Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson, born Sarah Catherine Paulson on December 17, 1974, in Tampa, Florida, is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress widely regarded as one of the most versatile and talented performers of her generation. Raised primarily in New York City after her parents’ divorce, she developed a passion for acting at a young age and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts. She made her professional debut on Broadway and in small television roles during the 1990s, gradually building her craft through years of steady work.

Paulson’s career was transformed by her collaboration with producer Ryan Murphy, beginning with the first season of “American Horror Story” in 2011. She went on to appear in nearly every season of the anthology series, delivering powerhouse performances that showcased her extraordinary range. Her portrayal of conjoined twins Bette and Dot Tattler in “Freak Show” (2014) was particularly acclaimed. The partnership with Murphy also led to her starring role as prosecutor Marcia Clark in “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (2016), for which she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series.

Beyond the Murphy universe, Paulson has delivered acclaimed performances in a wide variety of projects. She starred in the thriller “Run” (2020), the acclaimed drama “Mrs. America” (2020), and played Linda Tripp in “Impeachment: American Crime Story” (2021). On the film side, she appeared in major productions including “12 Years a Slave” (2013), “Carol” (2015), “Ocean’s 8” (2018), and “Glass” (2019). Her ability to disappear into diverse characters, from historical figures to horror archetypes, has earned her consistent critical praise and multiple award nominations.

With an estimated net worth of $12 million in 2026, Paulson has built her wealth primarily through her prolific television and film career. She commands significant per-episode fees for prestige television projects and has expanded into producing. Known for her dedication to her craft and willingness to take creative risks, she remains one of the most in-demand dramatic actresses in Hollywood.