While all actors are expected to be versatile, Denis O'Hare is one another level. His chameleon-like ability to disappear into roles has landed him parts in a variety of film projects, as well as starring roles in both HBO's True Blood and Ryan Murphy's American Horror Story. The latter gives O'Hare the chance to step into a new character every season, while his vampire villain Russell Edgington was True Blood's most beloved villain. So which show is easier to be on? Denis O'Hare recently revealed that while AHS is a dream job, it doesn't have the same familial feel that True Blood did. Plus, the material is darker.
This news comes to us from Denis O'Hare's recent appearance at Portland's Heroes and Villains Fest. CinemaBlend's own Adam Holmes was able to chat with the actor about his various TV projects, where O'Hare revealed the difference between each show. He said,
The vibe on True Blood is very different than Horror Story. True Blood was a very fun cast and a very fun set. Horror Story is a little less cohesive in terms of a family, it doesn't really feel like a family. It's a harder work day, just because the material is a little more upsetting or challenging. It's hard to compare. All these shows feel different because they're shot in different places, the writing teams are different, the showrunners are different. It's kind of like comparing kids.
Well, this was refreshingly honest. It appears that American Horror Story is a harder job for a few reasons, although that doesn't make Denis O'Hare any less thrilled with his inclusion in the show. After all, he's appeared in every single season of the anthology series.
In True Blood, Denis O'Hare played the delightfully evil Russell Edgington. At the time of his inclusion, the series had already ran for two season and carved out an audience at HBO. The cast and crew was apparently like a family, which felt welcoming to O'Hare. And while True Blood had plenty of darkness and violence, it was always balanced with a sense of levity. Russell, in particular, once ripped a man's spine out and delivered a chilling monologue that ended one one of the show's best jokes.
But American Horror Story is apparently much more challenging in regards to material. Each season delivers new forms of darkness and horror, which is a delightful experience for the audience. But having to act out the atrocities is more difficult, which Denis O'Hare revealed in his conversation. Additionally, it appears that the anthology series also is a revolving door of sorts for crew members, so AHS overall has a much less familial tone. But with each season containing a new cast, crew, and theme, this does make sense.
American Horror Story will be back for its mysterious Season 7 this fall on FX. In the meantime, check our summer premiere list and plan your next binge watch.
