Daryl Hannah and JFK Jr.: A Look Back at the Tumultuous Romance
The recent premiere of Love Story has reignited interest in the romantic life of John F. Kennedy Jr., particularly his relationship with Carolyn Bessette. However, before his marriage to Bessette, America’s “Prince” was involved in a highly publicized romance with actress Daryl Hannah. Their story, a blend of Hollywood glamour and Kennedy dynasty intrigue, captivated the nation.
A Chance Encounter and a Budding Romance
According to People magazine, Kennedy and Hannah first crossed paths in the early 1980s while their families vacationed on the Caribbean island of St. Martin. Years later, in 1988, fate intervened again at the wedding of Kennedy’s aunt, Lee Radziwill. Hannah had recently starred in Steel Magnolias, directed by Herbert Ross, who was also in attendance. This re-encounter sparked a five-year relationship that was constantly under the scrutiny of the media.
Two Worlds Collide
At the time, Kennedy was a law student at NYU, already a public figure due to his lineage. He was even named People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 1988. Hannah, meanwhile, was a rising star, known for her roles in iconic films like Blade Runner (1982), Roxanne (1987), Wall Street (1987), and Splash (1984). Despite their seemingly different paths – a future lawyer and a celebrated actress – they shared a love for the outdoors, enjoying activities like skiing and camping. Kennedy also harbored acting aspirations, having performed in college productions.
Public Attention and Private Struggles
Their relationship quickly became tabloid fodder. In 1993, they graced the cover of People magazine with the headline “John F. Kennedy Jr. and Daryl Hannah: America’s most eligible bachelor finally meets his match.” However, the constant attention took its toll. Hannah expressed her frustration in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, lamenting that even her plumber was asking about her relationship with Kennedy.
Despite the public pressure, the couple wasn’t shy about displaying their affection. A neighbor recounted witnessing Kennedy and Hannah dancing on their rooftop, a carefree and intimate moment that captured the imagination of onlookers. Friends described their connection as “fantastical, adventurous,” and even “a little bit more fire—and fight” compared to Kennedy’s later relationship with Carolyn Bessette.
The Shadow of Jackie O
Love Story suggests that Jackie Kennedy Onassis disapproved of Hannah, a sentiment echoed in JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Biography. Kennedy reportedly confided in a friend that his mother wasn’t getting along with Hannah, leading him to temporarily move into a friend’s basement. However, Hannah’s stepmother disputed this claim, stating that Jackie Onassis had been “very warm and affectionate” towards her.
The Arrival of Carolyn Bessette
The dynamic shifted when Kennedy met Carolyn Bessette in 1991 while she worked at the Calvin Klein store in Manhattan. Despite still being with Hannah, Kennedy was immediately captivated by Bessette. Friends recall Kennedy’s instant infatuation, even while acknowledging his ongoing relationship with Hannah. The overlap in relationships became increasingly apparent, with accounts suggesting Kennedy was seeing both women simultaneously.
The End of an Era
By 1994, Kennedy and Hannah’s five-year relationship came to an end. A tragic event further marked the breakup: Kennedy accidentally lost control of Hannah’s dog’s leash during a walk in Central Park, resulting in the dog’s death. Adding to the emotional turmoil, Jackie Onassis’s health took a turn for the worse, and she passed away in May 1994. Kennedy and Hannah’s relationship ended shortly after, paving the way for his romance with Bessette, whom he married in 1996. Hannah later married musician Neil Young in 2018.
Ultimately, while their relationship was filled with passion and adventure, Daryl Hannah and John F. Kennedy Jr.’s connection couldn’t compete with the enduring allure he found with Carolyn Bessette. As one confidante put it, “I think he was obsessed with Carolyn from the minute he met her.”
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