The world has seen countless sensational stars rise to fame throughout the years. Each possessing a unique talent that shines through any role they take on. Sarah Paulson is one of those stars. Since joining the cast of American Horror Story in 2011, this talented actress has made a name for herself as one of the most versatile stars of her generation.
Sarah is a huge supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, and her multi-faceted talent, advocacy, and stunning on-screen performances has brought her fans from around the world. From riveting courtroom drama to groundbreaking roles in American Horror Story, Sarah Paulson has proved that she can take on any role she chooses and wow her fans. Let’s take a closer look at all the reasons why Sarah is one of the greats of her generation.
Early Life and Career
Sarah Paulson was born in the year 1974 in Tampa, Florida to a family of actors, her mother being one of the first directors and administrators of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Acting was in Sarah’s blood right from the start and she enrolled in the American Academy to pursue her talent as a young woman. After appearing in various plays and musicals, she was discovered and earned bit roles on several television shows, including Law & Order and American Gothic.
Sarah soon started doing more independent films, including Levitation and What Women Want, leading her to the premiere of Martha Marcy May Marlene in 2011. This earned Sarah a lot of critical acclaim, and soon she was winning accolades for her work. She had already achieved successful roles on television shows, such as Studio 60, Nip/Tuck, Jack & Jill, and Deadwood, but none were quite as memorable as her role as Lana Winters in American Horror Story.
Breakthrough with American Horror Story
Sarah’s role on American Horror Story earned her widespread recognition, and her performance as Lana Winters earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. This television show gave her the opportunity to showcase her range and acting talents, as she was cast in several highly different and challenging roles throughout the course of the several seasons. Her heart-wrenching and captivating performances only solidified her place as a industry veteran who isn’t afraid to take risks.
Sarah Paulson: From Big-Budget Blockbusters to Off-Broadway Plays
Sarah is no stranger to big budget blockbusters, having starred in the Academy Award-winning film, 12 Years a Slave opposite Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt. She graced the small screen again with her portrayal of William H. Macy and Julianne Moore’s daughter in the television series American Crime, for which she was nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Movie/Miniseries.
Sarah not only excels in big-budget productions, but she also makes waves on the stage. She earned a lot of praise for her performance in the off-Broadway play, Talley’s Folly, in which she starred opposite Ron Leibman. She has appeared in other productions, such as Love, Loss, and What I Wore, The Glass Menagerie, All My Sons and The Substance of Fire.
Creating Powerful LGBTQ+ Roles
Sarah is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and recently appeared in the series Ratched, based off the character of Nurse Ratched from the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. She was also a part of the ensemble cast in Love, Simone, a Netflix biopic of singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone. But Sarah’s most memorable and sensational LGBTQ+ role was playing the real-life character of Sarah Weinberg in the series, The People v. O.J. Simpson. Sarah won an Emmy Award for this role and used this platform to express her support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Other Distinguished Roles
Sarah Paulson’s talent is something to be celebrated, and her years of experience in the industry have indeed paid off. Some of her other notable roles include her turn as Gia Goodman in Veronica Mars, Samantha in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and nurse Miranda Bailey in Scandal. She also starred alongside Octavia Spencer and Emma Stone in Ryan Murphy’s off-beat anthology mini-series, Feud: Bette and Joan.
Award-winning Actress
Sarah Paulson has had a remarkable journey in the industry, achieving incredible feats due to her versatile talent and knack for taking on challenging roles. Her awards cabinet is full of plaques for multiple awards and nominations, including the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture or Miniseries for her work in 12 Years a Slave and an Emmy Award for her performance as Marcia Clark in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
Supporting Generational Causes
Sarah has shown tremendous support for generational causes, speaking out against hate and intolerance. In 2020, she took part in the Fight Prop 22 campaign to oppose a California ballot measure that could potentially strip employees of basic protections. Sarah is also a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ and human rights, utilizing her platform to express her support for these causes.
Sarah Paulson: The Versatile Actress Who Always Delivers
Sarah Paulson is a multiple award-winning actress who has been making waves due to her remarkable talent and advocacy for various causes. She rose to worldwide fame for her recurring roles in the critically acclaimed anthology series American Horror Story, and also received widespread recognition for her performances in shows such as The People v. O.J. Simpson and 12 Years a Slave. An avid advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Sarah’s mesmerizing performance in Ratched and powerful stance on social activism is a testament to why she is one of the most talented stars of her generation. Sarah Paulson is indeed the versatile actress who always delivers, and we can’t wait to see what stunning performances she gives us next!