American Horror Story Based On A True Story
Ever watched American Horror Story (AHS) and thought, "This is totally bonkers!"? Well, sometimes bonkers has a little bit of truth sprinkled in.
Real Life Horrors Inspiring TV Nightmares
While AHS loves its ghosts, aliens, and demon nuns, the show often dips its toe into the pool of reality. It's like taking a history class, but way more terrifying and with better costumes.
The Axeman Cometh (and Went)
Remember Season 3, Coven? There was this creepy dude with an axe? That was inspired by the real-life Axeman of New Orleans.
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Back in the early 1900s, this guy terrorized the city, leaving behind chilling letters promising more attacks. He even had a weird thing for jazz music; he said if jazz wasn't playing, he'd swing by to chop people up.
New Orleans residents actually played jazz to keep him away. Talk about a city-wide musical shield!
Hotel California… I Mean Cortez
Hotel (Season 5) was all about a seriously messed-up hotel with a dark past. The inspiration? The notorious Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles.
The Cecil Hotel is infamous for mysterious deaths and strange occurrences. Imagine checking in, only to find out your neighbor is a ghost...or worse.
Delphine LaLaurie: The Real Mad Madam
Kathy Bates' character, Delphine LaLaurie, in Coven, was a real person! And just as awful as the show portrayed.
This New Orleans socialite was known for torturing and abusing her slaves. It's a truly disturbing piece of history, and AHS definitely didn't shy away from the horror.
Not Just the Scary Stuff
It's not all gruesome murders and terrifying monsters. Sometimes AHS pulls inspiration from true stories to create memorable and even touching moments.
Pepper's Story: A Heartbreaking Reality
Naomi Grossman's portrayal of Pepper, a microcephalic woman in Asylum and Freak Show, was based on real individuals with similar conditions.
While Pepper's story in AHS is fictional, it aimed to bring awareness and sensitivity to a marginalized group. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of tales, there's room for empathy.
The Countess and Her Lover
While most details are fictional, The Countess in Hotel and her taste for younger men, is rumored to be based on a European royal with similar tendencies. This is rumored to be Queen Marie of Romania.
So, What's the Takeaway?
American Horror Story is entertainment, first and foremost. But knowing that some of its most shocking and memorable moments are rooted in reality adds another layer of intrigue.
Next time you're watching, remember: sometimes, the scariest stories are the ones that actually happened! Just maybe don't check into any hotels right after.
Keep in mind that while inspired by true events, AHS takes creative liberties. Don't use it as your sole source of historical accuracy! But do use it as a springboard to explore the real-life stories behind the fiction. You might be surprised at what you discover.
"All stories are true," - AHS Creator
