'American Horror Story' Season 5 News: Could Angela Bassett Command Fifth Installment In Place Of Jessica Lange? [VIDEO]
With Jessica Lange leaving FX's American Horror Story perhaps for good, could fellow legendary actress Angela Bassett step into the lead role?
'American Horror Story' Fans Most Want Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters & More To Return for Season 5?
Bassett has stolen many scenes in her two seasons of American Horror Story, playing voodoo priestess Marie Laveau in Coven and triple-breasted "freak" Desiree Dupree in Freak Show. Always good for a one-liner, Bassett has stood out among her fellow supporting players. She even received an Emmy nomination in 2014 for Coven, ultimately losing to costar Kathy Bates.
But now that Lange is set to leave American Horror Story, could Bassett step up to the plate and lead the next season? Like Lange, she has been nominated and won several awards in her storied career and has a commanding star presence that could be necessary to take control of the show in Lange's absence.
Additionally, television is becoming more diverse than ever these days, with strong black actresses like Viola Davis leading ABC's How To Get Away With Murder, Kerry Washington on ABC's Scandal and Taraji P. Henson co-leading Fox's Empire. All of these shows have become big hits on network television, proving that there is a sizable audience wanting to see fresh faces lead shows.
Bassett has the power to potentially command a season of American Horror Story to great success. However, it remains to be seen if Bassett will even be asked back to return, in addition to what the new season of the horror anthology series will be about.
American Horror Story season 5 is slated to debut in October on FX, though the network has not yet announced a specific premiere date.
