Naomi Watts is heading back to the spotlight—this time, as one of America’s most iconic First Ladies.
In a dramatic transformation for an upcoming Ryan Murphy project, the Australian actress has taken on the role of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, affectionately known to many simply as Jackie O.
And fans just got their first glimpse.
A Legendary First Lady Brought Back to Screen
Jackie Kennedy’s life has fascinated audiences for decades, and it’s no surprise Hollywood keeps revisiting her story.
Over the years, several A-listers have portrayed the stylish and graceful First Lady—from Natalie Portman’s haunting turn in Jackie (2016), to Katie Holmes in the mini-series The Kennedys, and Minka Kelly in The Butler.
Others like Jaclyn Smith, Roma Downey, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Ginnifer Goodwin have all stepped into Jackie’s signature pillbox hat.
Now it’s Naomi Watts’ turn to bring her back to life.
Naomi Spotted in Full Jackie Glam on Set
At 56, Watts was seen this week filming in New York City, donning a chestnut brown wig and looking every bit the part.
She was in a park shooting a scene for American Love Story, Ryan Murphy’s latest entry in his American Story anthology series, which premieres in February 2026.
Watts isn’t going solo in this star-studded cast either.
Paul Kelly is playing Jackie’s son, the charming John F. Kennedy Jr., while Grace Gummer takes on the role of daughter Caroline Kennedy.
The scene captured the fictional family enjoying a day in the park alongside two child actresses portraying Caroline’s daughters, Rose and Tatiana.
A Love Story with a Tragic Ending
While Jackie O is a central figure, the real focus of American Love Story will be the whirlwind relationship between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—the couple whose fairy-tale image ended in tragedy with a plane crash in 1999.
Sarah Pidgeon, 29, portrays Carolyn, bringing to life a woman who fascinated the media and public.
Also appearing in the series is Dree Hemingway, granddaughter of literary icon Ernest Hemingway, who will play Daryl Hannah, JFK Jr.’s former girlfriend.
Watts Uses Her Spotlight to Talk Menopause and Confidence
Away from the set, Naomi Watts is also taking on a different kind of role—advocate for menopausal women.
Through her wellness brand Stripes Beauty, Watts has been vocal about the stigma and silence around menopause.
Her message is simple but powerful: don’t be ashamed, and don’t let aging make you feel invisible.
“Our experiences, our wisdom, our identity—all of that makes us even hotter,” she told People.
“Sure, we might be fanning ourselves with hot flashes, but we should still hold our heads high.”
Speaking Out on Her Own Menopause Journey
Naomi didn’t always feel this confident. She says going through early menopause left her feeling isolated and embarrassed.
“I didn’t even know how to talk about it with my mom or my friends,” she admitted.
“There’s been this outdated idea that women become irrelevant after a certain age.
But that’s not true—we’re so much more than our fertility.”
Aging Gracefully—and Powerfully—in Hollywood
For Watts, growing older hasn’t dimmed her shine—it’s made her bolder.
In an earlier interview with Good Housekeeping, she spoke about how aging has deepened her acting roles.
“The longer we live, the richer the stories we get to tell,” she said.
“We’ve lived through so much, and that brings a certain power and depth to the characters we play.”
From First Lady to Wellness Leader
As she channels one of the most admired women in American history, Naomi Watts is also rewriting the narrative for women everywhere.
Whether she’s wearing Jackie Kennedy’s signature style or leading candid conversations about aging, she’s proving that grace and strength never go out of style.