When contemplating the tragic plane crash of 1999 that claimed the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, many overlook the third victim—Lauren Bessette.
With the debut of Ryan Murphy’s new limited series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette on FX and Hulu on Feb. 12, viewers will finally get to know Carolyn’s big sister, Lauren.
At just 34 years old, Lauren boarded the private plane piloted by her sister Carolyn’s husband on July 16, 1999, only to tragically perish in the crash along with the other passengers. Despite not garnering the same media attention as JFK Jr. and Carolyn, Lauren’s loss had a deep impact on those who loved her.
Lauren’s early life in Connecticut was marked by academic success and a passion for community service. After graduating college, she landed a job at Morgan Stanley and eventually relocated to Hong Kong, where she excelled in her career and embraced the local culture.
Promoted to Vice President in 1996, Lauren returned to the U.S. to work in New York, where she continued to rise in the ranks at Morgan Stanley. She purchased a loft in Manhattan and was rumored to be dating Bobby Shriver, cousin of JFK Jr. and brother of Maria Shriver.
Lauren’s close relationship with Carolyn was evident in their shared time in Tribeca, where they resided in the same neighborhood as JFK Jr. and supported each other in their personal and professional endeavors.
In Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, Sydney Lemmon portrays Lauren, showcasing the essence of her character and the impact of her untimely death.
The series, inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s biography, promises to shed light on the life and legacy of Lauren Bessette in a poignant and thoughtful manner, capturing the essence of a woman whose presence was felt by those who knew her.
Experience the story of Lauren Bessette and the tragedy that took her life in Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, premiering on FX and Hulu on Feb. 12.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.