Paul Anthony Kelly is living proof that lightning can strike twice.

First with Love Story: F. Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, then with a stunning GQ Hype feature that captures him right in the middle of his breakout moment. The actor behind JFK Jr. opens up about the insane crash course he took to embody one of America’s most iconic figures, and it’s the kind of behind-the-scenes story that makes you appreciate the grind even more.

“I was kind of thrust into this position with no time to think about anything else,” he admits to the outlet. With just three weeks to prep, he dove headfirst into Kennedy mode: working nonstop with a dialect coach and acting coach, devouring back issues of the political glossy JFK Jr. co-founded, and looping the Profiles in Courage audiobook (written by JFK Sr., narrated by his son) on repeat.

The physical transformation was its own beast. “Kennedy’s physicality was another challenge,” he shares. “I had to beef up a little bit, which was great. I was model size before, so I had to go from a 38 US size/48 European to then like a 52 — that’s two sizes. Pretty big jump in three weeks, but we did it.” Talk about commitment! From runway frame to Camelot shoulders in record time.

“As soon as I got cast, I hit the books as much as I could — in typical John Jr. fashion as well, a cram session,” he adds with a laugh, the outlet shared. That relentless prep paid off, turning a relative newcomer into a dead ringer for the effortlessly cool magazine publisher and eternal ’90s heartthrob.

The GQ Hype spread finds Paul channeling that same Kennedy ease; think light-washed denim, crisp white shirts, and peak-lapel blazers that nod to JFK Jr.’s blend of prep polish and New York rebellion. It’s method dressing at its finest, blurring the line between character and canvas in a way that feels authentic rather than costumey.

From model to leading man, Paul Anthony Kelly’s rocket ride shows no signs of slowing. If this is what he pulls off in three weeks, just imagine what he does with a full runway.