Jessica Lange, the acclaimed two-time Oscar winner, has made it clear that she has no plans to return to the hit horror anthology series American Horror Story (AHS), despite its upcoming 13th season. Lange, who won critical acclaim and an Emmy for her iconic portrayal of Constance Langdon in the show’s first season, Murder House, and later earned another Emmy for her role in the third season, Coven, has been a fan favorite. However, when asked at the Dublin International Film Festival if she would reprise her role in the franchise, her response was blunt and unambiguous: “Oh, Christ, no.” She emphasized that she hasn’t been involved with the show for over a decade and has no interest in returning. Even when pressed further about the possibility of rejoining the cast, she simply said, “No,” and walked away, leaving little room for misinterpretation.
Lange’s decision comes as AHS co-creator Ryan Murphy has hinted at bringing back the original cast for Season 13, which has been speculated to be the show’s final season. Murphy recently revealed that he had a conversation with Sarah Paulson, another key figure in the AHS universe, who expressed enthusiasm about reuniting the original cast. Murphy has consistently expressed his love for the show and his desire to keep it alive, but it seems that Lange, at least, is not on board. Her definitive “no” suggests that she has moved on from the franchise and is focused on other projects.
Jessica Lange’s history with American Horror Story is undeniably significant. She first joined the series in its debut season, Murder House, in 2011, playing the unforgettable Constance Langdon, a complex and deeply flawed matriarch. Her performance earned her widespread critical praise and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie. She continued to impress audiences and critics alike in her subsequent roles in Coven (Season 3) and Freak Show (Season 4). Her performance in Coven as the Supreme witch Fiona Goode also earned her another Emmy, solidifying her status as one of the standout stars of the series. However, after Season 4, Lange stepped back from her role as a principal cast member, though she did make a brief return as Constance in Season 8, Apocalypse. Despite her reduced involvement, her legacy in the AHS universe remains unparalleled.
While Lange has distanced herself from American Horror Story, she continues to collaborate with Ryan Murphy on other projects. Both are known for their creative chemistry, which has led to memorable performances beyond AHS. For instance, Lange starred in Murphy’s Feud: Bette and Joan in 2017, where she played Joan Crawford opposite Susan Sarandon’s Bette Davis, and later appeared in his series The Politician in 2019. These collaborations highlight Lange’s enduring professional relationship with Murphy, even as she moves away from the horror anthology that helped redefine her career in her later years.
Beyond her work with Murphy, Lange’s career remains vibrant and dynamic. She has returned to her roots in theater, reprising her Tony Award-winning role as Mary Tyrone in the film adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s play Long Day’s Journey Into Night. The film premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival, where Lange’s recent comments about AHS were made public. Her performance as Mary Tyrone in the 2016 Broadway production of the play earned her a Tony Award, further cementing her reputation as a master of her craft. Lange’s ability to seamlessly transition between stage, screen, and television has made her one of the most respected actors of her generation.
In conclusion, Jessica Lange’s categorical refusal to return to American Horror Story marks a definitive chapter in her career. While she will always be remembered for her iconic roles in the series, she is clearly focused on new challenges and opportunities. Her continued collaboration with Ryan Murphy and her thriving career in film and theater demonstrate that she is far from slowing down. As American Horror Story prepares for what may be its final season, fans will undoubtedly miss Lange’s presence, but her legacy both on and off the show remains indelible. Lange’s journey as an artist continues to inspire, proving that even after decades in the spotlight, she remains a force to be reckoned with.
