See How the Cast of ‘Love Story’ Compares to Their Real-Life Counterparts

Now airing,Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessettetells the tragic tale ofJohn Jr. and Carolyn, beginning with the plane ride that would ultimately lead to their deaths and flashing back to the early days of their relationship.

Executive producers Brad Simpson and Nina Jacobson thought that finding Carolyn would be the hardest role to cast, but Sarah Pidgeon stood out immediately. "We saw her on tape and everyone agreed there was something special. And then we brought her in, and on that day, I think it was one of our first groups of 12 people we brought in," Simpson toldPeople. "We really locked into her pretty quickly. She just had — not only the physicality and the likeness — but there was something that was both very warm about her, but also inaccessible at the same time, that was what we thought Carolyn had."

Finding John Jr. was more challenging; with three weeks to go until production started, the team still had not cast him. "We'd seen every male actor between the age of 25 and 38. [Creator] Connor [Hines] was coming in every day with models he'd found on Instagram, sending cold emails," Simpson says. They eventually went back to the first pool of self-tapes, which included Paul Anthony Kelly, and called in a few for screen tests. "I remember at the screen test, one of the hair and makeup people passed by me, and was like, 'You're crazy if you don't cast him,'" Simpson says. "It was just clear that he was JFK."

Here, see how Pidgeon, Kelly, and more cast members ofLove Story(formerly calledAmerican Love Story) compare to their real-life counterparts:

Paul Anthony Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr.

Newcomer Paul Anthony Kelly—he has previous experience in modeling and theater—plays John F. Kennedy Jr., the son of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy.

The show captured John Jr.'s preferred method of transportation around NYC (and penchant for backwards caps).

Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette

Sarah Pidgeon, whoearned a Tony nominationfor her Broadway debut inStereophonic, leads the cast as Carolyn Bessette, a fashion publicist who married John F. Kennedy Jr. in September 1996.

Many of the outfits onLove Storyare recreations of what Carolyn really wore.

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Naomi Watts as Jackie Kennedy

Naomi Watts (who has been in everything, fromMulholland DrivetoFeud: Capote vs. the Swans) transforms into Jackie Kennedy inAmerican Love Story, portraying the former First Lady towards the end of her life, when she was battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy

Grace Gummer, daughter of Meryl Streep, plays Caroline, daughter of John and Jackie. Caroline would go on to serve as a U.S. Ambassador to Japan (under the Obama administration) and to Australia (under the Biden administration).

Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette

Sydney Lemmon, perhaps best known for her role in the playJob, on and off Broadway, takes on the role of Carolyn's older sister, a banker at Morgan Stanley who tragically died in the same plane crash that claimed the lives of John and Carolyn.

Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein

Alessandro Nivola (you may know him fromMansfield Park, orThe Brutalist, or as Emily Mortimer's real-life husband) plays fashion designer Calvin Klein; Carolyn worked as director of publicity at his brand in the 90s.

Leila George as Kelly Klein

Australian American actress Leila George, the daughter of Vincent D'Onofrio and Greta Sacchi, plays Kelly Klein (née Rector), Calvin's wife at the time the show takes places. (Kelly and Calvin divorced in 2016). George has had roles inAnimal Kingdom, Disclaimer, andThe Beast in Me.

Dree Hemingway as Daryl Hannah

Dree Hemingway, model, actress, and great-granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, plays Daryl Hannah, an actress and environmental activist who dated John F. Kennedy Jr. before he met Carolyn.

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February 19, 2026

See How the Cast of ‘Love Story’ Compares to Their Real-Life Counterparts

Now airing,Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessettetells the tragic tale ofJohn Jr. and Carolyn, beginning...

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The single moment in the new 'Toy Story 5' trailer that's resonating with adults who grew up with the films

If you ever needed a sign you're getting older, here's a devastating one: Even Woody fromToy Storyis balding. At least, that's what's happening inthe new trailer forToy Story 5,which follows our favorite playthings as they fight back against Big Tech — aka Bonnie's new tablet.

The new trailer opens with Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) officiating a wedding between plastic fork Forky (Tony Hale) and his knife bride — which quickly descends into madness when someone poisons Rex (Wallace Shawn), the maid of honor. This type of play is thrilling for newly crowned toy sheriff Jessie (Joan Cusack), who stepped up after Woody (Tom Hanks) ran off with Bo Peep (Annie Potts) to enjoy retirement.

Unfortunately, there's trouble on the horizon for these toys when Bonnie receives a new present. It's a LilyPad tablet, voiced by Greta Lee. And as so many parents can relate, it's awfully hard to pry out of Bonnie's hands. And that means a lot less time for Bonnie to play with her toys.

