Who Plays the Clown in American Horror Story Freak Show?
American Horror Story: Freak Show is the fourth season of the popular American Horror Story anthology series. Set in Jupiter, Florida in the 1950s, the show follows a troupe of carnival performers and their struggles to survive in a society that doesn’t accept them. One of the most iconic characters in the series is the clown, a mysterious and terrifying figure that haunts the performers throughout the season.
American Horror Story was created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk and first premiered on FX in 2011. The show is known for its anthology format, with each season featuring a different storyline and cast of characters. The first season, Murder House, followed a family who moves into a haunted mansion. The second season, Asylum, took place in an insane asylum in the 1960s. The third season, Coven, focused on a group of witches in New Orleans.
Freak Show, the fourth season of American Horror Story, premiered in 2014. The season was set in the 1950s and followed a troupe of carnival performers, including a bearded lady, a conjoined twin, and a lobster boy. The season was praised for its unique setting and strong performances, particularly by Jessica Lange, who played the troupe’s leader, Elsa Mars.
The clown character was introduced early on in the season and quickly became one of the most memorable and terrifying aspects of the show. The clown’s identity, however, remained a mystery for much of the season, leading fans to speculate about who was behind the mask.
The Clown Character in American Horror Story: Freak Show

The clown character in American Horror Story: Freak Show is a frightening and enigmatic figure that haunts the carnival performers throughout the season. The clown’s appearance is unsettling, with a white painted face, red nose, and sharp teeth. The character’s design was inspired by real-life clowns, such as John Wayne Gacy, who was known as the “Killer Clown” due to his crimes.
The clown’s role in the plot is central to the season’s overall storyline. The character is revealed to be responsible for a number of brutal murders in the town of Jupiter, and his true identity is a mystery for much of the season. As the season progresses, the clown’s backstory is revealed, and his motivations become clearer.
The clown character had a significant impact on the audience, with many viewers finding the character to be one of the scariest in the series. The character’s design and mannerisms were praised for their unsettling and creepy qualities, making the clown one of the most memorable characters in the series.
The Actors in American Horror Story: Freak Show

American Horror Story: Freak Show featured an impressive cast of actors, both new and returning to the series. The main cast included Jessica Lange as Elsa Mars, the troupe’s leader, Sarah Paulson as conjoined twins Bette and Dot Tattler, Evan Peters as Jimmy Darling, a performer with lobster-like hands, and Kathy Bates as Ethel Darling, Jimmy’s mother and a bearded lady.
In addition to the main cast, the season featured a number of supporting actors, including Angela Bassett, who played a three-breasted woman, Michael Chiklis, who played a strongman, and John Carroll Lynch, who played the clown character.
Many of the actors in American Horror Story: Freak Show had previous experience working with creator Ryan Murphy, having appeared in previous seasons of the show. The cast’s impressive resumes also included work in film, television, and theatre. Their involvement in the show helped to bring the characters to life and make them some of the most memorable in the series.
Who Plays the Clown in American Horror Story Freak Show?
One of the most intriguing aspects of the clown character in American Horror Story: Freak Show was the mystery surrounding the identity of the actor who played him. It wasn’t until later in the season that fans learned that the clown was actually played by two different actors: John Carroll Lynch and Twisty the Clown, played by John Carroll Lynch and Daniel Robuck.
John Carroll Lynch is an American actor known for his work in film and television. He has appeared in numerous movies, including Fargo, Shutter Island, and Zodiac. Lynch’s portrayal of the clown in American Horror Story: Freak Show was praised for its intensity and terror. He brought a sinister quality to the character that made him one of the scariest villains in the show’s history.
Daniel Robuck is another American actor known for his work in film and television. He has appeared in movies like The Fugitive and Matlock, as well as TV shows like Lost and The Walking Dead. Robuck played Twisty the Clown, a former circus performer who becomes a serial killer. His portrayal of the character was equally chilling, and he brought a sense of empathy to a character who was otherwise a monster.
Both Lynch and Robuck brought their own unique perspectives to the character of the clown. Lynch’s portrayal was more overtly evil, while Robuck’s was more sympathetic. Together, they created a character that was both terrifying and complex.
Conclusion
The clown character in American Horror Story: Freak Show was one of the most memorable and terrifying aspects of the show. The mystery surrounding the identity of the actor who played him only added to his allure. John Carroll Lynch and Daniel Robuck both brought their own unique perspectives to the character, creating a villain that will go down in TV history.
In conclusion, American Horror Story: Freak Show was a standout season in the anthology series, and the clown character was a major reason for its success. The significance of the actor who played the clown cannot be overstated, as their performances brought the character to life in a way that will haunt audiences for years to come. For fans of horror and television alike, American Horror Story: Freak Show is a must-watch.