Overview of Jessica Lange’s Departure from AHS
- Jessica Lange has confirmed her absence from the upcoming season 13 of American Horror Story, prompting discussions among fans regarding her potential return.
- Renowned for her remarkable performances and commanding presence, Lange has left an indelible mark across various seasons of AHS.
- While Lange will not be featured in the new season, her unforgettable characters remain ingrained in the minds of AHS enthusiasts.
The latest season of American Horror Story promises another chilling narrative filled with nefarious villains and intriguing cliffhangers. As with previous installments, fans are eager to see familiar cast members return, including the talented Sarah Paulson, Emma Roberts, Evan Peters, and Lily Rabe, all of whom have graced Ryan Murphy’s acclaimed anthology.
Regrettably, Jessica Lange has announced her decision to sit out season 13, leaving many viewers curious about the dynamic array of characters who will inhabit the new storyline. Fans have long expressed their admiration for Lange’s skills, given that her last appearance was a brief one in American Horror Story: Apocalypse back in 2018. The question on everyone’s mind is why she chose to step away from the series.
Reasons Behind Jessica Lange’s Departure from AHS
In a revealing 2013 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Lange articulated her reasons for leaving, emphasizing the extensive time commitment involved. She elaborated:
“It ends up being a lot of time during the year being committed to something. I haven’t done that for a long time. It’s like doing a stage play between the rehearsal and the run. This is a 6-month commitment every year. That will be four years in a row. I want to have more time to myself, I guess.”
She also expressed some contemplation regarding her decision:
“Once it’s over and I have a full year ahead of me with nothing to do, who knows? It might not have been the best decision. But I think four years doing something is a sufficient amount of time.”
A decade later, in a 2023 interview with The Telegraph, Lange indicated a possible end to her acting career, stating, “I don’t think I’ll do this too much longer.”
Whatever stories season 13 weaves, Lange’s absence will undeniably resonate with audiences. Her unique ability to embody characters with profundity sets her apart, especially as she portrays larger-than-life personas who use manipulation and cunning to achieve their desires.
Beyond her iconic roles in AHS, Lange is celebrated for her performances in classic films such as Dwan in the 1976 version of King Kong, Julie Nichols in the 1982 comedy Tootsie, and Sandra Bloom in Tim Burton’s enchanting 2003 film Big Fish. Furthermore, she ventured into other productions created by Ryan Murphy, including the darkly humorous 2019 Netflix series The Politician, the acclaimed Feud: Bette and Joan from 2017, and the forthcoming Feud: Capote vs. The Swans in 2024. Lange’s most recent stage performance was as Phyllis in the Broadway play Mother Play, alongside her leading role in the upcoming TV movie The Great Lillian Hall, which explores the poignant narrative of an actress grappling with dementia. While her fans may have wished for more AHS seasons featuring Lange, her career choices certainly showcase her diverse talents.
Memorable Roles Portrayed by Jessica Lange in American Horror Story
Jessica Lange’s array of roles in American Horror Story remains beloved due to their distinctiveness. She portrayed the eerie Constance Langdon, a neighbor with sinister undertones, in Murder House, and reprised this role in Apocalypse. Additionally, Lange took on the part of the ruthless Sister Jude Martin in Asylum and that of the enigmatic carnival owner Elsa Mars in Freak Show, noted for her complex character development throughout the season.
Many fans deem Lange’s most memorable performance to be that of the Supreme Witch Fiona Goode in Coven. This character grappled with the challenges presented by younger witches vying for power, effectively exploring intricate themes of aging and transformation while maintaining a captivating stage presence.
Even though season 13 of AHS will proceed without Jessica Lange, her unforgettable and compelling characters are here to stay. She acknowledged her experiences with these roles in an interview with Vulture, where she reflected on the richness of her characters’ dialogues and the varied narratives in each season:
“Those characters were overwritten and fun to play. And each one’s so different. The great thing about this premise was every season was a different story.”