Was Taissa Farmiga in American Horror Story?

Yes, Taissa Farmiga has played several roles in American Horror Story over the years.

American Horror Story is a renowned television anthology series known for its dark and thrilling narratives. With each season offering a unique and unsettling storyline, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years. One of the notable aspects of American Horror Story is its ability to bring talented actors into its chilling tales. Among these performers is Taissa Farmiga, whose presence has left a lasting impression on the series.

Was Taissa Farmiga in American Horror Story?

Yes, Taissa Farmiga has played a prominent role throughout the American Horror Story series. She was a part of the show's debut season, "Murder House," captivating viewers with her portrayal of Violet Harmon. As the show progressed, Farmiga's talents led to recurring appearances in various seasons, including "Coven," "Roanoke," and "Apocalypse." Her remarkable versatility as an actress shone through in these diverse roles.

In total, she has featured in 33 episodes across four seasons and Farmiga's impact on American Horror Story remains substantial. Widely recognized as a standout performer within the ensemble cast, she has garnered acclaim from critics for her ability to convey a spectrum of emotions, ranging from vulnerability to strength. Not only that, her contributions have consistently enriched the eerie and authentic narratives of the series.

What roles has Taissa Farmiga played in American Horror Story?

Taissa Farmiga emerged as a talented young actress handpicked by series creator Ryan Murphy for multiple seasons of American Horror Story. She joined the original cast of American Horror Story in its debut season, swiftly becoming one of Murphy's preferred actors. Her involvement in the horror series also opened up other opportunities within the genre. Across her appearances in American Horror Story, Farmiga has breathed life into three characters:

Violet Harmon

Farmiga portrayed Harmon in the show's first season (and in American Horror Story: Apocalypse), and she is a complex and troubled teenager who relocates with her family to the infamous Murder House. Violet grapples with malevolent spirits while navigating the challenges of adolescence. Farmiga's portrayal garnered critical acclaim for its emotional depth and vulnerability.

Zoe Benson

Farmiga portrayed Benson in American Horror Story: Coven (and in American Horror Story: Apocalypse), a young witch discovering her supernatural abilities following a tragic incident. Zoe's journey led her to Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies, a school for witches, where Farmiga's character faced the trials and tribulations of witchcraft, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Sophie Green

In American Horror Story: Roanoke, Farmiga played Sophie Green, a member of a documentary crew filming a reality show at the haunted Roanoke house. Sophie's character becomes embroiled in a horrifying and supernatural ordeal, with Farmiga's performance adding tension and intrigue to the chilling storyline.

Why did Taissa Farmiga leave American Horror Story?

While there has been no official confirmation, many believe that Taissa Farmiga hasn’t appeared in several seasons of American Horror Story because Ryan Murphy didn’t seem to have a role for her. That was the case in season 2 (Asylum) as Murphy revealed that Farmiga was not involved, because of where he wanted to place her and that there also wasn't a role for her. She was also brought back specifically to play into the romance of Zoe Benson and Kyle, similar to Violet and Tate’s love story.

Not only that, but the fact that Farmiga has been busy outside AHS with her projects may have also played into her departure. She starred alongside Emma Watson in The Bling Ring in 2013, The Final Girls and 6 Years in 2015, and starred in the short-lived ABC drama Wicked City. She was the lead in The Nun (2018) and The Nun II (2023), which takes place in The Conjuring universe which her older sister Vera Farmiga is also a part of. Furthermore, since 2022, she has played the lead role in The Gilded Age.

However, Farmiga hasn't ruled out returning to the show in the near future. She told Digital Spy back in January 2022, "It's like a timing thing. I know there were talks previously, but then I was filming on [The Gilded Age], and Covid, and the traveling and all these protocols. So, yeah, I can never say no if it's the right time and the right opportunity. And it's like, sure, the idea of a cameo is fun, because we get to go in and meet up, and be like, Hey, it's me.'"

How old was Taissa Farmiga in American Horror Story season 1?

Taissa Farmiga was born on August 17, 1994, in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. Thus she was around 16 to 17 years old when she made her acting debut in the first season of American Horror Story: Murder House in 2011. Farmiga is the youngest of seven siblings which includes her renowned sister Vera Farmiga, an accomplished actress.

She studied in public school until fourth grade before she was homeschooled and then studied at Carnegie Mellon University before embarking on her acting career. Farmiga's breakthrough came as Violet Harmon in "Murder House," propelling her into the limelight and earning recognition for her remarkable talents in the entertainment sphere.