Fans of all things spooky have a fear-filled summer to look forward to, because the second season of American Horror Stories is coming to FX on Hulu on July 21. Alongside a new terrifying tale in every episode comes a stellar cast to bring them to life.
Some of the confirmed cast members for the second season are familiar faces for fans of Ryan Murphy's work, whether they appeared in the first season of the anthology or other shows like American Crime Story. Each actor has a reputable career to justify their appearance on the series, and they are sure to do a wonderfully frightful job of telling bite-sized horror stories with important themes.
Dominique Jackson
Fans of the Ryan Murphy series Pose will recognize Dominique Jackson in the new season of American Horror Stories. The actress, model, and television personality is best-known for playing Elektra in the glamorous musical drama that positively represents queer love.
Those who have not seen Pose might also recognize her from Strut, a reality show about transgender models, or the action-comedy film Chick Fight about an underground women's fight club. Jackson is sure to tap into her overflowing talent bank to help make the second season of American Horror Stories a great one.
Kyla Drew
Nickelodeon star Kyla Drew Simmons will make her on-screen debut for Ryan Murphy Productions. She is most well-known for her role as Mae Valentine in Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, but some viewers may also recognize her from the television comedy Dad Stop Embarrassing Me with Jamie Foxx.
The young actress' resume and the talents that she has worked with speak to her skill as a performer, which is exactly what the cast of a ludicrous and terrifying series like American Horror Stories needs to be successful.
Kyanna Simone
Kyanna Simone will feature in the second season of American Horror Stories as no stranger to the horror genre. One of her most well-known roles is as Veronica in Ambition, a horror-thriller about a music student.
Simone's experience in a frightful production will make her a great addition to the cast, but it is not the only notable work on her resume. Audiences may also recognize her from Three's Complicated, The Archer, and especially as Yvonne, a classic ESFJ from the mystery-thriller Chambers.
Judith Light
Between her roles on The Politician and American Crime Story, fans of Ryan Murphy's work are more than familiar with Judith Light. The iconic actress joins American Horror Stories, taking her first step into the world of horror anthologies.
Even before these shows, though, Judith Light's career has been expansive and impressive. Ugly Betty, A Strange Affair, and Lady Killer are just a few of the works on her long resume. She is sure to bring the star power that the horror show needs.
Rebecca Dayan
This is not Rebecca Dayan's first time working in the AHS Universe, as she appears as an alien-possessed Maria Wycoff in Death Valley. She also gives a shining performance in another Murphy show, the Emmy-nominated mini docuseries Halston. She plays the famed jewelry designer, Elsa Peretti.
With additional works like Novitiate, H, and the horror-novel-turned-film Random Acts of Violence, she proves her versatility and her ability to work well with downbeat, nightmarish, and macabre storytelling. In addition to her clear command over glam, she is the perfect addition to the American Horror Stories cast.
Britt Lower
Britt Lower will also be a part of the season two cast. Until this year, she has yet to appear in either American Horror Stories or its parent show, but her first-class resume demonstrates that the up-and-coming actress has the right stuff to be a part of this star-studded cast.
Viewers might recognize her as Helly from the sci-fi drama series Severance, which shows her command over characters that fit into a darker genre. She has also featured as Liz in Man Seeking Woman and Tanya in the thriller Unforgettable.
Austin Woods
American Horror Story fans may recognize Austin Woods from AHS: Double Feature. In the first half of the season, he portrays a hustler who falls victim to a bloodthirsty Harry Gardner under a bridge by the beach.
Austin Woods will be returning to the AHS universe in the second season of American Horror Stories. With any luck, his character will manage to survive a lot longer than the hustler did, but given the one-episode stories and their tendency to end in a brutal death, it is not very likely.
Nico Greetham
Nico Greetham is a returning cast member of American Horror Stories. He even appears in the most recent season of the parent show, American Horror Story: Double Feature as a pregnant host to an alien-human hybrid that is being held hostage in Area 51.
Greetham's first appearance on American Horror Stories includes Danny Trejo as an evil mall Santa who serves up just desserts to Greetham's character and his friends with some brutal Christmas killings. The episode was a hit amongst fans, so it is unsurprising that the well-seasoned actor is making a return.
Bella Thorne
Most well-known for her role on the children's television show Shake It Up, model and actress Bella Thorne will step in front of a much more mature audience as she makes her American Horror Stories debut.
Yet, this is not the first mature role that Thorne will assume. In fact, her well-rounded resume is likely what landed her a role on the show. She has starred in Time Is Up and Midnight Sun, two romantic drama films.
Quvenzhané Wallis
Quvenzhané Wallis is most well-known for her role as Hushpuppy in Beasts of the Southern Wild, one of the best movies filmed in New Orleans, even receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress at such a young age.
Wallis has also starred in the 2014 remake of Annie as the title character herself. Her experience and recognizable talent while still being so young in the industry makes her a huge asset to the second season of American Horror Stories.