As a connoisseur of the small screen, I must confess that these three illustrious actors – Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, and Sarah Paulson – have left me utterly spellbound with their captivating performances within the enchanting universe of Ryan Murphy’s creations.
Known for his dominance in captivating television series, Ryan Murphy has earned a solid reputation for creating shows that are both enthralling and daringly provocative. Ranging from Nip/Tuck and Glee to American Horror Story and Pose, this masterful showrunner demonstrates time and again his willingness to illuminate the darkest, most unusual facets of human psyche.
Instead of relying solely on up-and-coming talent like many other showrunners, Murphy frequently collaborates with well-known stars to elevate his productions to greater success, both in terms of public appeal and critical recognition. This method has resulted in a tight-knit group of actors whom he trusts implicitly and enjoys working with repeatedly.
The captivating skills, understated finesse, and flamboyant style displayed by these performers significantly enhance Ryan Murphy’s creative endeavors, transforming tales into masterpieces. They seamlessly embody roles as if they were a second skin, showing no fear in venturing into risky territories when the story necessitates it. This ranking highlights Ryan Murphy’s most reliable on-screen partners, evaluated based on their artistic prowess and unwavering commitment to their craft.
12 Leslie Grossman
For over a decade now, Leslie Grossman has been among the busiest stars in Ryan Murphy’s television universe. Her first major role on television and on a Murphy production was as the hilariously cunning Mary Cherry in Popular, which ran from 1999 to 2001. Years later, she returned for minor roles in American Horror Story’s several seasons, including Cult, where she played the manipulative Meadow Wilton.
Grossman’s adaptability and impeccable comic timing have significantly influenced television, making her characters endearing to fans. She seems to embody even the most exaggerated roles flawlessly, revealing depth by understanding what’s not explicitly stated. Grossman shone in her exceptional portrayals of Coco St. Pierre Vanderbilt in ‘Apocalypse’ and Margaret Booth in ‘1984’.
11 Finn Wittrock
I’ve always been captivated by the versatility of Finn Wittrock, who graced five seasons of American Horror Story with his exceptional acting skills. He seamlessly slipped into each of his unhinged characters, from a ravenous cannibal to an ardent fan of the murder-clown, from a striking male model to the vampiric reincarnation of Rudolph Valentino – all under the creative direction of Ryan Murphy. It all began with his chilling and seductive portrayal of Dandy Mott in Freak Show, a role that not only showcased his talent but also earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination.
Besides his exceptional performance on American Horror Story, Wittrock also excelled in other shows created by Ryan Murphy, particularly Ratched and The Normal Heart. In Ratched, he portrayed a character named Edmund Tolleson with depth and emotional resonance, while in The Normal Heart, he delved into the early days of the AIDS crisis.
10 Matt Bomer
Prior to gaining Ryan Murphy’s frequent favor, Matt Bomer gained prominence portraying the character Neal Caffrey, a con artist, in the series “White Collar”. Following his success in this police procedural, the actor expanded his repertoire and took on a wider variety of roles across both film and television. Bomer first collaborated with Murphy in the show “Glee”, where he appeared as Cooper Anderson, Blaine’s elder brother in season three. He also featured in “The New Normal” as an acting professional.
However, with Bomer’s knack for captivating and attention-grabbing roles within the Murphyverse, we find him in the series “American Horror Story,” specifically in “Freak Show” and “Hotel.” In the former, he portrayed Andy, a male escort, and in the latter, he took on the role of Donovan, embroiled in a perilous net of love and desire alongside Lady Gaga’s character.
9 Emma Roberts
Emma Roberts has solidified her role as a mainstay within Ryan Murphy’s imaginative realm, captivating audiences with her magnetic screen persona and vivacious energy. She initially left an indelible impression in the witty blend of horror and comedy, Scream Queens, where she portrayed Chanel Oberlin – a ruthless, pampered sorority leader from Kappa Kappa Tau.
On the TV series American Horror Story, she featured in five intriguing and humorous episodes spread across Coven, Apocalypse, Freak Show, and 1984. In American Horror Story: Cult, Roberts made a brief one-episode appearance, yet it significantly enhanced the production’s quality. Her captivating performances left an indelible impression, ensuring we recall her as the woman responsible for the chills.
8 Patti LuPone
As an integral part of the acting world, Patti LuPone is a revered figure, known for her impact both on stage and screen. She found a nurturing environment within Murphy’s television realm, beginning with their collaboration on ‘American Horror Story: Coven’, where she portrayed the deeply religious and imposing character of Joan Ramsey. Subsequently, LuPone also made significant strides in New York City’s acting scene.
In addition to appearing on FX’s show, the versatile and seasoned performer additionally landed a role in Pose as Frederica Norman, a wealthy and cunning real estate tycoon. However, her portrayal of Avis Amberg, a powerful studio executive who pioneered industry change, in Hollywood (2020) was particularly gratifying because it allowed her to showcase both her fierce spirit and compassion.
