Michael Bergin's Journey from Modelling to Real Estate After Carolyn Bessette Romance
The new Disney+ series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette has sparked renewed interest in the lives of those connected to the iconic couple. Among them is Michael Bergin, a model who dated Bessette before her marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr. This article delves into Bergin's career, his controversial claims, and his current whereabouts, providing a comprehensive look at his life beyond the spotlight.
Who Is Michael Bergin and What Happened to Him?
Michael Bergin began his career as a model, famously stepping into a major Calvin Klein campaign as a replacement for Mark Wahlberg. According to the series Love Story, it was Carolyn Bessette, who was working as a publicist for Calvin Klein at the time, who recommended Bergin for the role. This high-profile opportunity catapulted him into international fame, leading to runway shows and advertisements for top brands.
Bergin later transitioned into acting, with his most notable role being J.D. Darius on the television series Baywatch. He joined the show in its ninth season and remained a cast member until 2003. In 2024, he appeared in the Hulu documentary After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, reflecting on his time in the entertainment industry.
Controversial Claims and Memoir
Years after his relationship with Bessette, Bergin stirred controversy with his memoir, The Other Man: A Love Story. In the book, he alleged that he had an affair with Bessette while she was married to JFK Jr. Promoting the memoir on CNN, Bergin stated, "I just wanted closure ... I’m the only one left in this, like, love triangle still living, and I want to just move on with my life, with my kids, with my fiancée, and get on with my life. And I wanted John and Carolyn to just finally rest in peace, and I wanted their families to stop hurting."
However, Elizabeth Beller's book, Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, which serves as inspiration for the Disney+ series, includes accounts from Bessette's friends refuting these claims. This discrepancy adds a layer of intrigue to Bergin's narrative.
Personal Life and Current Endeavours
Bergin married makeup artist Joy Tilk in 2004, and they have been together for over two decades, raising two children. His son is a minor league baseball player, while his daughter has followed in his footsteps as a model. According to IMDb, Bergin's last acting credit was in 2021.
Today, Michael Bergin has shifted careers entirely, working as a real estate agent based in Beverly Hills. He actively updates his social media profiles with property listings he represents and shares glimpses into his home life. This new chapter marks a significant departure from his earlier days in modelling and acting.
Series Inspiration and Availability
Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette is now streaming on Disney+, with the first three episodes released. Created by Colin Hines and part of Ryan Murphy's anthology series, it draws from Beller's book to explore the relationship between JFK Jr. and Bessette, while also touching on their past romances, including Bergin's role in Bessette's life.
