One of the reasons so many cast members have been able to keep returning to American Horror Story is because they're unrecognizable from season-to-season. While the actors have to morph into each bizarre persona, the show's award-winning makeup and costume designers certainly play an important part in these amazing transformations.
Kathy Bates has had many memorable roles on American Horror Story over the years, but her character from AHS: Freak Show is perhaps her most iconic. She plays a world-weary bearded lady, and she does it with and no-nonsense attitude that almost makes you forget the beard is even there.
When you're gatekeeper to the spirit world, you'd better look the part. In AHS: Coven, Lance Reddick does just that. He's entirely convincing as Papa Legba thanks in part to his otherwordly, voodoo-inspired appearance.
Lily Rabe had big shoes to fill when it came to playing real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos. After all, Charlize Theron won an Oscar for her portrayal in 2003's Monster. Rabe offered a sauntering performance for AHS: Hotel, but her methodical mannerisms are just a part of the creepiness. Makeup artists turned her into a shiver-inducing dead ringer of the notorious murderer.
Denis O'Hare's transformation into a transgender woman is thorough–and not just on the outside. Aside from the makeup and outfits, O'Hare gave a nuanced performance that showed the emotional impact transitioning can have. Liz Taylor is the heart and soul of the Hotel Cortez, and she is simply fabulous.
If you didn't already know Grace Gummer is Meryl Streep's daughter, you would have had a tough time seeing the resemblance in AHS: Freak Show. To achieve her look as "Lizard Girl," she endured daily application of an elaborate puzzle of prosthetic tattoos that covered her entire head and neck. Although her forked tongue was added in post-production, she did sometimes have to wear a silicon applique.