Sarah Paulson acts.
Sarah Catharine Paulson ( born December 17 , 1974 ) is an American actress . After beginning her acting career on stage , she starred in the 1990s television series American Gothic ( 1995 -- 96 ) and Jack & Jill ( 1999 -- 2001 ) . She also starred in a number of independent films , and had a leading role on the ABC comedy series Cupid in 2009 . Paulson starred as Mary Epps in the 2013 historical drama film 12 Years a Slave and as Abby Gerhard in the 2015 drama film Carol . In 2011 , Paulson began starring in the FX anthology series American Horror Story , playing different characters in each of the show 's six seasons .