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Watts: 'Least Likely' to Play Jackie Kennedy
30 Apr
Summary
- Watts was hesitant to play Jackie Kennedy due to her appearance and nationality.
- She initially turned down the role to take a honeymoon with her husband.
- Watts felt a great responsibility to portray the iconic first lady accurately.
Naomi Watts recently shared her reservations about portraying Jackie Kennedy Onassis in Ryan Murphy's "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette." Watts admitted she felt she was an unlikely candidate due to not looking like the iconic first lady and not being American. She expressed confusion about being offered the role, initially believing many others had declined it.
Adding to her hesitation, Watts had recently married Billy Crudup in 2023 and was planning a long-awaited honeymoon. This personal commitment presented a scheduling conflict with the demanding production. Despite these obstacles, Watts acknowledged Ryan Murphy's persuasive influence and her profound gratitude for the trust he placed in her to undertake such a significant and scrutinized role.
The limited series delves into the romance between Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. Watts felt a deep responsibility to accurately embody Kennedy Onassis, especially as she noted that this portrayal focuses on a later period in the former first lady's life. Watts was drawn to the character's awareness of her mortality and her efforts to protect her family's legacy.
