Alessandro Nivola Portrays Calvin Klein in the new series Love Story, which explores the life of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy during her time at the fashion label. In a recent interview, Nivola disclosed his approach to embodying the famous designer and whether Klein himself has responded to Nivola’s depiction.
Preparing for the Role of Calvin Klein Without Direct Contact
Alessandro Nivola, 53, immersed himself in extensive research about Calvin Klein to prepare for his role in the Ryan Murphy and Connor Hines collaboration, Love Story. Despite the show‘s success, Nivola has never met Klein in person and remains uncertain if the designer has seen the series or has any reaction to his portrayal.
In an interview published on March 6 by The Hollywood Reporter, Nivola expressed his curiosity about Klein’s opinion and shared his reasoning behind how the show approaches character depiction.
People keep asking me, ‘How would you feel if somebody were playing you in a show or a film?’ And I always say, ‘It would piss me off!’ I can’t imagine it not being annoying, but maybe it’s fun.
– Alessandro Nivola, Actor
He elaborated,
I think that the show certainly isn’t in the business of trying to slander anybody. It was important to me, when I was reading it to begin with, that I didn’t feel that these character portrayals were at anybody’s expense or trying to sort of dramatize things in a way that was going to damage reputations. I can’t imagine he would feel that way. I hope not.
– Alessandro Nivola, Actor
Reactions from Kelly Klein and Nivola’s Chance Encounter
While Calvin Klein’s response remains unknown, Kelly Klein, the designer’s ex-wife and a figure in the series played by Leila George, has publicly praised the production. On February 27, she shared a nostalgic message on Instagram about the show’s depiction of the 1990s fashion scene and office environment.
Watching @lovestoryfx with @leilageorge and @alessandro.nivola is a trip down memory lane! To relive the essence of the ’90s and the way we dressed and the way the office looked was spot on! It may not be perfect but it captures 10 years of my life with and without CBK!
– Kelly Klein, Ex-wife of Calvin Klein
Nivola said that her comments were meaningful, adding a personal connection to the project’s authenticity.
In the interview, Nivola also shared his closest real-life encounter with Calvin Klein. At the New York City restaurant Bar Pitti just before filming began, Nivola was seated near Klein without initially realizing it. He recalled the moment:
He was asking me what I was doing next, and I told him I was about to start playing Calvin Klein the next morning in Ryan Murphy‘s show. As I said the name ‘Calvin Klein,’ this big black SUV pulled up by the side of the curb and out he stepped with his boyfriend and walked in. I had lunch three tables from him for an hour and a half. Both my friend and I were just s—ing ourselves.
– Alessandro Nivola, Actor
Despite living in New York City since 1994 and frequenting the same location often, Nivola explained that he never crossed paths with Klein before this incident.
Capturing Klein’s Essence Through Research and Observation
Without direct conversations, Nivola relied heavily on extensive footage and prior knowledge to replicate Klein’s mannerisms and presence. He described the experience of recognizing Klein by his walk and physicality rather than facial features alone.
I’d watched so much footage of him in the two months leading up to that day, that I just knew.
– Alessandro Nivola, Actor
I had such a powerful image of the way that he walked and his physicality that I couldn’t even see his face as he was getting out of the car, just as his foot landed on the sidewalk, I knew it was him. He almost brushed right by me.
– Alessandro Nivola, Actor
Background on Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Time at Calvin Klein
The series also highlights Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s career within the designer’s label. Starting in 1988 as a store salesperson at the Chestnut Hill Mall in Newton, Massachusetts, she quickly moved up to become a celebrity salesperson and then a public relations director. She later worked as the show production director before leaving the company in 1996, just ahead of her marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr. that September.
The depiction of Klein as her boss underscores his role during this critical period in her life, providing context to their professional connection and the cultural moment captured in the show.
What’s Next for the Series and Nivola’s Role
As Love Story continues to gain viewers, the portrayal of these high-profile figures remains compelling and closely watched. While Nivola awaits any reaction from Calvin Klein, the actor’s dedication to an authentic and respectful portrayal offers insight into the complexities of biographical dramatizations. The series sheds light on significant personal and professional intersections within the fashion world and the life of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, maintaining audience interest in both historical narrative and human drama.
