Celebrating JFK Jr.: Look-Alike Contests in NYC and DC

In March 2026, two cities—New York City and Washington, D.C.—hosted look-alike contests celebrating John F. Kennedy Jr., inspired by renewed interest in his life and legacy due to the FX series "Love Story," which chronicles his relationship with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. These events attracted large crowds and highlighted the cultural fascination with the late public figure.

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On March 8, 2026, Washington Square Park in NYC became the venue for the first-ever JFK Jr. look-alike contest, drawing hundreds of spectators. Participants showcased their best impressions of JFK Jr., with Stamford, Connecticut-native Julian DeVincentis ultimately crowned the winner. DeVincentis, dressed in a sporty outfit reminiscent of JFK Jr.'s style, rollerbladed around the park, winning over the crowd and earning a $250 cash prize. He expressed surprise at his victory, noting that he initially thought he would place lower in the competition.

New York Post

Simultaneously, D.C. hosted its own contest at Barrel House Cafe and Bar, which had garnered nearly 900 RSVPs by the morning of the event. Contestants were encouraged to channel JFK Jr.'s iconic style, with many participants and spectators dressing in outfits inspired by him and Bessette-Kennedy. Matthew Orgera was named the winner of the D.C. contest, sharing that he had entered at the encouragement of friends. Organizers noted that the fascination with JFK Jr. stems from both his public persona and the romanticized narrative presented in the Hulu series.

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The resurgence of interest in JFK Jr. and Bessette-Kennedy has sparked a fashion renaissance among younger generations. Contestants like 19-year-old Jack Silane cited JFK Jr. as a style inspiration, emphasizing the importance of dressing well. Many participants and spectators expressed admiration for the couple, viewing them as cultural icons whose legacy continues to resonate.

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Lucy Nuñez, a co-organizer of the D.C. contest, remarked, “I think it’s because people really love the legacy of JFK Jr. He’s not only handsome, but he represents so many different things about masculinity that I think women long for.” This sentiment was echoed by Orgera, who acknowledged the renewed attention on the couple, stating, “They lived pretty private lives and ended in a tragic way... it’s bringing them back to cultural relevance.”

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While the contests were largely celebrated, some participants expressed discomfort with the attention they received, noting the overwhelming crowd of admirers. Enir Radoncic, who was unable to officially enter the NYC contest due to scheduling conflicts, described the situation as “funny and a bit awkward,” highlighting the mixed feelings surrounding the events.

New York Post

As look-alike contests continue to gain popularity across the U.S., it remains to be seen how these events will evolve and whether they will inspire further cultural discussions about the Kennedy legacy. The ongoing interest in JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy suggests that their story will remain relevant in American pop culture for the foreseeable future.

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