We all remember when Love Story: JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette came out in February. Girls far and wide spent all their money on oval sunglasses, tortoise-shell headbands, and vintage Calvin Klein, and sought out men who were effortlessly preppy, with an old-money, quiet-luxury appeal—extra points if he owned a Kangol flat cap and a Timex Intrepid watch. The limited series had the public in a chokehold and feeling nostalgic, and Paul Anthony Kelly emerged as a breakout star.
For his next role, he swung in the opposite direction with FX's American Horror Story as Young Mr. Nas, the younger version of a character who grows up to be manipulative, darkly charismatic, and nothing short of devilish.
In line with the season 13 finale of American Horror Story, we caught up with Paul Anthony Kelly and chatted about going big with performances, his old Hollywood inspirations, and manifesting the career that he now has.
What's your star sign, and do you relate?
"I know nothing about astrology, but I'm a Libra. I look for balance in life; I guess that's pretty Libra. Whatever that means."
What three words best describe how you're feeling right now?
"Excited, elated, exhausted."
What's your favorite on-set memory from American Horror Story?
"Learning to Tango with Jessica Lang."
Photo: @ofishalpakHow different was your preparation for American Horror Story from your preparation for Love Story?
"Oh, it was night and day. The whole process was totally different. Playing a historical individual like JFK Jr., you really have a box to play within. And then playing the devil, there's really no box. Anything goes. So it was a lot of fun. I think having a box to play within was really good, and I enjoyed that, but I also liked the anything-goes thing. I tried to create my version of the devil. Young Mr. Nas is more of an old-Hollywood suave, sophisticated, debonair type; he doesn't really have to push too hard to get what he wants because he always gets what he wants. It was a lot of fun."
Are slightly sinister characters more fun to play?
"I think so. Because it's so not who I am at my heart and core, who Paul is. So I think it's fun to explore that and go a little bit bigger. And I think the next time I get the opportunity, I'm going to go even bigger, take bigger swings. I think that's the great thing about this job: you're constantly learning about yourself, what you're capable of, and where to go bigger next. If I get the opportunity to do something like this again, it's going to be different and more fun and more evil."
Photo: @ofishalpakDid any iconic actors or characters inspire how you approached this role?
"A little bit of Clark Gable. I tried to keep that old Hollywood ethos, or the ethos the old railroad families back in the day where it was just upper class, but devilish on the inside. The costumes really help with that too. There's nothing like it; you just instinctively get that from walking around in a smoking jacket. At least I do anyway."
What are the biggest differences between Oregon and Ontario?
"Oh, wow. Coming with the hard questions. Oregon has the ocean. Well, we have Great Lakes in Ontario, which is just as rough sometimes. Oregon has mountains, and there's better wine in Oregon. They're not too dissimilar, and I think that's also why I certainly feel very comfortable there because it does feel like where I'm from."
Photo: @ofishalpakDo you have a favorite restaurant in Portland?
"Well, if I say, it's going to—"
Are you gatekeeping?
"No, there's a Texas barbecue place called Matt's BBQ. It's phenomenal."
What color is your aura?
"I'll have to get one of those aura photos, and then I can tell you. I'd like to think I'm a purple or burnt orange; those are my favorite colors."
Photo: @ofishalpakCan you describe your perfect day?
"Spending it with my wife and kid, doing whatever. It doesn't matter what."
Do you believe in manifestation?
"Yes, I do, because I'm living it right now."
What are you manifesting for 2027?
"More work, but also some time off."
Photo: @ofishalpakCan you tease anything coming up?
"Well, I'm currently filming The Housemaid's Secret—Paul Feig is directing that, and that will be coming out in December 2027. And a few other projects in the mix that I'm looking forward to."
What do you want to be remembered for?
"For giving it my all."