American Horror Story Season 13 has officially added the actor who stole hearts earlier this year as JFK Jr. in Ryan Murphy’s buzzy love story to the lineup.
Paul Anthony Kelly cast in American Horror Story Season 13
Kelly revealed the news live at Disney’s upfront presentation in New York City. As American Horror Story veterans Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Gabourey Sidibe, Billie Lourd, and Emma Roberts stood surrounded by hooded Druids, Kelly stepped into the spotlight and addressed the crowd. “I guess every nightmare needs fresh blood, and 13’s my lucky number,” he said (via Deadline).
The latest American Horror Story Season 13 casting is a rapid reunion between Kelly and Murphy. Just months ago, Kelly was considered a relative newcomer when he landed the role of John F. Kennedy Jr. in Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette. That performance, which premiered in May 2025, became his breakthrough after roughly 13 years of grinding away in the acting world. Now Murphy has folded him into one of television’s most durable and unpredictable franchises.
Plot specifics for the new season remain under wraps. FX has released only a brief logline: “Which iconic horrors will return to haunt the hallowed halls of 13 and what new terrors await? Light your candles, draw your pentagrams, and prepare for a supreme surprise.” The network has confirmed that Sarah Paulson will reprise her role as Cordelia Goode, the witch supreme, first introduced in Season 3.
Moreover, the cast for American Horror Story Season 13 Season 13 features several returning actors. Jessica Lange, whose last appearance on the series was in Season 8. Lange previously played Constance Langdon, Sister Jude Martin, Fiona Goode, and Elsa Mars across multiple seasons of the anthology. Ariana Grande also joins the cast, alongside series regulars Kathy Bates and Leslie Grossman.
