Jessica Lange Calls Out FX Over ‘American Horror Story’ Grievance at PaleyFest
Jessica Lange has always been candid, and her return to ‘American Horror Story’ has provided her with ample opportunities to express her thoughts. The two-time Emmy winner is back in the limelight for the first time in years, and she’s taking this chance to address some past grievances. A recent panel moment reminded everyone why fans adore her.
Lange played some of the franchise’s earliest and most memorable roles, earning Emmys for her performances in 2012 and 2014. After departing following the fourth season, ‘Freak Show,’ she made a brief return for a one-episode cameo in 2018’s ‘Apocalypse.’ In a 2019 interview, she mentioned that the likelihood of her coming back was very slim, making her return for the current season a surprise for many.
Now, at 77 years old, Lange has shared a lingering issue with the network that helped make her a television star. During a PaleyFest panel in New York City, she remarked that FX was too frugal to provide a basic perk for the cast, stating that the actors had to drive themselves to the set. She humorously followed up with a salute, calling it “still a bone of contention” for her.
This comment was made while Lange was seated next to Sarah Paulson, who immediately reacted in agreement as Lange named the network. Paulson laughed along, which added to the lightheartedness of the moment.
The panel celebrated the show’s legacy, with co-executive producer Lou Eyrich accepting the inaugural PaleyFest Award on behalf of the series. She joined Lange, Paulson, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, and Leslie Grossman for an hour-long discussion hosted by The Hollywood Reporter. Footage of Lange’s comment quickly spread online, and Entertainment Weekly has reached out to FX for a response.
Lange has mentioned that her return for this season wasn’t an easy decision. She revealed that creator Ryan Murphy persuaded her to come back, with her one condition being the revival of all four of her iconic characters: Constance Langdon from ‘Murder House,’ Sister Jude from ‘Asylum,’ Fiona Goode from ‘Coven,’ and Elsa Mars from ‘Freak Show.’ She also teased a fifth mystery character without giving away any details.
She described Constance as Murphy’s favorite character and expressed her fondness for playing Elsa. At the panel, she humorously speculated whether this season would conclude the franchise, noting that Murphy initially presented it as the final chapter. However, she left the door open for a potential future return.
‘American Horror Story: 13’ premiered on September 24 on FX and Hulu, airing Thursdays at 9 pm. This season has been described as a greatest-hits installment, featuring characters from several earlier seasons. Paulson reportedly portrays six characters, Evan Peters five, Lange four, and Lourd two.
The cast also includes Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Gabourey Sidibe, Leslie Grossman, and newcomer Ariana Grande. For many fans, the reunion of the old coven has been a significant draw, making the series’ comeback one of the fall’s most anticipated TV events.
Promo subtitulado de los episodios 9 y 10 de #AHS13 que se emiten el próximo jueves! https://t.co/WqT93PX36B
— American Horror Story Spain (@AHSVIP) October 11, 2026
Complaints about network penny-pinching are a classic Hollywood tradition, and Lange’s humorous remark resonated with many. It serves as a reminder that even the biggest stars of a hit series face unglamorous logistics. For a franchise built on camp, melodrama, and excess, the irony is hard to overlook.
This comment is unlikely to damage her relationship with Murphy, who has consistently praised her, but it adds a personal touch to a milestone season. As of the latest reports, FX has not publicly responded. For now, the question remains whether the network will take note if the cast reunites again.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!