Top 10 Stars You Forgot Were on American Horror Story
Oh yeah, they were in this. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top ten celebs you forgot were on “American Horror Story.”
For this list, we’ll be looking at recognizable celebrities who appeared in “American Horror Story,” whether in a minor or starring role, but who, for a variety of reasons, you may not remember.
#10: Mike Colter
You didn’t recognize Mike Colter in “American Horror Story: Coven” because you probably didn’t know who he was at the time! Colter appeared in three episodes of “Coven” as David, a man who works for an organization that hunts down witches. The very next year he would appear as Luke Cage in an episode of “Jessica Jones,” and in 2016 he earned his own series, which ran for two seasons on Netflix and was met with critical acclaim. So, the next time you rewatch “Coven,” just remember that you knew Luke Cage before he was cool!
#9: Morris Chestnut
Top 10 Times Zack Morris Was the Worst
Morris Chestnut first came to public attention way back in 1991 when he starred as Ricky in the seminal west coast hood drama “Boyz n the Hood.” Chestnut has been continuously acting since the early ‘90s, although none of his roles have earned him significant amounts of attention or acclaim. In 2009 he landed a main role in the ABC series “V”, which many compared to “Lost”, but it was cancelled after only two seasons. Immediately following that, he landed over at “American Horror Story: Murder House,” where he played Luke, the Harmon family’s security officer and a romantic interest of Vivien’s.
#8: Naomi Campbell
Top 7 Things to Know Before Watching Naomi
Naomi Campbell was among the most famous models in the world in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. She walked the catwalk for Versace, posed for esteemed photographers, and became the first black model to grace the cover of French Vogue. It wasn’t until 1998 that Time magazine officially declared that the era of the supermodels had come to an end, and Campbell sought other avenues of success. One of these avenues was acting, and she eventually appeared in six episodes of “Hotel” as Claudia Bankson, an editor for Vogue who was personally invited to stay at Hotel Cortez.
#7: Mädchen Amick
Every American Horror Story Season, Ranked from Worst to Best
Like Naomi Campbell and Morris Chestnut, Mädchen Amick earned national attention in the early ‘90s. In her specific case, it was by starring as Shelly Johnson in David Lynch’s acclaimed “Twin Peaks” and its accompanying prequel film, “Fire Walk with Me.” She has since reached a new generation in 2017 when she was cast as Betty’s mother Alice on “Riverdale.” Included in her dozens of TV credits is “American Horror Story: Hotel,” where she appeared as Mrs. Ellison for three episodes. For those who don’t remember, Mrs. Ellison was Max’s overprotective mother who believed that vaccines were a conspiracy.
#6: Chrissy Metz
Metz’s first major acting role was in “American Horror Story: Freak Show”. She played Barbara, a morbidly obese woman who was given the stage name Ima Wiggles once she became a member of Fräulein Elsa’s Cabinet of Curiosities. It was clearly the opportunity that Chrissy needed, as only one year later she was cast as Kate Pearson in “This Is Us,” a role that she has inhabited ever since. The latter role earned Chrissy critical acclaim, as she has been nominated for two Golden Globes, one Emmy, and one Critics’ Choice award for Best Supporting Actress.
#5: Kate Mara
Top 10 Times Kate McKinnon Broke the SNL Cast
“Murder House” was so long ago that we’ve completely forgotten that someone as popular and esteemed as Kate Mara was even in it. Mara has become well known throughout the years for her work on “24” and “House of Cards,” and she’s also appeared in such movies as “Brokeback Mountain,” “The Martian,” and (unfortunately) the 2015 “Fantastic Four” reboot. Before “House of Cards”, however, there was “Murder House,” where she played Ben’s mistress, Hayden McClaine. You know, the woman who gets taken out with a shovel to the face? It was a great role for the young actress, but she became Zoe Barnes only two years later, which largely replaced her time on American Horror Story in the public consciousness.
#4: Adam Levine
Top 10 Best Mayor Adam West Moments on Family Guy
Hey, does everyone remember when Adam Levine was on the show!? No, of course you don’t. No one does. Which is weird, considering he’s one of the biggest names in pop music. Adam actually appeared in not one, but three episodes of “Asylum.” He played Leo Morrison, a photographer who was on his depraved honeymoon tour with his new wife Teresa. The couple got it on in various high-profile murder locations, eventually making an unfortunate visit to Briarcliff Manor. There, they met their violent and tragic end when they were ambushed by various Bloody Faces.
#3: Eric Stonestreet
Top 10 Eric Cartman Plans That Blew Up In His Face
This man will forever be Cam from “Modern Family,” no matter what else he does. And the best argument we can make in support of that statement is the fact that you completely forgot that he was in “Murder House.” Granted, he was only in one episode, but he was a pretty big part of said episode! He played Derrick, an extremely paranoid man who has an intense fear of the Piggy Man, an urban legend similar to the Candyman and Bloody Mary. He played the part very well; it just can’t compete with his work as Cameron Tucker.
#2: Ian McShane
The Terrifying True Crimes That Inspired American Horror Story
Ian McShane is primarily known as Al Swearengen, the filthy-mouthed saloon owner and de facto town leader from “Deadwood.” The role was acclaimed and labeled Shakespearean, and McShane won a Golden Globe for his performance in 2005. Six years after “Deadwood” ended, he made a major impact on “Asylum,” where he played the terrifying Santa Claus-inspired serial killer Leigh Emerson. Ian only appeared in two episodes, but his character was easily one of the greatest and scariest elements of “Asylum.” We’re sure Mr. McShane is a lovely person, but man... he really knows how to play a psychopath.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Mena Suvari
Mark Consuelos
Patti LuPone
Christian Serratos
Christine Ebersole
#1: Neil Patrick Harris
Top 10 Times Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka Made Us Believe in Love
“Freak Show” was among the show’s more forgettable seasons - so much so that we collectively forgot that freaking Neil Patrick Harris was in it. He played traveling salesman and stage magician Chester Creb, AKA the man who proceeds to saw Maggie in half. While this scene certainly made an impact at the time, it wasn’t enough to buoy an otherwise flagging season. In fact, the only thing most people remember about “Freak Show” is Twisty, and that’s because…well, he’s horrifying! Harris was also at an awkward time in his career; this role was sandwiched between“How I Met Your Mother” and “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” and most people naturally remember him from those rather than his quick stopover in “American Horror Story.”
