The AHS: Cult Cast Today: Where Are The Stars Of American Horror Story Season 7 Now? (Updated December 12, 2025)

The seventh season of American Horror Story, titled Cult, remains one of the franchise's most polarizing and politically charged installments. Airing in 2017, the season dove headfirst into the psychological horror of post-election paranoia, phobias, and the terrifying rise of charismatic cult leaders. As of today, December 12, 2025, the incredible performances from the core ensemble—particularly the grueling, multi-role work by Evan Peters and the anxiety-ridden portrayal by Sarah Paulson—are still discussed as career-defining moments. But what has the principal cast of this intense, non-supernatural season been up to in the years since they faced off against Killer Clowns and political fanatics?

This deep-dive article reveals the complete cast list, explores their unforgettable roles in AHS: Cult, and provides the latest updates on their careers, from Oscar-buzzing performances to their continued presence in the Ryan Murphy universe and beyond.

The Core Ensemble: American Horror Story: Cult (Season 7) Cast List

American Horror Story: Cult featured the smallest main ensemble cast in the series' history, focusing on a tight group of characters whose lives unravel following the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This list details the main actors and their primary roles in the season.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• Sarah Paulson as Ally Mayfair-Richards (A woman whose phobias—specifically coulrophobia and trypophobia—are triggered by the election results, making her an easy target for the cult.)
• Evan Peters as Kai Anderson (A manipulative, charismatic, and nihilistic young man who forms the titular cult. Peters also played a series of historical cult leaders in flashbacks, including Jim Jones, Marshall Applewhite, David Koresh, and Charles Manson.)
• Alison Pill as Ivy Mayfair-Richards (Ally's wife and co-owner of The Butchery on Main, who harbors a dangerous secret.)
• Adina Porter as Beverly Hope (A ruthless and ambitious news reporter who joins Kai's cult to gain power and notoriety.)
• Billie Lourd as Winter Anderson (Kai's sister, a rebellious and politically cynical young woman who is hired to be Ally and Ivy's nanny.)
• Cheyenne Jackson as Dr. Rudy Vincent (Ally and Ivy's psychiatrist, who is secretly Kai's older brother.)

Notable Recurring/Guest Stars:

• Emma Roberts as Serena Belinda
• Frances Conroy as Bebe Babbit
• Mare Winningham as Sally Keffler
• Lena Dunham as Valerie Solanas

Evan Peters: The Cult Leader Who Needed a Break

Evan Peters’ performance in AHS: Cult is widely considered one of the most demanding in the show's history. His central role as Kai Anderson, coupled with playing five different infamous real-life cult leaders, was a masterclass in psychological horror and transformation. This intense workload took a significant toll on the actor.

The Toll of Playing Kai Anderson

The sheer darkness of playing Kai Anderson, a misogynistic and manipulative figure who exploits political and social anxieties, led Peters to publicly state he needed a break from the franchise's darker roles. Ryan Murphy, the show's creator, even suggested Peters pursue more comedic work for a while. This mental exhaustion was a direct result of the deeply disturbing material in Season 7.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

Post-Cult Career Highlights:

• AHS Return: Despite the break, Peters returned for AHS: Apocalypse (Season 8), reprising his role as Tate Langdon and playing new character Mr. Gallant.
• The Dahmer Phenomenon: Peters achieved monumental critical acclaim and won an Emmy for his portrayal of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in the 2022 Netflix limited series, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. This role cemented his reputation as one of Hollywood's most versatile and dedicated actors, even if it meant confronting more dark subject matter.
• Upcoming Projects (2025): While details are often kept under wraps, Peters is rumored to be attached to a major historical biopic set for a late 2025/early 2026 release, further diversifying his filmography.

Sarah Paulson: From Phobia-Ridden Victim to Ryan Murphy Muse

Sarah Paulson's Ally Mayfair-Richards was the emotional core of Cult. Her character's descent from a phobia-ridden, vulnerable wife to a ruthless, empowered cult leader (or manipulator, depending on your interpretation) showcased Paulson’s immense range. Her performance as Ally was a terrifying look at how trauma and fear can be weaponized in a volatile political landscape.

Continuing the Reign in the Murphy-verse and Beyond

Paulson has long been considered Ryan Murphy's premier muse, and her work did not slow down after Cult.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

• The AHS Legacy: She continued her run as a main cast member in AHS: Apocalypse and returned for AHS: Double Feature (Season 10) after sitting out 1984.
• Ratched (2020): Paulson took on the iconic role of Nurse Mildred Ratched in the Netflix prequel series, a performance that further explored her ability to play complex, morally ambiguous characters.
• Film and Television Success: Beyond Murphy's productions, Paulson starred in the critically acclaimed thriller film Run (2020) and the HBO Max drama Coastal Elites (2020). Her career has consistently focused on high-stakes, character-driven roles, proving her to be one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry as of late 2025.

Billie Lourd, Adina Porter, and Alison Pill: The Powerful Supporting Players

While Paulson and Peters anchored the season, the supporting cast provided the essential layers of political fanaticism, manipulation, and betrayal that defined Cult. These actors have also seen significant career growth since the 2017 season.

Billie Lourd (Winter Anderson)

Billie Lourd made her second appearance in the AHS universe in Cult as Winter Anderson, Kai's politically radicalized sister and a key figure in his recruitment efforts. Her performance was a chilling look at youthful cynicism turned dangerous.

• AHS Mainstay: Lourd has since become a franchise staple, appearing in Apocalypse, 1984, and Double Feature. She is one of the few actors who has maintained a consistent presence in the show, with rumors of her involvement in the upcoming Season 13 (potentially airing in 2025/2026) circulating widely.
• Film Work: She has balanced her TV work with film roles, including the final installments of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, where she played Lieutenant Connix.

Adina Porter (Beverly Hope)

Adina Porter's portrayal of Beverly Hope, the desperate and power-hungry news anchor, was a standout performance. Beverly's willingness to commit horrific acts for a seat at Kai's table was a commentary on media sensationalism and ambition.

• Emmy Recognition: Porter's work in Cult earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, solidifying her status as a top dramatic actress.
• Continued Success: She returned for AHS: Apocalypse and has had major roles in other high-profile series, including the critically acclaimed The 100 and the Apple TV+ drama The Morning Show.

Alison Pill (Ivy Mayfair-Richards)

Alison Pill's Ivy Mayfair-Richards was arguably the most complex character, revealing a deep-seated resentment and betrayal that fueled the season's central conflict. Her character's shocking twist made her one of the season's most memorable villains.

• Acclaimed TV Roles: Post-Cult, Pill has starred in several major television series, including the HBO sci-fi series Devs (2020) and the Amazon Prime Video series Them (2021).
• Star Trek Universe: She also joined the Star Trek franchise, playing Dr. Agnes Jurati in Star Trek: Picard, showcasing her versatility across genres.

The Lasting Impact of AHS: Cult on the Cast

American Horror Story: Cult was a unique experiment for the anthology series. By eschewing supernatural elements and focusing entirely on real-world political and social anxieties—from the fear of clowns (coulrophobia) to the manipulation of the masses—it forced its cast into some of their most intense roles yet.

The season’s success lies not just in its timely plot, but in the raw, committed performances of its actors. The psychological toll on Evan Peters, the emotional depth of Sarah Paulson's performance, and the chilling conviction of Adina Porter and Billie Lourd all contributed to a season that remains a disturbing reflection of modern society. The career trajectories of the core cast since 2017 prove that their time in the cult was a springboard to even greater dramatic heights, securing their legacy within and outside the Ryan Murphy universe.