Soon, Jessie is calling Woody to come back, desperate to defeat "Lily" and get Bonnie to play with her toys again — not to mention, make friends of her own outside in the real world. But Lily has the power of technology on her side, and things are getting awfully tricky for the toys who just want to prove their relevance in kids' lives. Can Woody, Jessie and returning pals like Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) make Bonnie cut back on her screentime?

They'll certainly try — even if Woody isn't the fresh-out-of-the-box sheriff he once was. In one moment in the trailer, Woody turns, revealing a bald spot on the back of his head. "Someone needs a brown marker," one of the other toys quips. Naturally, the moment was picked up on by the elder millennials who grew up onToy Storyand may or may not now be going through their own hair loss journeys.

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"That's such a small detail, but it makes it more emotional," one personwrote on X. "Seeing Woody age in Toy Story 5 shows how much time has passed. This is going to hit hard for longtime fans."

Anotherjoked, "The transition from 'reach for the sky' to 'watch the cholesterol' happened way too fast."

Still, others said to cut Woody some slack. "He's been through four movies, two owners, and a Forky — honestly, it's a miracle he has any hair left," another userwrote on the platform. "Woody looks like he's about to buy a plastic Corvette and start a podcast about the 'good old days' at Andy's."

The upcoming film followsToy Story 4,which hit theaters in 2019. While it's unclear how much time has passed for the toys, Bonnie does not appear to be much older than she was in the previous films. While many people were pointing out Woody's age, one fanjoked on X, "Meanwhile Bonnie is still in kindergarten 16 years later."

Want to see how all the toys have aged? WatchToy Story 5in theaters on June 19.

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February 19, 2026

The single moment in the new 'Toy Story 5' trailer that's resonating with adults who grew up with the films

If you ever needed a sign you're getting older, here's a devastating one: Even Woody fromToy Storyis balding. At...

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Charlie Baker again backs plan to expand NCAA tournament in the future, noncommittal on timeline

Charlie Baker is still very much on board with the NCAA tournament expanding in the near future.

The NCAA president reiterated his support for a plan to expand the annual basketball tournament in the near future, something he's long been in favor of. What that looks like, or when it happens, remains to be seen.

"We're still talking to the various players in this one," he said on Thursday,via ESPN. "I said all along that I think there are some very good reasons to expand the tournament.

"So, I would like to see it expand."

The NCAA tournament men's field currently sits at 68 teams, with the last expansion coming back in 2011. That brought in the "First Four" round, which cuts the field from 68 to 64 for the first round. The women's NCAA tournament officially expanded to 68 teams in 2021, too. That marked the most notable expansion in the tournament since it doubled in size from 32 in 1985.

But expanding the tournament further is an idea that has been thrown around in recent years. The NCAA basketball selection committeesmet last summer and learned that expansion, if approved, would likely start during the 2026-27 campaign. That would likely expand the field to either 72 or 76 teams. It's unclear if the women's tournament would expand at the same time.

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Baker insisted Thursday that he wasn't worried about how the NCAA would fund the expanded tournament. The biggest challenge has long been simply a logistical one with the basketball calendar. Several major men's conference tournaments run right up to the selection show — the Big Ten championship game ends moments before that show starts and teams are announced — and the NCAA tournament ends the week that the Masters starts. That doesn't leave much time for added games.

There wereseveral notable teams that were just barely left out of the tournament last season, including both Indiana and West Virginia. An expanded field almost certainly would have meant they would have been included.

"From my point of view, the more teams we can get into the tournament and make it work logistically and mathematically, the better," Baker said. "It gives more kids the opportunity to experience that."

But of course, expanding the field wouldn't eliminate the snub conversation. It would just push it back by four, or eight, spots.

Regardless, the NCAA seems set on expanding the tournament in the future. Whether that happens in 2027, or a few years down the road, remains to be seen.

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February 19, 2026

Charlie Baker again backs plan to expand NCAA tournament in the future, noncommittal on timeline

Charlie Baker is still very much on board with the NCAA tournament expanding in the near future. The NCAA pr...

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Three Americans charge into Dubai semifinals

Americans Amanda Anisimova, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula reached the semifinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships along with Ukraine's Elina Svitolina on Thursday.

The second-seeded Anisimova will meet the fourth-seeded Pegula, and the third-seeded Gauff will take on No. 7 seed Svitolina on Friday in the WTA 1000 tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

Gauff will be the most rested of the foursome after her 6-0, 6-2 victory against Alexandra Eala of the Philippines in 67 minutes on Thursday. The other three quarterfinal matches all went to three sets.

