Paul Anthony Kelly to join Emma Roberts and more on 'American Horror Story'

'Love Story' cast talks new series
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May 12, 2026, 6:36 PM

Following his breakout role on "Love Story," Paul Anthony Kelly is taking on a new role in the Ryan Murphy universe. 

At the 2026 Disney Upfront, Kelly was announced as the newest cast member of the 13th installment of "American Horror Story." 

Kelly was brought on stage by fellow "AHS 13" cast members Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Gabourey Sidibe, Billie Lourd and Emma Roberts. 

Paul Anthony Kelly attends the 2026 Disney Upfront at Jacob Javitz Center on May 12, 2026, in New York.
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The group donned hooded Druids on stage before Kelly emerged from the shadows and said, "I guess every nightmare needs fresh blood… and thirteen's my lucky number." 

An FX press release about Kelly joining the cast doesn't share what "AHS 13" will be about, but in previous installments, fans have been introduced to a creepy murder house, a coven of witches, a traveling freak show, a haunted hotel and the apocalypse. 

Backstage, Bassett told "Good Morning America" that she's seen a script for the upcoming installment -- in fact, she said she's "seen a couple of them."

Angela Bassett, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd and Gabourey Sidibe attend the 2026 Disney Upfront at Jacob Javitz Center on May 12, 2026, in New York.
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"I haven't read 'em yet," she said. "But I'm looking forward to it. I'm hearing all these twists and turns for everyone and new faces... I'm looking forward to it."

In October 2025, Murphy announced that Ariana Grande was also joining the cast.

Kelly played JFK Jr. in Murphy's hit limited series "Love Story: John F. Kennedy & Carolyn Bessette." 

In this Feb. 3, 2026, file photo, Paul Anthony Kelly attends a premiere in New York.
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The show, which also starred Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette and Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy, broke records with its premiere as FX's most-watched limited series on streaming, according to a press release from FX in April. 

Read more about what Kelly had to say about playing JFK Jr. in "Love Story" here.

"American Horror Story" is also co-created and co-produced by Brad Falchuk. 

Ned Martel, Charlie Carver, Eric Kovtun, Nissa Diederich, Scott Robertson, Tanase Popa, Crystle Roberson Dorsey, Jennifer Salt and Tim Minear will also serve as executive producers. 

Watch all previous installments of the series, which is now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+. 

The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News, Disney+ and Hulu.

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