Playing the role of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in the hit series 'Love Story' came with an unexpected challenge for Sarah Pidgeon. While the show's glamorous portrayal of the iconic fashion figure may have seemed appealing, Pidgeon revealed that her experience on set led to a surprising health issue: psoriasis.
In an interview with Vogue, Pidgeon shared her experience, explaining that the hot weather in Hyannis, Massachusetts, where the Kennedy Compound is located, forced her to wear heavy clothing, including a cashmere turtleneck and jeans. This combination resulted in a heat rash, which later transformed into a full-body psoriasis outbreak.
Pidgeon's revelation highlights the less glamorous aspects of acting, as she described the condition as 'psoriasis all over my body.' She showed a patch on her arm, noting that the condition affects various areas, including her chest and stomach. According to the Mayo Clinic, psoriasis is a long-term skin disease characterized by itchy, scaly patches, and unfortunately, it has no cure.
Despite the physical discomfort, Pidgeon's performance in the series has been widely praised. Her portrayal of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy has garnered attention, and she is being considered for the 2026 Emmy Awards for best actress in a limited or anthology series or movie category. The show's costumes, initially refined after backlash, now showcase the iconic fashion choices of Carolyn Bessette, with Pidgeon's real hair used for authenticity.
The series, created by Connor Hines and executive produced by Ryan Murphy, also stars Paul Anthony Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr. The show's finale, which was described as 'heartbreaking,' has sparked discussions and predictions about Pidgeon's potential Emmy win. As the series continues to stream on Disney+ and Hulu, Pidgeon's dedication to her craft and the challenges she faced during production serve as a testament to the complexities of bringing historical figures to life on screen.
