Imagine stepping into the shoes of an iconic figure, only to find that the experience transforms you in ways you never anticipated. That’s exactly what happened to Sarah Pidgeon when she took on the role of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in Ryan Murphy’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. As the world reignites its fascination with Bessette-Kennedy this year—thanks in part to Rhode founder Hailey Bieber spotlighting Pidgeon as the new face of her brand—it’s clear this portrayal has left an indelible mark on the actress. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Pidgeon’s journey goes far beyond the screen, blending fashion, identity, and the delicate dance between public and private life.
‘Playing Carolyn has been life-changing,’ Pidgeon shares during our phone call, her voice still buzzing from the SAG Awards red carpet. Yet, amidst the glamour, she’s quick to highlight a profound lesson she gleaned from embodying Bessette-Kennedy. ‘There’s a powerful distinction between who you are and how you’re perceived,’ she explains. ‘Carolyn’s relationship with her public image taught me how fashion can become a form of storytelling.’ It’s a lesson that’s reshaped not just her acting, but her entire perspective on self-expression.
Beauty, of course, plays a starring role in this narrative. Long before her blonde transformation, I first saw Pidgeon in the Tony Award-winning play Stereophonic, where she played a brunette singer-songwriter named Diana. Fast forward to today, and her whirlwind metamorphosis into Bessette-Kennedy involved countless bleaching sessions and a complete shift in her personal style. ‘Seeing myself as a blonde was as shocking as the first time I saw myself as a brunette,’ she admits. ‘But it feels like the start of a new chapter—even my clothes feel different now. I’m drawn to colors I never would’ve considered before.’
And this is the part most people miss: Pidgeon’s evolution isn’t just about hair color. It’s about how external changes can spark internal shifts. Take her newfound love for pink, for instance. ‘As a brunette, I had this weird aversion to pink,’ she laughs. ‘Now? I’m all in.’ Case in point: the night before our chat, she stunned in a pastel pink Balenciaga dress at the SAG Awards. ‘There’s this stereotype of blondes and pink, but I’ve embraced it in my own way—especially with products like blush, which just feels so fresh.’
Her Rhode campaign is a testament to this transformation, showcasing two new Pocket Blush shades—raspberry pink Teacup and warm red Candy Apple—alongside Peptide Lip Treatments in pearly pink Sweet Pea and mauve Pretzel. But here’s the controversial twist: These shades weren’t just picked by Bieber’s team—they were crowdsourced from Rhode’s most loyal fans. Is this the future of beauty branding, or a risky move? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Pidgeon’s reflection on blush takes an unexpectedly philosophical turn. ‘What makes me blush isn’t makeup—it’s when someone truly sees me,’ she muses. ‘When they cut through the performance we all put on for the world.’ Yet, she admits, mastering that vulnerability in her craft remains a challenge. ‘Summoning a genuine blush? I’m still working on that,’ she laughs. ‘Until then, I’ll stick to Pocket Blush.’
As Rhode’s new phone cases and products drop on March 9, it’s clear Pidgeon’s journey is just beginning. But here’s the question I can’t shake: Can stepping into someone else’s story ever truly change who you are? Pidgeon’s answer is a resounding yes. Now, I want to hear from you—do you think external transformations can reshape your identity? Or is it all just surface-level? Let’s debate it below.
