New Disney+ Series Sheds Light on JFK Jr's Relationship with Daryl Hannah
A compelling new streaming series has premiered on Disney+, aiming to retell the poignant and highly publicised story of a tragic American romance. Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette is now available, with the first three episodes released and subsequent instalments scheduled for weekly release.
As the title indicates, the series primarily focuses on the real-life courtship and marriage between John F. Kennedy Jr., the son of the former US President, and fashion executive Carolyn Bessette. However, it also provides significant insight into his earlier romantic life, notably his lengthy relationship with renowned Hollywood actress Daryl Hannah.
The Truth Behind the On-Screen Portrayal
Viewers are naturally questioning the accuracy of the dramatised events. The series depicts the genuine five-year romance between Kennedy and Hannah, which occurred before he met Bessette. Prior to this relationship, Hannah was already a celebrated actress, famous for her roles in films like Splash alongside Tom Hanks and Steel Magnolias.
The show highlights two principal factors that reportedly led to the couple's breakup. Firstly, the tragic death of Hannah's dog, which was struck by a car while Kennedy was walking it. Biographical accounts present conflicting perspectives; one friend attributed blame to Kennedy, while another noted his displeasure at having to transport the dog's ashes across the country.
Furthermore, the series portrays Jackie Kennedy, John's mother, as refusing to share a meal with Hannah in her own home. In contrast, Hannah's mother has publicly stated that Jackie was described as very warm and affectionate. A friend of Jackie's, Jim Hart, clarified the situation, suggesting there was no deep hostility, but rather a maternal concern about her son marrying an actress.
Daryl Hannah's Life and Career After the Split
Following the end of her relationship with Kennedy, Daryl Hannah's professional trajectory continued to flourish. She achieved further fame for her role as Elle Driver in both instalments of Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill. Her television credits also include appearances in series such as Sense8 and the reboot of Hawaii Five-0.
In her personal life, Hannah began a relationship with musician Neil Young in 2014, and the couple married in 2018. Now aged 65, the actress is portrayed in the Disney+ series by Dree Hemingway. Hemingway has expressed profound admiration for Hannah, reportedly sending a heartfelt note appreciating her both as a woman and an actress, and describing the portrayal as a great honour.
The series offers a nuanced look at a complex chapter in American celebrity history, blending documented facts with dramatic interpretation to explore the intersections of love, family, and public scrutiny.
