College Classmate Reflects on Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's Magnetism

Former Boston University classmate found it difficult to watch actress portray Bessette Kennedy in 'Love Story' miniseries.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:43pm

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A Boston University classmate of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Jenny Syquia, shared her perspective on the challenge of seeing another actress portray the late fashion icon in the FX and Hulu miniseries 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.' Syquia, who was featured alongside Bessette in the 1988 Girls of B.U. calendar, initially struggled with Sarah Pidgeon's portrayal, feeling she didn't capture Bessette Kennedy's 'insane magnetism' and 'aura.' However, Syquia grew to appreciate Pidgeon's performance as the series progressed.

Why it matters

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy was renowned for her striking beauty and charisma, which made it difficult for any actress to fully capture her essence on screen. This story provides a unique firsthand account from a college peer who witnessed Bessette Kennedy's magnetic presence in person, offering insight into why recreating her character has proven challenging.

The details

Syquia, who later worked as a fashion assistant at Vogue and would encounter Bessette Kennedy at the Calvin Klein offices, described her former classmate as 'unforgettable' with an 'aura' and 'insane magnetism' that was nearly impossible to replicate. She noted that Bessette Kennedy had 'crazy beauty' combined with charisma and kindness that made her captivating to be around. Syquia also recalled the electric atmosphere when John F. Kennedy Jr. entered a party featured in the miniseries, as everyone was eager to catch a glimpse of 'the world's most eligible bachelor.'

  • The FX and Hulu miniseries 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette' aired its finale on March 26, 2026.
  • Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and Jenny Syquia were featured in the 1988 Girls of B.U. calendar while students at Boston University.

The players

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

A fashion icon known for her striking beauty, charisma, and magnetism, who was married to John F. Kennedy Jr.

Jenny Syquia

A Boston University classmate of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy who was also featured in the 1988 Girls of B.U. calendar, and later worked as a fashion assistant at Vogue.

Sarah Pidgeon

The actress who portrayed Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in the FX and Hulu miniseries 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.'

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What they’re saying

“The first episode, I just thought, 'Oh my God, this girl is nothing like her.'”

— Jenny Syquia, Boston University classmate of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

“But there is nobody like her. So who could actually be her?”

— Jenny Syquia, Boston University classmate of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

“She was unforgettable . . . That does not translate in pictures, just this energy she had . . . like this aura, she just glowed.”

— Jenny Syquia, Boston University classmate of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

“If you spoke to her, it was like there was nothing else in the universe happening. She was just locked in on you with her gorgeous blue eyes.”

— Jenny Syquia, Boston University classmate of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

“Everybody wanted to get a look at him … They really captured that moment in the series, when he came into that party. It was like a rush of electricity. Because everyone knew he was the world's most eligible bachelor.”

— Jenny Syquia, Boston University classmate of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

The takeaway

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's captivating presence and magnetism made her an iconic figure, but also posed a challenge for any actress trying to portray her on screen. This story highlights the difficulty of capturing her essence, even for those who knew her personally, underscoring why she remains such an enduring and enigmatic figure in popular culture.