As an anthology series, American Horror Story offers a new story each season. Each one takes place in a different setting, be it a haunted hotel, an asylum, a hotel, or others. Even though each season works as a standalone, there are several connecting points between them. Most notably, multiple actors have portrayed different characters in the show, more than just one.
As such, the fans of American Horror Story can see their favorite faces in the show over and over again, even though there isn't a single actor who has appeared in all eleven seasons. Despite the overall high quality of the cast, some recurring cast members of American Horror Story stand out.
5 Jessica Lange
Veteran actress Jessica Lange had been working in movies and on TV for decades by the time she joined the cast of American Horror Story in the first season. Lange remained with the show for multiple seasons, with many fans celebrating the role of Fiona Goode in the third season, "Coven," as Lange's best character.
Whatever the case, Lange brought charisma and persuasive talent to each of her characters. The only reason she doesn't rank higher is that several of her roles on the show had similar characters and were written in a similar way. As such, the show didn't let Lange show such as much versatility as other actors whose characters greatly varied from one another. Even so, there's no denying that American Horror Story wouldn't be the same without Jessica Lange.
4 Zachary Quinto
Even though he only appeared in the two initial seasons, and then took a long break from the show, Zachary Quinto remains one of the best recurring cast members of American Horror Story. His role as Chad Warwick in the first season "Murder House" was memorable, albeit smaller, but it wasn't until the second season, "Asylum," that Quinto got to show the wide range of his acting skills.
His character of Dr. Oliver Thredson remains one of the most terrifying and impressive villains of the series — even more so since he was human and had no supernatural skill. Quinto moved smoothly between various facets of his character, making him a villain that the audience loved to hate. His recent return to the series was heavily anticipated by fans, and Quinto once again proved that he's a versatile actor who excels in the horror genre (as the Christmas horror series NOS4A2 also showcased). The upside of his prolonged absence is that because Quinto didn't appear in American Horror Story as often as other actors, his performances never came across as repetitive.
3 Angela Bassett
Even though American Horror Story is fictional, it worked with some real-life historical figures as well. One was Marie Laveau, also known as the voodoo queen, portrayed by Angela Bassett. It wasn't the only time Bassett appeared in the series, but Marie Laveau remains her best part. She had the gravitas and power that made her a force to be reckoned with.
However, Bassett shone as Ramona in "Hotel" as well, and once again took on a very different character in her portrayal of Desiree in "Freak Show." Thanks to her acting chops, Angela Bassett played each character in a distinctive way. The only thing her characters had in common was that they were all one hundred percent believable.
2 Kathy Bates
Kathy Bates is universally hailed as one of the best living actresses. She won an Oscar for her portrayal of Misery in the horror movie Misery (1990) based on Stephen King's novel, so appearing in American Horror Story presented an excellent return to the genre for Bates. The third season "Coven" was filled with intriguing characters, yet Bates stole the scene for herself every time she appeared. As the deeply racist, murderous, and ruthless Delphine LaLaurie, she was one of the most memorable villains of the season, and the show in general.
Bates returned to the series as Iris in "Hotel" and was once again scary. No matter who Kathy Bates plays, she can be counted on to scare the audience. Considering her versatility and acting experience, it's easy to see why she ranks so high when choosing the best recurring cast members of American Horror Story.
1 Sarah Paulson
Among the star-studded, talented cast of American Horror Story, one name still stands out. Sarah Paulson was one of the few actors who played characters the audience could sympathize with, even cheer for. And Paulson did so not once, but multiple times. The most notable case is her journalist Lana Winters, who tries to crack the secret of the Briarcliff Asylum and ends up locked in it instead, which leads her on a path of pain.
Watching Lana's struggle to reach freedom is made even more intense thanks to Paulson's performance and dedication to the role. Paulson brought similar drive to the role of Cordelia, who had a hard time dealing not only with her pupils, but also her powers and her mother, but still pushed through. Finding inspirational heroines in American Horror Story is rare, but Paulson's most stellar characters fit the bill. For them, she deserves the top spot.