Interview: Sarah Paulson Chats About the Pressures of Being a Lead and Playing ‘Ratched’

For years, Sarah Paulson has been absolutely blowing audiences away, be it on the big or small screen. Theatrically, films like 12 Years a Slave, Carol, Glass, and Run have showcased her in a big way. On television, she’s been a dominant force with shows like American Crime Story, American Horror Story, Mrs. America, and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (not to mention the HBO movie Game Change). Seven Emmy Award nominations and four Golden Globe nominations (with one win apiece) can attest to that. Now, you can add Ratched to the list, which also shows off Paulson as a leading lady, as well as a Producer. As the consideration begins for her latest turn, I recently had the chance to hop on the phone with her for an interview. That chat can be found below…

Below, you can hear my chat with Paulson. We spend a lot of the time we have together talking about Ratched, and in particular, her approach to the material. Of course, taking the role played to Academy Award-winning perfection by Louise Fletcher and making it her own was going to be no small task. So, hearing how Paulson found the inspiration but also where to differ from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was fascinating to listen to. In addition, we spoke about the pressure that comes with being number one on the call sheet, not just for this project, but for any project. Plus, Paulson ends things by letting everyone know that she’s dying to do a comedy. So, if you’re listening to/reading this and are casting up something that’s got laughs in it, she’s all ears. Mostly, she was just a delight to talk to, and I know it’s reflected here in our discussion.

Here now is my conversation with Ratched star Sarah Paulson. Enjoy:

Paulson can be seen in Ratched, streaming now on Netflix!