"Each match, I've gotten better," Gauff said. "I definitely wasn't in good spirits before entering this tournament, but you know, one match can change everything. I honestly didn't think I would be in the semis at the start of this, but I'm happy that I'm here."

Gauff, who overcame eight double faults, won the first 10 games of the match and converted six of nine break points. She finished with 15 winners and 19 unforced errors, compared to eight winners and 33 errors for Eala.

Anisimova survived a two-hour, 38-minute battle with defending champion and No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva of Russia, winning 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4) to set up her clash with Pegula.

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Andreeva had a 3-1 lead in the final set before Anisimova took the next four games for a 5-3 lead. Not going away, Andreeva survived a match point and won the next three games. Anisimova jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the tiebreak and finally prevailed on her fourth match point.

Andreeva, 18, doubled over in tears after her final backhand sailed long.

"It was such a tough battle, and I thought we played incredible tennis," Anisimova said. "Seeing Mirra down like that, it's understandable. We both fought so hard today, and it made me emotional seeing her like that. She was playing so well, she's the defending champion and I feel like we both won on the court today. These type of matches, it's always tough that someone has to lose at the end of the day."

Pegula outlasted 12th-seeded Clara Tauson of Denmark 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 in just under two hours, while Svitolina rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 win against Croatia's Antonia Ruzic in just over two hours.

Pegula struck eight aces and saved four of six break points. Svitolina balanced five aces with seven double faults while saving 11 of 14 break points.

This is only the third time three U.S. players reached the final four at a WTA 1000 event since the format's introduction in 2009: Beijing 2025 (Gauff, Pegula, Anisimova) and Toronto 2024 (Emma Navarro, Anisimova and Pegula).

--Field Level Media

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February 19, 2026

Three Americans charge into Dubai semifinals

Americans Amanda Anisimova, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula reached the semifinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Champ...

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Top 5 Quarterback prospects in 2026 NFL Draft

Ahead of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Field Level Media draft analysts ranked the top prospects at every position.

There is only one quarterback -- Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner who helped the Hoosiers claim the national title -- worthy of a first-round grade.

But quarterbacks rise as the draft closes in and reality hits the teams without a certifiable QB at the center of their plans.

Which one -- or two? -- could rise in 2026?

Quarterbacks are on the road to the draft with the NFL Scouting Combine next week, arriving in Indianapolis on Wednesday and Thursday for medical evaluations. They'll conduct media sessions on Friday and be on the field Saturday for position drills, agility tests and the 40-yard dash.

Pro days often take precedent at this position. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza plans to hold off on throwing until the on-campus workout and pro day in Bloomington on April 1.

1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Tall, well-built pocket passer with quick release and rapid, high-level processing speed. Wins with excellent anticipation, accuracy and ball placement.

2. Ty Simpson, Alabama

Well-rounded with adequate arm strength, accuracy, even as a one-year starter who battled inconsistency and ended the season hurt (ribs).

3. Taylen Green, Arkansas

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If he runs a 4.5 and would consider changing positions, there will be some interest. Green might prefer to utilize his genetic lottery-winning trains -- exceptional size and speed -- to give QB a try. He's the very definition of boom-or-bust.

4-T. Carson Beck, Miami

Wins with accuracy and ball placement and is tough as a blitz-beating pocket passer. Arm strength isn't elite.

4-T. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

NFL bloodlines and ties with current Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. He's a known commodity to pro teams and two-year starter in the SEC. But injuries led to sloppy mechanics and poor production last season, when he wound up sharing the QB1 role. Earned back some points with a strong Senior Bowl, but the final grade depends almost entirely on which team is doing the math.

5. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

With footwork and athletic tools, Klubnik is a pro system QB candidate because of his accuracy on short and intermediate throws. His height, top-end arm talent and deep ball accuracy limit his ceiling.

--Finding a wildcard at quarterback has forever been a front-office mission in the NFL. This year's mid-round find could come from North Dakota State. Cole Payton, a pocket passer who thrived in the FCS with an attack mentality, can also move if the system calls for mobility or RPO-based action. Trust he will be opening eyes during QB throwing sessions at Lucas Oil Stadium. The southpaw stuck with NDSU despite hearing from Nebraska and other FBS programs late in his senior season and it has begun paying off. He got a lot of attention in Mobile at the Senior Bowl for his timing and arm talent.

--Field Level Media

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February 19, 2026

Top 5 Quarterback prospects in 2026 NFL Draft

Ahead of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Field Level Media draft analysts ranked the top prospects at every position....

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