According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pose star Angelica Ross has been cast as series regular in the upcoming season of American Horror Story, which has been named AHS: 1984. According to Ryan Murphy, who created both Pose and American Horror Story alongside Brad Falchuk, Ross’s role will be “unforgettable.” This news comes less than 24 hours after Ross appeared on a pivotal episode of Pose that struck a conversation on violence against trans women of color.
Up until the momentous July 9 episode, Ross portrayed Candy Ferocity. She was one of five trans women of color cast as a series regular on the FX series, which has recently been renewed for its third season.
Murphy announced the casting decision on social media. This announcement was accompanied by his acknowledgement of Candy’s fate on Pose.
“Last night’s episode of Pose required us all to dig deep,” wrote Murphy in an Instagram post. “[…] It has been a gift to watch [Angelica Ross] blossom as a true star and undeniable talent. Though she will always be our Candy, and our show suffers this incredible loss, I am elated that the world will get much more Angelica. She is joining the American Horror Story family in another unforgettable role.”
Ross likely took to social media to respond to this announcement. “I am ELATED to make history as the first trans actor to secure 2 series regular roles.”
Ross made her television debut in 2015 on Caitlyn Jenner’s E! reality series entitled I am Cait. Her acting career starting only one year later when the actress starred in Her Story, a web series that followed trans women living in Los Angeles. The series was met with critical acclaim, and earned an Emmy nomination for outstanding short form comedy or drama. Ross then made appearances on several scripted projects like Claws, Doubt and Transparent before landing her breakout role on Pose in 2017.
Ryan Murphy’s announcement comes in the wake of news that Sarah Paulson will not return as series regular for AHS: 1984. Ross will instead be joining confirmed season stars Emma Roberts and Gus Kenworthy. No news outlets have confirmed whether or not Evan Peters, who has been featured in every installment of the American Horror Story anthology, will return for its ninth season.
AHS: 1984 will premiere on September 18 on FX.