Jessica Lange Reveals Favorite American Horror Story Roles
The actress shared her top and bottom character picks while appearing in the series' 13th season.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Television
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At 77 years old, Jessica Lange has returned to American Horror Story for its 13th season. During the production, the actress revealed that Elsa Mars from Freak Show is her favorite character, while Fiona Goode from Coven is her least favorite.
Why it matters
Lange agreed to return to the anthology series only after negotiating with creator Ryan Murphy to play all four of her legacy characters from the show's past seasons. She noted that she found the world created for Freak Show particularly enjoyable compared to the witch-themed Coven.
Freak Show holds a 77% critic score, while Coven maintains an 85% critic rating. Meanwhile, Asylum boasts a 90% audience score and Murder House sits at 84%.
The players
Jessica Lange
She is an acclaimed actress who has returned to play four of her previous characters in the current season of the series.
Ryan Murphy
He is the creator of the long-running American Horror Story franchise who consulted with Lange regarding her return.
The details
Lange reprises her roles from Murder House, Asylum, Coven, and Freak Show throughout the current season. Her decision to return was contingent upon her ability to revisit all four characters under the guidance of producer Ryan Murphy.
Timeline
The Coven season finale originally aired in 2014.
Jessica Lange currently stars in American Horror Story season 13 during 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The show follows the American Horror Story anthology format, which typically resets casts and themes each season. By bringing back a veteran star to play four distinct roles, the production is leveraging nostalgia to drive engagement in its 13th season.
Viewers can catch Lange's return to the screen during the 13th season currently airing on its host platform. This season provides a unique opportunity for fans to see four of the show's most iconic characters return within the same production cycle.
The takeaway
Lange's return highlights how long-running anthology series use legacy talent to maintain audience interest. Her preferences offer fans a personal look at the characters that have defined the series' history over the last decade.
Further reading
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