Sarah Paulson has always captivated audiences with her diverse acting roles, but in recent times, her “mother” status among fans has taken on a life of its own. As Paulson promotes her latest horror-thriller, Hold Your Breath, she’s not only highlighting her performance, but also having fun with the popular term fans use to express admiration for strong female figures.
In a promotional video for the film, Paulson humorously reads comments from fans who repeatedly call her “mother,” a label she’s come to enjoy. “I like being called ‘mother’… I think,” she quips, fully aware of the generational slang. Paulson, who has previously joked about the term during a Saturday Night Live sketch, has taken it all in stride. The affectionate nickname is a nod to her commanding presence in film and TV, but it also signifies the sense of empowerment that many, including LGBTQ fans, derive from her roles.
While her latest film sees her navigating the darker realms of horror, Paulson’s humor shines through in her reactions to fan comments. One particular moment had her laughing about how she had to bleach her eyebrows for the role, stating, “Mother doesn’t like the eyebrow-free face.” The comment, like so much of her work, resonated with her loyal following, many of whom are part of the LGBTQ community. For them, Paulson’s unapologetic embrace of herself and her roles makes her an icon—a mother figure who stands for authenticity and pride.
This deep connection with her audience, particularly queer fans, is part of what keeps Paulson at the center of pop culture. She doesn’t just play characters; she becomes a symbol of strength, identity, and humor for many who feel represented by her roles.