Would you believe we’ve only had Paul Anthony Kelly on our screens in one show? Because after seeing the new American Horror Story Season 13 teasers, we’re already wondering why Hollywood hasn’t been giving us more of him.
The 37-year-old actor made his screen debut as JFK Jr. in Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, taking on the famously polished heir with the kind of Upper East Side and Hamptons wardrobe that comes with portraying one of America’s most recognizable style icons.
Now? He’s giving us something very, very different.
From JFK Jr. to Horror’s Mystery Man
The actor had to embrace JFK Jr.’s famously classic aesthetic for Love Story, meaning there was only so much room for the actor’s own personal style to peek through. That makes his transformation for American Horror Story all the more delicious.
Gone is the pristine Kennedy look. In its place is a blonder, more mysterious Kelly who appears to have wandered straight into the kind of nightmare where the dress code is “sinister, shirtless, and suspiciously hot.”
And we’re listening.
Vogue has already reported that Kelly’s character is “the linchpin of the season,” which is a pretty major tease for an actor entering only his second television role. In the new footage, Kelly is also seen lounging in a bathtub with a snake, because apparently simply being mysterious wasn’t enough. On top of that, Kelly’s voice is enough to make our toes curl when he says, “Is daddy gonna have to give you a spanking?”
New teaser of “American Horror Story: 13” featuring new footage of Paul Anthony Kelly as young Nas. #AHS13 pic.twitter.com/SmxoNM08mw
— Paul Anthony Kelly Central (@paulkellyorg) September 20, 2026
READ: Paul Anthony Kelly Puts His Best Leg Forward in Kinky Leather
And Those Tattoos Are Back
Here’s another reason fans are particularly excited to see Kelly in AHS.
The actor has plenty of tattoos, but his JFK Jr. role required them to be covered to maintain the character’s polished appearance. Now, we’re crossing our fingers the tattoos don’t get completely covered up for his new role.
Because there’s something about seeing a previously buttoned-up actor suddenly emerge with more leather, lighter hair, and a much darker vibe that makes you wonder what other career transformations we’ve been missing.
The actor himself has expressed excitement about joining the American Horror Story universe, telling USA Today that he was excited about the opportunity.
And honestly, we’re excited too.
READ: Paul Anthony Kelly’s Tattoo Collection Is Almost as Hot as He Is
He’s Just Getting Started
PAK’s horror turn is already giving fans a completely different side of the actor, but AHS 13 isn’t the only project keeping him busy. He’s also set to appear in The Housemaid’s Secret, alongside Sydney Sweeney, Kirsten Dunst, Michele Morrone, and Off Campus star Stephen Kalyn.
So, thankfully, Hollywood has decided that Paul Anthony Kelly’s time has arrived.
And we’re not exactly going to complain.
American Horror Story: Season 13 premieres Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on FX and Hulu.
Just remember: if PAK’s character really is the linchpin of the season, that bathtub scene may be the least terrifying thing he has planned for us.