It’s become a PaleyFest tradition for “American Horror Story” co-creator Ryan Murphy to use the annual event as a platform to make major casting announcements for the new season.
After confirming that Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Frances Conroy, Emma Roberts, Denis O’Hare, Gabourey Sidibe and Jamie Brewer would all return in some capacity for Jessica Lange’s final season, Murphy unleashed his surprise of the night. Michael Chiklis will play the ex-husband of Bates’ new character and the father of Peters’ new character in “American Horror Story: Freak Show.”
Chiklis was there in person and he came out to enormous cheers from the crowd. Chiklis has a long history on TV, but he’s primarily known for starring in “The Shield,” the dark cop drama that put FX on the map of original programming.
“Honestly, I can’t think of a better way to come back to my home network than to join this magnificent cast,” said Chiklis. “It’s insane how many incredible actors in this cast… And I’m so thrilled and so thankful… It’s going to be creepy and we’re going to scare you.”
Chiklis added that “when Ryan brought me in and we met, he pitched the idea and talked about what we were going to do. And I said to him, ‘I’m terrified and I’m going to do it.’
“My heart was pounding like it is right now,” continued Chiklis. “It is a freak show. But you know, as actors that’s what we love to do. We love to take risks and chances and do things that are challenging. And I thought ‘Oh my God, I’m going to be up to my eyes in it!'”
“American Horror Story: Freak Show” will premiere this Fall on FX.
