Sarah Paulson, the acclaimed actress known for her transformative roles in "American Horror Story" and "American Crime Story," has navigated a public romantic life that has evolved significantly over the decades. Her journey through high-profile relationships, marked by both profound connections and public scrutiny, reflects a personal evolution and a steadfast commitment to love on her own terms. From an early engagement to fellow actors to her enduring partnership with Holland Taylor, Paulson's romantic history offers a compelling narrative of love in the spotlight.
One of Paulson's earliest publicly known romantic connections was with Tracy Letts, an accomplished American actor and playwright. The couple became engaged in the late 1990s, when Paulson was in her early twenties. This relationship took place during a formative period in Paulson's career, though specific details about their meeting and the duration of their engagement remain largely private. Ultimately, the engagement was called off, with Paulson later reflecting that she was quite young at the time of their relationship.
Following her engagement to Letts, Sarah Paulson entered into a significant relationship with Emmy Award-winning actress Cherry Jones. Their romance began around 2004 and lasted for approximately seven years, concluding in 2009. The two met through their work in the theater community, quickly forming a deep bond that became publicly known as they attended numerous red carpet events and award shows together. A notable moment occurred at the 2005 Tony Awards, where they were seen sharing a kiss, which Paulson later acknowledged as her public "outing."
Their relationship was a prominent fixture in entertainment news, with both actresses often expressing mutual admiration and support. Despite their public displays of affection, the couple eventually separated in 2009. Cherry Jones publicly addressed their split, describing it as "the happiest breakup that's ever been" in an interview with US Magazine, indicating an amicable parting. This long-term relationship marked a significant chapter in Paulson's romantic life, demonstrating her comfort and openness in a same-sex partnership.
In 2015, Sarah Paulson's romantic life took a new, highly publicized turn when she began a relationship with veteran actress Holland Taylor. Although they had initially met at a party in 2005 while Paulson was still dating Cherry Jones, their connection deepened a decade later through social media, with Taylor famously initiating contact by sliding into Paulson's direct messages on Twitter. Their relationship quickly blossomed, capturing significant media attention due to their 32-year age gap, with Taylor being older than Paulson.
The couple made their relationship public in late 2015 and have since become one of Hollywood's most beloved and outspoken pairs. Paulson has frequently expressed her profound love and admiration for Taylor, often gushing about her partner on social media and in interviews. She notably called Taylor her "favorite actress" and "most favorite human" in early tweets, and famously declared her love for Taylor during her acceptance speech at the 2016 Emmy Awards, where she won for her role as Marcia Clark in "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story."
Their relationship is characterized by mutual support, public appearances at industry events, and candid discussions about their bond. Despite the initial media fascination with their age difference, Paulson has consistently emphasized that their connection transcends such conventional considerations. She has openly stated that she "didn't choose to fall in love with the person I fell in love with," highlighting the organic nature of their deep affection.
A unique aspect of their enduring partnership is their living arrangement; Paulson revealed in a May 2024 podcast appearance that they do not live together, stating, "We don't live together. That's the secret to it." She explained that this arrangement allows them to spend quality time together when desired, while maintaining individual spaces. This approach, according to Paulson, has contributed to the longevity and happiness of their relationship. Holland Taylor has also spoken fondly of their life together, noting the ease and joy they share.
Sarah Paulson's romantic history reflects a journey of self-discovery and a commitment to authentic connections, regardless of societal norms or public perception. From her early engagement to Tracy Letts to her seven-year relationship with Cherry Jones, and now her ongoing, celebrated partnership with Holland Taylor, Paulson has consistently embraced love openly. Her relationships have been marked by genuine affection and mutual respect, solidifying her status as a beloved public figure whose love life, while often in the spotlight, remains deeply personal and inspiring.