Ryan Murphy’s Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans The most anticipated TV event of the year — at least for those who like their television scandals served with a side of glamour — is the highly awaited retelling of disasters in Truman Capote’s grandiose little black book of Socialites. Inspired by Laurence Leamer’s Capote’s Women:
A True Story of Love, Betrayal and a Swan Song for an Era, the series features an all-star cast of Hollywood heavyweights. From Naomi Watts to Tom Hollander, each actor captures a real-life figure with precision and style.
Here’s everything you need to know about the cast and the characters they portray.
Table of Contents
Tom Hollander as Truman Capote
Image Source: Vanity Fair
Who: Tom Hollander (The White Lotus, Pride & Prejudice) stars as Truman Capote. Hollander’s portrayal covers Capote’s ascendance to literary genius, followed by his steep descent into decline after he published La Côte Basque, 1965, a chapter from his unpublished novel Answered Prayers.
The chapter unveiled the scandalous secrets of his closest friends, ultimately leading to his ostracization from the upper crust. Hollander’s performance is the through-line, a master class in transformation as he embodies Capote’s wit, charm, and eventual self-destruction.
Naomi Watts as Babe Paley
Image Source: FX Networks
Naomi Watts is Babe Paley, the height of elegance and grace. Babe, the former Vogue editor and wife of CBS founder William S. Paley, was one of Capote’s closest coteries. But her friendship with the author ended savagely after La Côte Basque 1965 exposed her husband’s infidelities. Watts imbues the role with depth, playing the poise and heartbreak of Babe with nuance.
Chloë Sevigny as C. Z. Guest
Image Source: FX Networks
The model and the actress Chloë Sevigny — perhaps New York’s lasting It-girl — plays C. Z. Guest, a muse of sorts to Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí and others. C. Z., who was known for her independent spirit and good taste, was one of the few socialites who stood by Capote after the scandal hit. Sevigny’s performance encapsulates the character’s radiance and fierce loyalty.
Calista Flockhart as Lee Radziwill
Image Source: FX Networks
Lee Radziwill, younger sister of Jackie Kennedy, is played by Calista Flockhart, who’s probably best known for Ally McBeal. Lee’s relationship with Capote is complicated. However, she defended him after the publication of La Côte Basque in 1965, and the two ultimately drifted apart as a result of his alcoholism. Flockhart’s performance showcases Lee’s sophistication and inner conflict.
Diane Lane as Slim Keith
Image Source: FX Networks
The Oscar-nominated actress Diane Lane plays Slim Keith, the glamorous cover girl and socialite who brought Lauren Bacall to Hollywood. Slim’s friendship with Capote is over when he uses her as inspiration for a gossipy character in La Côte Basque, 1965. Lane’s performance embodies Slim’s grace and later heartache at the betrayal.
Molly Ringwald as Joanne Carson
Image Source: FX Networks
The ’80s screen legend Molly Ringwald plays Joanne Carson, the talk show host and ex-wife of The Tonight Show presenter Johnny Carson. Joanne stayed a close friend of Capote’s despite his fall from grace, and it was at her home that he passed his last days. Ringwald’s performance is tender and poignant.
Demi Moore as Ann Woodward
Image Source: FX Networks
Demi Moore stars as Ann Woodward, a controversial person who shot and killed her husband, the banking heir William Woodward Jr., in 1955. The publication in 1973 of Capote’s La Côte Basque in 1965 reinvigorated interest in her story and ultimately triggered her tragic suicide. Moore’s performance is haunting and emotionally intense.
Treat Williams as William S. Paley
Image Source: GoldDerby
Treat Williams (his final TV role) portrays William S. Paley, the media mogul and husband of Babe Paley. Williams’ demand captures Paley’s charm and his tizzy over his complex relationship with Capote.
Chris Chalk as James Baldwin
Image Source: Vulture
James Baldwin, the novelist, is embodied by Chris Chalk, a contemporary of Capote. Capote often spoke derisively of Baldwin’s writing, making their relationship fraught. Chalk’s performance is visceral, challenging , and poignant.
Ella Beatty as Kerry O’Shea
Image Source: Deadline
Ella Beatty, daughter of Annette Bening and Warren Beatty, makes her screen debut as Kerry O’Shea, the daughter of Capote’s lover at the time, John O’Shea. Kerry’s relationship with Capote is both supportive and complicated, and Beatty’s performance balances her youthful innocence and her strength as they ebb and flow.
Russell Tovey as John O’Shea
Image Source: FX Networks
Russell Tovey plays Capote’s lover, John O’Shea, and Kerry’s father. Tovey’s star turn brings to life the complicated nature of John’s relationship with Capote and his family.
Conclusion
Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans is brilliant, an excavation of love and betrayal and the high price of fame. The series will be a gripping and emotional exploration into the lives of some of 20th-century history’s most interesting characters; with a cast of this caliber, it can accomplish this.
FAQ
Q: Who is Truman Capote in Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans?
A: The series centers around Truman Capote, played by Tom Hollander. He was a famed author whose friends shunned him when his work La Côte Basque was published in 1965.
Q: Who portrays Babe Paley on the show?
A: The actress Naomi Watts portrays Babe Paley, the elegant socialite and former Vogue editor who was among Capote’s closest friends before their fallout.
Q: What is the artist La Côte Basque, 1965?
A: It is a passage from Truman Capote’s unfinished novel Answered Prayers, which laid bare the scandalous secrets of his socialite friends and thus led to the writer’s downfall.
Q: Who are the “swans” in the series?
A: The “swans” are Capote’s glamorous crowd of socialite friends — Babe Paley, C. Z. Guest, Lee Radziwill, Slim Keith, and Ann Woodward.
Q: When does Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans premiere?
A: The series aired on FX in 2024 and is streaming on different platforms.
Q: Is Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans, based on a true story?
A: Yes, the series is based on Laurence Leamer’s book “Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal and a Swan Song for an Era.”
Q: Who is the director of Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans?
A: The series is directed by Gus Van Sant, among others, and produced by Ryan Murphy.
Q: Which awards has the series been nominated for?
A: The series has earned Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor (Tom Hollander), directing, casting, costumes, hair styling and makeup.
Q: Where can I stream Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans?
A: It’s on FX, and it’s streaming on Hulu, among other apps.
Q: Who portrays Ann Woodward in the series?
A: Demi Moore plays Ann Woodward, the controversial socialite whose story was reignited by Capote’s La Côte Basque in 1965.
Get ready to take a trip back to history with Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans is an essential viewing tool for aficionados of historical drama and true crime. Don’t miss this eye-opening exploration of one of the most scandalous sagas in literary and social history.
