The latest season of “American Horror Story” has left fans buzzing, particularly due to a memorable scene featuring actor Paul Anthony Kelly and the acclaimed Jessica Lange. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Kelly shared insights about the challenges and joys they faced while preparing for an impromptu tango.
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Kelly, who portrays the enigmatic Devil in the show’s thirteenth season, acknowledged that both he and Lange began from scratch when it came to learning the intricate dance. “We had roughly an hour to grasp the tango before our scene,” he explained, reflecting on the amusing struggle to master the steps. The pair had no prior experience with the dance form, an aspect that contributed to the light-hearted atmosphere on set.
The scene in question showcases a flirtatious exchange between Kelly’s character and Lange’s Constance Langdon, elegantly clad in a striking red gown set against the backdrop of an opulent, candlelit room. During their tango, Constance admits to feeling entrapped in the house, likening her emotions to that of a butterfly ensnared in a spider’s web. In a playful twist, she expresses the desire to reign alongside the Devil, only for the moment to turn dark when he reveals his true identity—shocking Constance with the revelation, “I’m your father,” before vanishing.
Despite the serious context of the dialogue, Kelly recalled that the experience of filming was far from grim. “Learning the tango with Jessica Lange was a fantastic experience,” he remarked. “We had our fair share of missteps, which only led to more laughter. It was a wonderful time on set.” He humorously confessed, “No, I have two left feet,” admitting to his complete lack of dance proficiency.
Joining a cast that included several established names from the franchise was another highlight for Kelly. He described it as a “great gift” to work alongside talents such as Sarah Paulson and John Waters. “It was fantastic to watch them bring their characters—ones they’ve been perfecting for years—to life,” he stated, praising the experience as enriching both personally and professionally.
The opportunity for Kelly to take on the role of the Devil came after a direct call from Ryan Murphy, the series creator. “It was pretty exciting,” Kelly recalled, remembering how Murphy pitched the idea of the character and asked if he would be interested. Without hesitation, Kelly responded enthusiastically, saying, “Yeah, absolutely.”
In contrast to his previous role as John F. Kennedy Jr. in another Murphy production, the creative freedom associated with portraying a fictional character like the Devil was refreshing for Kelly. He characterised the Devil as “an old, classic Hollywood, suave, sophisticated, debonair guy.” This persona allowed him to push the boundaries of his performance in ways historical figures do not typically permit.
Though mastering the tango proved to be an arduous task, Kelly highlighted the camaraderie and shared laughs among the cast as an unforgettable part of the overall production. He shared, “Any time spent with John Waters is hilarious,” and expressed admiration for fellow cast members like Sarah Paulson and Billie Lourd. “I had the chance to hang out with some truly remarkable people, many of whom I had looked up to for a long time,” he added, emphasising the memorable nature of the filming process.
The thirteenth season of “American Horror Story” is currently available for streaming on Hulu. With strong performances wrapped in a supernatural narrative, this season promises to deliver an intriguing blend of horror, humour, and exceptional character interactions. As fans anticipate the season finale, Kelly’s insights into the behind-the-scenes moments provide a glimpse into the challenges and joys of creating a series known for its dark themes and whimsical stories.