Daryl Hannah blasts 'Love Story' portrayal as 'not even a remotely accurate representation'

The actress says the show's depiction of her relationship with JFK Jr. is filled with false claims about her conduct.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Daryl Hannah, who dated John F. Kennedy Jr. before he married Carolyn Bessette, has strongly criticized the FX series 'Love Story' for its portrayal of her character. In a New York Times op-ed, Hannah said the show's version of her is 'not even a remotely accurate representation' of her life, conduct or relationship with Kennedy. She denied several specific claims made about her in the series, including using cocaine, pressuring anyone into marriage, and making inappropriate comments about Jacqueline Onassis. Hannah said the show has led to 'hostile and even threatening messages' from viewers who believe the portrayal is factual.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges actors and public figures face when their real-life stories are dramatized for entertainment. Hannah argues that the show's use of her real name has 'permanently impacted her reputation,' even though the events portrayed are fictionalized. It raises questions about the line between creative license and accurately representing people's lives, especially when dealing with high-profile figures like the Kennedys who value their privacy.

The details

In the op-ed, Hannah said the 'Love Story' character using her name is portrayed as 'irritating, self-absorbed, whiny and inappropriate,' which she says is completely untrue. She denied several specific claims made about her in the series, including using cocaine, pressuring anyone into marriage, desecrating family heirlooms, and making inappropriate comments about Jacqueline Onassis. Hannah said she has 'never used cocaine in my life or hosted cocaine-fueled parties' and has 'never compared Jacqueline Onassis' death to a dog's.' She said these are 'assertions about conduct — and they are false.'

  • Hannah and Kennedy dated in the late '80s and early '90s.
  • They appeared on the cover of People magazine in 1993 before splitting in 1994.

The players

Daryl Hannah

An American actress known for films like 'Splash,' 'Blade Runner,' and the 'Kill Bill' series. She dated John F. Kennedy Jr. in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

John F. Kennedy Jr.

The son of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who was married to Carolyn Bessette until their tragic deaths in a 1999 plane crash.

Carolyn Bessette

The wife of John F. Kennedy Jr. who died alongside him in a 1999 plane crash.

Dree Hemingway

The actress who portrays Daryl Hannah in the FX series 'Love Story.'

Ryan Murphy

The creator of the FX series 'Love Story' that dramatizes the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.

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What they’re saying

“The character 'Daryl Hannah' portrayed in the series is not even a remotely accurate representation of my life, my conduct or my relationship with John. The actions and behaviors attributed to me are untrue.”

— Daryl Hannah (The New York Times)

“I reached out (to Hannah). I have no expectations of her reaching out to me in any way, but I basically wrote her a love note of how much I appreciate her as a woman, as an actress, and what an honor of my life this has been.”

— Dree Hemingway, Actress portraying Daryl Hannah (The Hollywood Reporter)

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges actors and public figures face when their real-life stories are dramatized for entertainment. Even with creative license, the use of a real person's name can have lasting impacts on their reputation, especially when the portrayal is inaccurate. It raises questions about balancing artistic freedom with respect for people's privacy and the truth.