The Acclaimed Role Sarah Paulson Instantly Came to Regret
With a career full of iconic performances, it's hard to imagine Sarah Paulson disliking any of her work. Yet, the Emmy-winning star has admitted to hating one of her most popular roles, calling the experience a major letdown after a career high.
Sarah Paulson is regarded as one of the most talented actors in Hollywood, boasting a resume filled with memorable performances. Known for her deep commitment to every character she embodies, it was shocking when she confessed to despising one of her most well-known parts—a rare admission from an artist celebrated for her dedication.
A Complicated Partnership
The creative world of Ryan Murphy, a producer known for his over-the-top and dramatic style, has always sparked debate, earning both accolades and sharp criticism. While many find his storytelling methods to be in questionable taste, he consistently attracts top-tier talent. Among them, no one has been more prominent than Sarah Paulson. Their professional bond began with a minor role for Paulson in the drama *Nip/Tuck*, but she soon became Murphy’s go-to collaborator, appearing in numerous seasons of his anthology hit, *American Horror Story*.
Each season of the horror series featured a recycled cast, allowing Paulson to showcase her incredible range. She quickly became a fan favorite and a central figure in the Murphy creative universe, tackling a new, often bizarre, character year after year.
A Career-Defining Moment
Everything changed for Paulson when she was cast as prosecutor Marcia Clark in the Murphy-produced miniseries *American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson*. The show revisited the infamous trial that dominated the ‘90s, offering fresh perspectives on the key figures involved. Paulson’s portrayal of the lead prosecuting attorney was nothing short of brilliant, capturing the immense pressure and public scrutiny Clark faced. Her work earned her a Primetime Emmy Award, cementing her status as a powerhouse actor.
Playing a real person who had been unfairly treated by the media was a deeply rewarding experience for Paulson. It was an empowering moment that highlighted her ability to bring depth and humanity to complex stories. However, she would soon discover that not all acting jobs would feel so meaningful.
The Inevitable Letdown
Despite her loyalty to Murphy, Paulson found her return to *American Horror Story* for its sixth season, *Roanoke*, to be a deeply unsatisfying experience. The role came immediately after her triumph as Marcia Clark, and the contrast was stark. “I just don’t care about this season at all,” Paulson revealed in a roundtable interview with Scott Feinberg. “I know people will get mad at me for saying it... I was so underwhelmed by the whole experience.”
Her frustration is easy to understand. The show's quality had arguably been on a downward trend, and its habit of retconning its own history made it confusing for viewers. While her earlier appearances in *Murder House* and *Asylum* drew rave reviews, the reception for *Roanoke* was far more lukewarm.
Unwavering Loyalty
It says a lot about Paulson’s character that even with her open disinterest in that particular season, her allegiance to Murphy has never faltered. She continued to deliver stellar work in his projects. The following *AHS* installment, *Cult*, may not have been a critical darling, but Paulson once again shone in the third season of *American Crime Story*, titled *Impeachment*. Her transformation into the controversial figure Linda Tripp was both repulsive and masterfully executed.
Murphy’s productions continue to stir controversy, with his recent series *Monster* facing accusations of exploiting real tragedies. Through it all, Paulson remains a fixture in his creative family, with roles in *Feud: Bette and Joan* and *Ratched*. For better or worse, the dynamic duo seems destined to continue their collaboration.