Jessica Lange
The OG of surprise casting moves, Jessica Lange's involvement from the start with American Horror Story: Murder House made the world take notice of the ambitious new FX series. The two-time Oscar winner starred in the first four seasons and returned as her Murder House character, Constance, for AHS: Apocalypse.
Emma Robets
Emma Roberts would go on to become a fixture in Ryan Murphy's TV universe, but prior to her introduction in American Horror Story: Coven, her TV work was more kid-friendly. A role in Scream 4 would change her trajectory.
Kathy Bates
After luring Jessica Lange to TV, other acclaimed actors lined up for their chance to mix it up on screen in American Horror Story. In the third season, Oscar winner Kathy Bates joined the fray. She's stuck around, appearing in several seasons.
Lady Gaga
When Jessica Lange left, Ryan Murphy and Co. went the other direction and brought in Lady Gaga for American Horror Story: Hotel. This was Gaga's first major acting gig where she wasn't playing herself aside from an uncredited role in a 2001 episode of The Sopranos. After AHS: Hotel, she appeared in AHS: Roanoke.
Billy Eichner
Known for his comedic stylings, specifically his series Billy on the Street, Billy Eichner went serious for American Horror Story: Cult. He also appeared in American Horror Story: Apocalypse.
Joan Collins
The iconic actress and dame, known for slaps upon slaps on Dynasty, joined the American Horror Story world in the time-jumping American Horror Story: Apocalypse.
Gus Kenworthy
For the younger-skewing slasher/ghost season American Horror Story: 1984, Ryan Murphy and Co. tapped Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy for his first acting role where he wasn't playing himself.
Macaulay Culkin
Little is known about what type of role Macaulay Culkin will be playing, just that he'll be starring opposite returning cast members including Kathy Bates, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters and Lily Rabe.