7 Darren Criss
It’s hard not to be fond of Darren Criss, who first captured our hearts as a character on Ryan Murphy’s tribute to artistic education, “Glee.” Over the years, he has become a familiar face within Murphy’s circle of work. Following his breakout role showcasing his vocal prowess as an acapella singer in “Glee,” Criss took on the chilling role of serial killer Andrew Cunanan in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.” His captivating portrayal of insanity earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series.
Afterwards, Criss solidified his grasp on Murphy’s challenging roles by making an appearance in Hollywood, portraying a driven director entangled in a complicated industry. Criss is one of those exceptional artists who can effortlessly soften your heart with melodies and then instill chills with his intense performances. He fully immerses himself in every character he plays, which is what makes him both Murphy’s preferred choice (and the audience’s favorite).
6 Dylan McDermott
Dylan McDermott is another actor who has graced numerous productions by Ryan Murphy, with their professional relationship dating back quite some time. This is due to McDermott’s role as one of the founding cast members in American Horror Story and Murphy’s go-to leading man. In Murder House, McDermott delivered a compelling portrayal of a therapist with a troubled past, while in Asylum he brought to life the patriarch of a dysfunctional family. These performances not only solidified McDermott as an integral part of American Horror Story but also encapsulated the essence of what the series represents.
Lately, he played Ernie West, a gas station owner secretly involved in a profitable venture, in Hollywood, and also appeared in The Politician. Like others, McDermott skillfully immerses himself into Murphy’s troubled characters, both heroes and anti-heroes. He masterfully showcases vulnerability and turmoil to keep viewers captivated on any device he graces, showcasing his dedication to the art.
5 Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett is recognized for adding grace and accuracy to every character she portrays, and she has given some of the most impactful performances during her partnership with Ryan Murphy. Moreover, she has made a splash at the big screen in movies that carry significant cultural weight. In 2013, Bassett ventured into horror by debuting as Marie Laveau, the powerful voodoo queen, in American Horror Story: Coven. She truly stole the show with her commanding presence. Later, she reprised this role in Apocalypse in 2019.
In addition to contributing to Murphy’s series 9-1-1 and its offshoot, 9-1-1: Lone Star, Bassett assumed the role of the tough yet dedicated police sergeant, Athena Grant. Her exceptional acting skills elevated the creativity, emotional intensity, bold appeal, and intellectual significance of these shows, garnering rave reviews and a Primetime Emmy nomination.
4 Kathy Bates
Among contemporary actresses on television, none is quite as adept at bringing to life complex women pushed to the brink as Kathy Bates. Through her numerous projects with Ryan Murphy, Bates has imbued each character with both subtlety and power. Over five seasons of American Horror Story, she graced our screens in Freak Show, Hotel, Roanoke, and Apocalypse. However, it was her portrayal of the iconic, dark, and twisted socialite in Coven that continues to send shivers down the spines of true horror enthusiasts.
Bates is additionally admired for joining Murphy’s Feud: Bette and Joan, portraying the title character Joan Blondell who was a close friend of Bette Davis. In every role she played, this Academy Award-winning actress has made an impact due to her depth, empathy, and talent for exceeding her own boundaries.
3 Jessica Lange
Jessica Lange consistently delivers exceptional performances in Ryan Murphy’s productions, establishing a high bar for nearly ten years. Her impressive roles began with American Horror Story: Murder House, and she followed up with equally captivating characters in four more seasons. More recently, Lange has showcased her talent in Feud: Bette and Joan, where she convincingly played the iconic figure of Joan Crawford from Hollywood.
Lange possesses an exceptional talent for maintaining the complexity of her characters while revealing hidden depths. She also finds a touch of humanity within the villains she portrays, ranging from a curious neighbor to a powerful sorceress. Lange has shown courage in taking creative risks and uncovering enchantment. Her roles in ‘American Horror Story’ earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress.
2 Evan Peters
Ryan Murphy frequently features Evan Peters, who has appeared in nine out of the twelve seasons of American Horror Story. A key figure in Murphy’s extensive television realm, Peters initially captivated audiences with his portrayal of Tate Langdon, a troubled frat boy in Murder House. Since then, he’s taken on some of the most unsettling and twisted characters on AHS, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
Besides starring in American Horror Story, Peters also gave a chilling portrayal of the main character in Ryan Murphy’s Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. His talent for playing morally complex characters is vividly showcased in this TV series and award-giving bodies such as the Emmys have acknowledged his commitment to acting with several awards.
1 Sarah Paulson
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I must acknowledge the sheer versatility of Sarah Paulson, Ryan Murphy’s trusted collaborator through the years. Across the decades, she has masterfully taken on roles that span the entire spectrum in various seasons of American Horror Story. From witches to journalists, English actresses to conjoined twins – if you can imagine it, Paulson has played it. Beyond her captivating performances in FX’s American Horror Story, she has also brought life to significant characters such as Liz Cruz in Nip/Tuck and the chilling Nurse Ratched in the prequel series to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, titled Ratched.
Paulson excels at taking bold creative chances on television, and only Murphy possesses the artistic skill to convert her talents into an enduring legacy. Critics from all corners of the globe have praised her dedication to intricate characters and her knack for transporting viewers to different eras. It’s evident that her abilities are endless, as is her collaboration with Ryan Murphy.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-23 02:02