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Sarah Pidgeon exclusively told E! News the surprising way she dove into her role as the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy while stepping out at the 2026 Actor Awards in Los Angeles March 1.
By Leah Degrazia Mar 02, 2026 12:07 AM | Updated 23 minutes ago
Love Story's Sarah Pidgeon Reveals Surprising Way She Tapped Into Carolyn Bessette (Exclusive)
Sarah Pidgeon is mapping out her journey to portraying the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.
The Love Story star detailed the unique way she dove into her role as the late wife of John F. Kennedy Jr. for the Ryan Murphy-created anthology series while stepping out on the red carpet for the 2026 Actor Awards in Los Angeles on March 1. (For every star who showed out for the 2026 Actor Awards, hosted by Kristen Bell, click here.)
"We shot in so many places around New York City—you know, in the East Village and Tribeca—all of her favorite haunts," Sarah exclusively told Justin Sylvester at on Live From E!: Actor Awards 2026. "In those moments where, geographically, we were in the same places, I felt quite connected to her."
And visiting the favorite hangouts of the fashion publicist—who tied the knot with JFK Jr. in 1996, three years before the couple tragically died in a private plane crash—wasn't the only way she prepared to take on her character.
After all, Sarah—who rocked a stunning salmon-colored, off-the shoulder Balenciaga gown at the Actor Awards—also noted that she did a lot of research leading up to filming Love Story.
"To learn so much about Carolyn in preparation for the show, and then on top of that, being able to embody her—she has so much power and has such strong convictions," Sarah shared. "Her humor, her kindness—I felt very grateful to be able to, literally and figuratively, walk in her shoes every day."
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Another aspect of the job the 29-year-old felt grateful for? Getting to act opposite Paul Anthony Kelly, who plays JFK Jr. in the FX show.
"He's so charming on and off the screen," Sarah told E!. "He was wonderful. I wouldn't trade it for the world getting to do it with him."
For every star who went full glam at the 2026 Actor Awards, keep reading.
David Fisher/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Jenna Ortega
in Christian Cowan.
David Fisher/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Emma Stone
in custom Louis Vuitton.
David Fisher/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Paul Mescal
in Saint Laurent.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Sarah Paulson
in Saint Laurent.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Connor Storrie
in Saint Laurent.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Gwyneth Paltrow
in Givenchy and Belperron jewelry.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Teyana Taylor
in Thom Browne and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Kate Hudson
in Valentino and Desert diamonds from Emily P. Wheeler.
David Fisher/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Jessie Buckley
in Balenciaga and Jessica McCormack jewelry.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Leslie Bibb & Sam Rockwell
in Ashi Studio (Bibb).
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Ryan Michelle Bathe & Sterling K. Brown
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Delroy Lindo & Nashormeh N.R. Lindo
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Matthew Rhys & Keri Russell
in Louis Vuitton (Russell).
Monica Schipper/WireImage
Fran Drescher
Monica Schipper/WireImage
Ryan Coogler & Zinzi Coogler
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Viola Davis
in Zuhair Murad.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Molly Sims & Scott Stuber
John Salangsang/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Jeremy Allen White
Monica Schipper/WireImage
Rhea Seehorn
in Louis Vuitton.
Monica Schipper/WireImage
Charlie Hunnam
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Jason Bateman & Amanda Anka
Tommaso Boddi/WWD via Getty Images
Lauren Miller Rogen & Seth Rogen
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Adam Scott & Naomi Scott
in Giorgio Armani (Adam).
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Kirsten Dunst & Jesse Plemons
in Khaite (Dunst).
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Noah Wyle
in Balenciaga.
Monica Schipper/WireImage
Patrick Ball
in Thom Browne.
Monica Schipper/WireImage
Isa Briones
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Michelle Williams
in Prada.
Monica Schipper/WireImage
Chase Infiniti
in custom Louis Vuitton.
Frazer Harrison/WireImage
Rose Byrne
in Chanel and Messika jewelry.
Watch The Actor Awards 2026 (formerly named the SAG Awards) live Sunday, March 1, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Netflix.
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