emmys 2012

Connie Britton Thanked Ryan Murphy for Forcing Her to Do American Horror Story

Writer/producer Ryan Murphy attends the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation's 17th Annual Taste For A Cure Gala held at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel
Ryan Murphy. Photo: Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images

Because Jessica Lange never answers the phone, Connie Britton was the first to talk to Ryan Murphy this morning about American Horror Story’s seventeen Emmy nominations (the FX drama tied with Mad Men for most nods, including one for Best Miniseries). “The funny thing is, Jessica never picks up her damn cell phone ever. It could be the president of the United States calling, and it wouldn’t matter,” Murphy told Vulture on his way to the set of Horror Story, where he’ll congratulate Lange in person. Today, Lange’s character, the head of an insane asylum, will be tearing into her right-hand woman (played by Lily Rabe). “It should be good fun.”

“But anyway, I had a great catch-up with Connie, who’s in Nashville for her new show. She was the first person I cast, and she was on the phone like, Oh my God, remember when we met at the 101 Café and the script was so weird but great and you forced me to do it? I’m so glad you did.” Murphy said he was genuinely surprised by the show’s large Emmy haul (Lange, Britton, Denis O’Hare, and Frances Conroy all scored acting nominations), but unsurprised about Glee’s lack thereof. The musical comedy earned nods for guest star Dot Marie Jones, cinematography, and makeup. “No, the glass is half full,” he said. “I look at the comedy category, and there’s worthy nominees. I don’t think you could argue against any of them. I was really thrilled to see Girls in there. That was really well deserved. You know, I think shows have their time.”

Connie Britton Thanked Ryan Murphy This Morning