How This Unknown Actor Got In Shape to Play JFK Jr. In 'Love Story'

Ryan Murphy seems to be one of those people who never stops working. His controversial Kim Kardashian-led series All's Fair premiered in November. His newest series, The Beauty, just premiered on January 21. But that won't be his newest series for much longer, because Love Story is set to premiere on FX February 12.

Love Story is an anthology series chronicling the love affair between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, leading up to its ultimately tragic ending. The series stars Tony-nominated Sarah Pidgeon as Bessette. But casting JFK Jr. was no easy feat.

“We read male models. We read random people off the street — any sort of white guy between 25 and 40," executive producer Brad Simpson told Variety. After a long casting process, the part went to model Paul Anthony Kelly.

JFK Jr. was both a sex symbol and an emblem of masculinity, so physical resemblance was key. This meant Kelly would have to undergo a bodily transformation.

Paul Anthony Kelly's JFK Jr. Workout Routine

Kelly explained the process to Interviewmagazine. "I got a trainer for the show. I got on a meal plan," he said. "I was a model, so I was a little skinnier. I had to put a little bit of [weight on]."

Kelly and his trainer began working out virtually. When Kelly moved back to New York City, they worked out in person at a Brooklyn gym. But when people started recognizing Kelly, they moved their training to the gym in Kelly's apartment building.

"[I worked out] every day or every two days," the Love Story star said. "It was a lot of lifting, chest, and back." He added, "I couldn't do a lot of cardio because I burn it off very quickly."

Despite his impressive transformation, Kelly remains modest. "I still don’t have an incredible physique," he said, "but the side-by-side photos of him and I are pretty darn close."