Michael Bergin: The Model-Turned-Actor Who Stole Carolyn Bessette'S Heart

Inside Love Story: JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette

Ryan Murphy's new limited series, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, unravels the intricate romance between America's beloved JFK Jr. – portrayed by Paul Kelly – and the Calvin Klein publicist, played by Sarah Pidgeon. The series kicks off with their initial encounter in 1992 and traces their passionate, yet ultimately tragic, journey ending in their untimely death in a plane crash in 1999. The show, inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, premiered with much anticipation on February 12.

"JFK Jr and Bessette’s love story has long captivated the world," notes an insider, "and this series dives deep into the emotional depths of their relationship."

The Man Before JFK Jr: Michael Bergin

Before Carolyn Bessette's life was intertwined with JFK Jr., she shared a chapter with Michael Bergin – a name that rings familiar in the fashion world. Bergin, once a heartthrob in Calvin Klein’s iconic underwear campaigns following in the footsteps of Mark Wahlberg, is no stranger to the limelight. Born in March 1969 in Connecticut, Bergin graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1992, quickly launching into a successful modeling career.

From Runways to Baywatch

Bergin strutted down runways for elite fashion houses like Valentino and Armani, eventually transitioning into acting. He snagged a memorable role as J.D. Darius on the hit series Baywatch, bringing that quintessential SoCal vibes to life. In Murphy’s series, actor Noah Fearnley takes on the role of Bergin, shedding light on his alleged affair with Bessette, which reportedly occurred while she was married to JFK Jr.

This ongoing tale of love and loss continues to captivate audiences, blending the allure of fashion, fame, and the bittersweet reality of one of America's most talked-about romances.