Why Dree Hemingway Wrote Daryl Hannah a Letter Before Playing Her in Ryan Murphy’s ‘Love Story’

Hollywood Reporter

by Chris Gardner

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Dree Hemingway gained attention for writing a heartfelt letter to Daryl Hannah before portraying her in Ryan Murphy’s *Love Story*, breaking Nina Jacobson’s rule of avoiding direct engagement with real-life figures. Hemingway explained she felt compelled to reach out due to her deep admiration for Hannah, both as an actress and as a woman, and because their mothers are friends. The letter was a gesture of appreciation, with no expectations of a response. The FX series *Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette* explores the iconic '90s power couple, featuring numerous real-life figures like the Kennedy family and Calvin Klein. While Jacobson’s approach focuses on research rather than personal interviews to avoid bias, Hemingway chose a different path. She described how playing Hannah was an honor and emphasized her respect for the role, even though she had never met Hannah in person. Hemingway shared her experience of watching herself portray Hannah on screen, noting that while she can be critical, she tries to view it as an art form. She acknowledged the challenges of stepping into such a well-known character but praised Ryan Murphy and Connor Hines for their thoughtful characterization. The show’s fictional take on the couple’s story allows creative freedom while capturing the mystique of the '90s era. The actress also reflected on her career, crediting Sean Baker’s *Starlet* as the unexpected turning point that launched her acting career. This sentiment highlights how meaningful connections and opportunities can shape an artist’s trajectory. Hemingway’s gesture to Hannah adds a personal touch to her performance, emphasizing respect for the craft and those who inspire. This story matters to entertainment readers because it showcases the human side of celebrity portrayals and the lengths actors go to pay homage to their inspirations. It also underscores the importance of authenticity and admiration in

Verticals

entertainmentfilm

Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/14/2026