Sarah Pidgeon reveals Love Story role left her with 'psoriasis all over' her body

'I get it on my chest, get it on my tummy. It’s really everywhere," she explained

Actress Sarah Pidgeon is opening up about the physical toll of transforming into Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy for Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, revealing that her wardrobe triggered a severe psoriasis flare-up during filming.

In a recent interview, Pidgeon shared that shooting in summer conditions while dressed in her character’s signature minimalist style caused an unexpected reaction. “I got a heat rash because it was like 90 degrees outside, and then that turned into psoriasis all over my body,” she said.

The actress explained that the condition spread widely, adding, “I get it on my chest, get it on my tummy. It’s really everywhere.”

Pidgeon, who portrays fashion icon Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in the Ryan Murphy series, said the flare-up was worsened by filming in Hyannis, Massachusetts, where she had to wear a cashmere turtleneck and jeans despite the intense heat.

The role also required a major physical transformation, including bleaching her naturally dark hair to match Bessette-Kennedy’s signature blonde look, something she noted can further aggravate her condition. She shared that managing psoriasis has become an ongoing process, saying it “comes in waves” and can be controlled but not cured.

Despite the challenges, Pidgeon remained committed to fully embodying the late fashion publicist, whose understated style has become central to the show’s aesthetic.

Love Story, which chronicles the relationship between John F Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, is currently available to stream.