Sarah Pidgeon Develops Psoriasis Trying Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Summer Style
Sarah Pidgeon says a costume choice on set led to an unexpected skin flare while filming Ryan Murphy’s FX series Love Story. The 29-year-old actress was shooting on location in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, when a heat rash developed into widespread psoriasis.
Heat and wardrobe cause flare-up
Pidgeon recalled wearing a cashmere turtleneck and jeans during the outdoor shoot. Temperatures reached about 90 degrees, which triggered a severe reaction. The rash spread to her chest and abdomen, and she said the condition waxes and wanes.
Previous struggles with scalp psoriasis
The actress has spoken earlier about scalp psoriasis in a 2024 interview with Into the Gloss. She warned that the condition can be aggravated by certain hair treatments.
Blonde transformation for the role
Changing her hair color to portray Carolyn Bessette Kennedy added complexity. Pidgeon went into auditions with long, dark brown hair. The full lightening process required careful handling because of her skin sensitivity.
Colorist details and technique
Kari Hill, a celebrity colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador, shared technical details in a March interview with Filmogaz.com. The initial session alone took more than 20 hours. Hill employed a precision foiling method she calls “Foiled Cashmere.”
She used Schwarzkopf Professional BLONDME® 9+ Premium Lightener. The product allowed very fine, controlled sections in foils. Hill said this method builds refined contrast without harsh lines.
Pidgeon on covering and coping
Pidgeon noted that the condition can be managed cosmetically when needed. She emphasized that flares come in waves and can often be concealed for shoots.
- Actress: Sarah Pidgeon, 29 years old.
- Role: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in Love Story (Ryan Murphy, FX).
- Location: Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
- Trigger: Cashmere turtleneck in roughly 90°F heat.
- Result: Heat rash that developed into widespread psoriasis.
- Hair work: Dark-to-blonde transformation exceeding 20 hours.
- Colorist: Kari Hill; technique: “Foiled Cashmere”; product: BLONDME® 9+.
While taking on period fashion, Pidgeon found the wardrobe choices taxing on her skin. Her experience highlights how styling decisions can affect actors physically during production.
