Sarah Paulson stands as one of the most compelling and versatile actresses of her generation, admired for her extraordinary range, emotional depth, and fearless approach to every role she takes on. From early television beginnings to becoming a regular collaborator of Ryan Murphy, Paulson has built a celebrated career across TV, film, and Broadway, earning an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Tony Award along the way.
Named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in 2017, she continues to captivate audiences with performances that are as powerful as they are nuanced.
In this article, we’ll explore her early life, family background, remarkable career milestones, personal life, and the achievements that shaped her into a true Hollywood powerhouse.
Early Life & Education, Parents
Sarah Paulson was born on December 17, 1974, in Tampa, Florida, to Catharine Gordon and Douglas Lyle Paulson II. Her early childhood changed dramatically when her parents divorced at age five, prompting her mother to move Sarah and her sister from Florida to Maine, and eventually to New York City.
Her mother, then just 27, worked as a waitress at Sardi’s while raising her daughters in Queens, Gramercy Park, and later Park Slope. Paulson has often spoken about her admiration for her mother’s courage during those years. She spent summers in Florida with her father, who worked as an executive at a door manufacturing company.
Paulson attended P.S. 29 and the Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn before continuing her performing arts education at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and later the American Academy of Dramatic Arts formative experiences that set her on the path to her successful acting career.
| Full Name | Sarah Catharine Paulson |
| Date of Birth | 17 December 1974 |
| Place of Birth | Tampa, Florida, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Father: Douglas Lyle Paulson II
Mother: Catharine Paulson |
| Partner | Holland Taylor (2015–present) |
| Siblings |
Rachel Paulson, Liz Paulson |
| Net Worth | $1–2 million |
| Social Media | Instagram – XTwitter – Facebook |
Net Worth, Religion & Ethnicity
As of 2025, Sarah Paulson’s estimated net worth is around $12–$15 million, earned through her long-running television career, acclaimed film roles, and award-winning stage work.
She has never spoken publicly about following any specific religion, and is generally considered not religious in a formal sense. Ethnically, Paulson is white / Caucasian, with English, Irish, and German ancestry through her family background.
Personal life, Partner & Relationships

Sarah Paulson has always been open about the fluid nature of her personal life and relationships. In the past, she dated playwright Tracy Letts and later actress Cherry Jones, with whom she was in a relationship from 2004 to 2009.
In 2016, Paulson confirmed that she was in a relationship with actress Holland Taylor, sharing that they had first met at a dinner party years earlier and reconnected in 2015. Their relationship has since become one of the most admired in Hollywood, known for its warmth, respect, and support. Paulson continues to live in Los Angeles, embracing a life guided by her own choices and authenticity.
Height, Weight & Physical Appearance
Sarah Paulson has a graceful and elegant presence, standing around 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall with a slim build. She is known for her blonde hair, which she sometimes changes for roles, and her striking blue eyes.
Career Details
Sarah Paulson has built an impressive and versatile career across television, film, and theatre. She began acting right out of high school, appearing in early TV roles like American Gothic and Jack & Jill, before moving into films such as What Women Want and Down with Love.
Her breakthrough came through her long collaboration with Ryan Murphy, especially starring in American Horror Story across nine seasons and earning multiple Emmy nominations. Paulson reached a new career peak with her award-winning performance as Marcia Clark in The People v. O.J. Simpson, which earned her an Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award.
She continued to take on acclaimed roles in projects like 12 Years a Slave, Carol, Ocean’s 8, Glass, Mrs America, and Ratched. Beyond screen work, she has remained active on stage, winning the Tony Award for Best Actress in 2023 for Appropriate. Paulson’s career is defined by her emotional depth, powerhouse performances, and ability to transform into a wide range of complex characters.
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