicate the actor’s understanding of nuance, context, and lived experience. His anecdote is also a gentle jab at the age of spoiler-heavy entertainment reporting — interviews where the interviewer barely knows the show.
Erich Bergen’s Real-Life Origin Story: A Blueprint for Broadway Hopefuls
Before the lights of Broadway and the cameras of high-profile TV sets, Bergen started his career in a makeshift theater on Sullivan Street, New York, performing in small friend-filled audiences and later, in lesser-known productions like The Sick Boy. He even narrated Goosebumps audiobooks, but perhaps his most unique job was a coveted behind-the-scenes spot: selling merch at iconic Broadway productions such as Gypsy, The Color Purple, and Wicked.
This unconventional route led Bergen not only to financial independence but also to invaluable experience, watching world-class talent every night and learning the rhythms of the theater from backstage. His advice for future performers is simple and actionable: «Just get in the building» — sometimes, the first step is simply being close to the world you want to be a part of. According to Bergen, aspiring actors should consider taking a job as a merch seller; after all, it’s a role that keeps you close to the action, fuels your passion, and sooner or later, your chance to shine may come.
Where to Watch
Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette continues to air Thursdays at 9pm ET on FX and streams on Hulu the following day. For fans who crave more insider stories and actor insights, there are always more episodes and interviews to uncover.
