Daryl Hannah has found herself in the spotlight once again, thanks to the release of FX’s “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.” Since the show debuted on February 12th, some fans and media, like Vogue, have pointed out how the creator, Ryan Murphy, has portrayed Hannah’s character in what many consider a negative light.
A recent opinion piece in Vogue stated, “The portrayal of Hannah as a whining, coke-obsessed prima donna in Love Story just doesn’t ring true. If I were her, I’d consider legal action.” Comments on social media echoed this sentiment, including feedback from Reddit users who felt that the writers bore a grudge against Hannah.
“While watching, I couldn’t shake the thought that they really dislike Daryl Hannah,” one commenter remarked. Another noted, “I think the casting has been really unfair to her.” In contrasting views, a woman said, “I don’t think much of Hannah as an actress. They’ve been together forever, and he cared for her. It’s frustrating to watch this representation,” pointing to the show’s tone.
Hannah’s relationship with Kennedy spanned many years before he married Bessette. They initially crossed paths in the early 1980s and made their relationship public by the end of that decade. Their intense, often tumultuous relationship made headlines until they broke up in 1994—just as Kennedy began dating Bessette.
In the early episodes of “Love Story,” Hannah’s character is depicted as attempting to reconcile with Kennedy while he seeks to pursue his relationship with Bessette. It’s also revealed that Kennedy’s mother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, disapproved of his relationship with Hannah.
Nina Jacobson, a producer on the show, explained that they did not reach out to Hannah before developing the series, instead relying on Elizabeth Beller’s 2024 book, “Once Upon a Time: The Fascinating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy,” to shape Hannah’s storyline.
“It’s complicated to reach out to real individuals. We aim to understand the characters deeply, but it’s challenging to incorporate real-life agendas,” Jacobson expressed.
Connection in the ’80s
Hannah and Kennedy first crossed paths in the early ’80s while on vacation in St. Maarten, and they met again at a family wedding in 1988. This was when Hannah starred in “Steel Magnolias,” connecting their lives again.
The ’90s Tabloid Frenzy
By the ’90s, their relationship was heavily featured in tabloids. Hannah described the relentless questioning about their potential marriage as “frustrating,” recalling a time when even mundane phone calls turned into marriage inquiries.
The couple often enjoyed simple moments together in New York City, riding bikes or even dancing in their underwear—a neighbor recounted a charming scene where he saw them dancing on a rooftop, captivated by their chemistry.
Rumors of Disapproval
The show highlights how Kennedy’s mother was reportedly skeptical about Hannah, a well-known actress at the time. In one scene, Hannah visits Kennedy’s mother for dinner but refuses to join them at the table.
Hannah’s stepmother has previously denied these disapproval rumors, emphasizing Kennedy’s warmth. Dree Hemingway, who portrays Hannah, shared her take: “Daryl loves John deeply and wants to be part of his family.” She reflected on the inner conflict, hinting that Hannah’s desire for acceptance was strong but complicated by Kennedy’s interests.
Final Separation in 1994
The relationship ultimately ended in 1994. Kennedy married Bessette in 1996, but tragically, they both died in a plane crash three years later, at ages 38 and 33, respectively. Hannah has continued her acting career since then and married musician Neil Young in 2018.
No comment has been provided by Hannah’s representative regarding the series.
