American Horror Story: Hotel is in production in Los Angeles and Lady Gaga will start shooting today in the role we’ve just found out about at the Television Critics Association Press Tour. During a FX panel for the show on Friday, several of the AHS franchise attended to share some tidbits on their characters, and creator Ryan Murphy also gave some intel on the top-secret role Gaga will be playing.
The bisexual pop star will star as Elizabeth, the owner of a hotel in modern day downtown Los Angeles. “She is sort of a very wealthy social doyenne who is consumed with art and fashion and people,” Ryan said, also revealing she will be involved romantically with characters played by Angela Bassett, Matt Bomer and Finn Wittrock.
“I play Ramona Royale and I’m sexy as well, but not in a drug addicty kind of way,” Angela joked after castmate Sarah Paulson described her character as sexy and an addict. “I have a very strong, real lasting relationship with Stefani’s [Lady Gaga’s] character. So I’m sure I’ll be at odds with you down there Donovan (Finn Wittrock)-who gets the girl? My character is also this fabulous actress. I don’t live in the hotel, but I visit there a lot.”
After the panel, I spoke with Angela about her role and what she knew about her on-screen relationship with Lady Gaga. (They don’t start shooting together until the end of this week.)
“I would say she is fluid. From what I gather, from what I’ve read, Elizabeth is so charming, enticing, persuasive. I’m just attracted to her,” Angela said. “It’s something that’s attractive about her that makes me a little bit more open to this idea.”
Because she hasn’t started shooting with Gaga (who she refers to as Stefani) yet, Angela said she still isn’t sure exactly how sexual their scenes will be.
“How are we gonna do this?” she said, laughing. “I asked the other night. I still don’t have a clear answer-a clear idea from the director. I’ve only shot one day and that was one of my burning questions to him. I think she’s as intimidated as I am about it.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Angela continued. “I expect the best. She’s a consummate professional, very warm and just ready to work. That’s what I’ve heard about her.”
Angela said Ramona will have a “fabulous mane of hair. Sort of reminds me of Diana Ross with all of that mane.” And for the actress’s birthday coming up August 16, she says she can’t get too crazy since she’ll be back on set the next day: “Hopefully there’s some music, some dancing. Not too much eating if I have to do some love scenes with Stefani!”
According to the L.A. Times, AHS fave Lily Rabe will make an appearance on the two-part Halloween episode as a role you are likely familiar with. In an episode called “Devil’s Night,” Lily will play queer serial killer Aileen Wuornos. “Which is really fun and bizarre,” Ryan said. “I don’t want to give too much away but I will tell you that she’s at the centerpiece of that, and that’s who she’s playing.”
Sarah Paulson’s character, Sally, appears to be straight this time around, sharing an interest in Wes Bentley’s John with his wife (Chloë Sevigny) and the hotel manager, Iris, played by Kathy Bates. Describing her as dark, Sarah also noted, “She’s unlike anything I’ve ever done in this show.”
Angela echoed the sentiment of the fun this year’s story will bring, saying, “It’s going to be crazy. It’s a new kind of crazy. So many more characters and situations. I just gotta be prepared.”
American Horror Story: Hotel premieres October 7 on FX.
