Sarah Paulson Opens Up About Her Least Favourite Role

Sarah Paulson has built a reputation as one of the most versatile actors in the business, with a string of memorable performances under her belt. Despite the accolades and a loyal following, she’s been refreshingly honest about her feelings towards one particular project that didn’t quite hit the mark for her.

Ryan Murphy’s television creations have always sparked debate, with his over-the-top, dramatic approach dividing viewers and critics alike. Still, he’s managed to attract some top-notch talent, and Paulson has become a regular fixture in his productions. Their working relationship began with a minor role for Paulson in Nip/Tuck, but it was her recurring appearances in the anthology series American Horror Story that really cemented her status as Murphy’s go-to collaborator.

Breakthrough and Disappointment

Paulson’s career took a major turn when she was cast as Marcia Clark in the Murphy-produced miniseries American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson. The show revisited the infamous ‘trial of the century’, offering fresh insight into the people at its centre. Paulson’s portrayal of the lead prosecutor was widely praised, earning her a Primetime Emmy and plenty of recognition for bringing depth to a figure often misunderstood by the public.

But not every gig can be a winner. After the high of playing Marcia Clark, Paulson found herself back on the set of American Horror Story for the Roanoke season, and the experience left her cold. In a chat with Scott Feinberg, she didn’t mince words:

“I just don’t care about this season at all. I know people will get mad at me for saying it. To me, this was post-having played Marcia. It was what I went to do right after finishing Marcia and I was so underwhelmed by the whole experience.”

Challenges with Anthology Series

It’s not always a great look to criticise a show that’s given you so much work, but Paulson’s frustration is easy to understand. The anthology format of American Horror Story means actors return each season as entirely new characters, which can get confusing for punters and performers alike. On top of that, many reckon the show’s quality has been on the slide. While Paulson’s turns in Murder House and Asylum were met with rave reviews, Roanoke didn’t quite land the same way with audiences or critics.

Despite her misgivings, Paulson has stuck by Murphy, continuing to appear in his projects. Even when the next season, Cult, didn’t fare much better, she still managed to deliver a standout performance in the third season of American Crime Story, Impeachment, where she played Linda Tripp in the retelling of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.

Ongoing Collaboration and Controversy

Murphy’s shows haven’t stopped stirring the pot, with his latest anthology, Monster, copping criticism for its handling of true crime stories. Yet Paulson remains part of his creative circle, popping up in American Horror Story: Cult, Feud: Bette and Joan, and Ratched. For better or worse, it seems the pair are in it for the long haul.