<p>With 32 years of experience under her belt, you've definitely come across the American actress.</p>

<p>If you thought Sarah Paulson was slowing down anytime soon, think again. Easily one of the most well-known faces of modern TV &amp; Film, the 51-year-old actress is gearing up for an action-packed lineup of projects that continue her seasoned track record. Whether it be a return to Broadway through "Small Mouth Sounds" or a chilling sensation with thriller <em>Closing Night</em>, Paulson is here to stay for the long run.</p>
<p>The Florida-born, East Coast-raised actress kicked off her career on Broadway in 1994. Her first stint as Tessin in Wendy Wasserstein's play "The Sisters Rosensweig" allowed her to appear in the play "Talking Pictures" and an episode of Law &amp; Order. Ever since then, Paulson has cemented herself as a talent for many generations in a variety of ways, storylines, and characters.</p>
<p>In preparation for what is to be an iconic takeover on and off the silver screen, explore some of the actress's most remarkable performances and roles in her career.</p>

<h2>Lana Winters in <em>American Horror Story: Asylum</em></h2>

Sarah Paulson in American Horror Story: Asylum. Courtesy of Fox.

<p>With credits in shows such as <em>American Gothic</em>, <em>Leap of Faith</em>, and <em>Cupid</em>, it'd only make sense that Paulson joined the American Horror Story universe. Even though she appeared in the show's Murder House season for only three episodes, the following season would welcome her as a main character. Paulson plays journalist Lana Winters, a journalist who was admitted to the asylum due to her lesbian identity. Towards the end of the season, the professional is out and proud and talks about her experience at the facility.</p>

<h2>Mary Epps in&nbsp;<em>12</em> <em>Years</em> <em>a Slave</em></h2>

Sarah Paulson in 12 Years a Slave. Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures.

<p>Just like the television realm, the actress had her fair share of credits across film. However, when she joined Steve McQueen's <em>12 Years a Slave</em>, her career would significantly change. Playing slave master Edwin Epps' wife, Mary, Paulson embodied the twisted individual who enjoyed seeing others getting whipped. From not offering soap to Patsey (Lupita Nyong'o) to being jealous that her husband is interested in the same woman, Mary is full of rage, racism, and hatred.</p>

<h2>Cordelia Goode in <em>American Horror Story: Coven</em></h2>

Sarah Paulson in American Horror Story: Coven. Courtesy of Michele K. Short/FX.

<p>After the massive success of the previous season, Paulson, alongside others, came for another season of the show. This time, <em>Coven</em> focuses on watches from Salem fighting for survival in New Orleans in 2013. Cordelia Goode, also known as Cordelia Foxx, is a witch who serves as the headmistress of Miss Robichaux's Academy. Throughout the season, magic, witchery, and attempts to start a family define Cordelia's journey.</p>

<h2>Bette and Dot Tattler in <em>American Horror Story: Freak Season</em></h2>

Sarah Paulson in American Horror Story: Freak Show. Courtesy of FX.

<p>For its fourth installment, <em>American Horror Story</em> took its cast to 1952 Jupiter, Florida, where the <em>Freak Show</em> was highlighted. Set in Jupiter, Florida, in 1952, the plot follows people who work in one of the last remaining freak shows in the United States, struggling to survive. For Paulson, she played two roles: Conjoined twins Bette and Dot Tattler. Once the sisters were made aware locally after their mother was murdered, they joined the <em>Freak Show</em> and became important characters during the 13-episode spectacle.</p>

<h2>Marcia Clark in <em>The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story</em></h2>

Sarah Paulson in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Courtesy of FX.

<p>Although Paulson was still strong in her work in American Horror Story, she took on one of the most daunting parts of the 2010s: Marcia Clark in <em>The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story</em>. Not only did the actress play the lead prosecutor in the infamous trial, but delivered a performance that was approved by Clark herself. As the author and television correspondent said, it was "phenomenal."</p>

<h2>Tammy in&nbsp;<em>Ocean's 8</em></h2>

OCEAN'S 8 - Official Main Trailer

<p>For those who love a fashionable heist, look no further than <em>Ocean's 8</em>. Stars like Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, and Rihanna joined Paulson in Steven Soderbergh's <em>Ocean's</em> trilogy spin-off. In the 2018 film, the actress plays Tammy, a suburban mother who fences stolen goods. After getting a temporary gig at <em>Vogue</em>, she learns about an exclusive event's guest list, "discovers" the replica Cartier necklace during said occasion, and walks away free from arrest. Afterwards, she builds on her fencing operation.</p>

<h2>Nurse Mildred Ratched in <em>Ratched</em></h2>

Ratched | Official Trailer | Netflix

<p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, many looked towards the past to explore concepts that are now deemed upsetting. Creator Evan Romansky, developer Murphy, and executive producer Paulson joined that conversation through <em>Ratched</em>, a Netflix-backed psychological thriller TV series. Starring as Nurse Mildred Ratched, the actress dipped her toes back into what she does best, all the while allowing the characters' intentions to break her murderer brother Edmund out of the hospital to shine throughout the season.</p>

<h2>Carrington "Carr" Lane in&nbsp;<em>All's Fair</em></h2>

All's Fair Season 2 | Official Trailer | Hulu

<p>Further extending her experience as an actress and executive producer, Paulson joined Murphy's <em>All's Fair</em>, an American legal drama that explores the lives of many women divorce attorneys. Paulson plays Carrington "Carr" Lane, a bitter girl boss who loves to be snarky, hateful, and fashionable all at the same time. Currently, the show's second season is set to premiere on November 4 exclusively on Hulu.</p>

<h2>Aileen Wournos in <em>Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story</em></h2>

MONSTER: The Lizzie Borden Story | Official Trailer | Netflix

<p>To continue its crime drama series <em>Monster</em>, Netflix picked up the show for a fourth season. This time around, the central focus is on the infamous Lizzie Borden case, which is still considered unsolved today. As a recurring character, serial killer Aileen Wuornos had a fascination with the Borden case. Expressing her interest in the murders, she eventually commits her own murders and is executed later down the line. Once again, Paulson does an incredible job of bringing the thrills of individuals like Wuornos to life.</p>

<h2>Cordelia Goode, Sally McKenna, Ms. Wilhemina Venable, Tuberculosis Karen, and Mamie Eisenhower in <em>American Horror Story </em>S13</h2>

American Horror Story: 13 | Official Trailer | FX

<p>As said by Dorothy in <em>The Wizard of Oz</em>, "There's no place like home." For its 13th season, <em>American Horror Story</em> is in New York City and features characters from past installments. Regular actors like Emma Roberts, Kathy Bates, and Jessica Lange returned to play their previous roles. However, Paulson took on five roles spanning <em>Apocalypse</em>, <em>Hotel</em>, <em>Death Valley</em>, and <em>Red Tide</em>. The season finale of <em>American Horror Story 13</em> is scheduled to air on Wednesday, October 29, exclusively on FX and Hulu.</p>

Sarah Paulson's Most Iconic Roles

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