Paul Anthony Kelly, the star of the miniseries Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, who portrayed John F. Kennedy Jr., has become a father, he announced recently on The Kelly Clarkson Show during a joint interview with Naomi Watts, who plays Jackie Kennedy. The 37-year-old actor welcomed his first child with his wife, Syd Widziszewski-Kelly.

When asked by Clarkson if he felt tired, Kelly laughed and replied, “A little, yes. And that’s putting it mildly.”

The series, created by Ryan Murphy, brings to life one of America’s most iconic couples who tragically passed away too soon. Carolyn Bessette is portrayed by Sarah Pidgeon.

Watch the interview with Anthony Kelly and Naomi Watts:

To fully inhabit their roles, both Kelly and Pidgeon underwent intensive preparation, focusing on both the look and the essence of their characters. Pidgeon studied Bessette’s timeless style through the book CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion, paying attention not only to her outfits but also her expressions, gestures, and body language. The so-called “quiet luxury” was more than a trend—it was a way of life. Pidgeon also aimed to present Carolyn as an ambitious and independent professional, highlighting her career as a publicist at Calvin Klein before she became a media figure, emphasizing her strength and self-awareness prior to her personal life becoming tabloid news.

For Kelly, portraying JFK Jr. marked his acting debut, and preparation was intense. He immersed himself in archival footage, interviews, and documentaries to capture both the public and private sides of Kennedy. He also listened to the audiobook John F. Kennedy: A Life in the Public Eye to study his voice, cadence, and signature pauses.

In real life, Kelly married Syd Widziszewski-Kelly in May 2023. The couple generally keeps their personal life private on social media, though in May 2024, Kelly shared photos celebrating their first wedding anniversary, writing: “A year ago we exchanged vows, and since then I’ve been happier and healthier than ever. There are no words to describe how much I love you.”