In a Shag Haircut, Sandra Bernhard Brings Authenticity to 'AHS: NYC'

On "American Horror Story:NYC," Sandra Bernhard plays a lesbian activist out to set the alarm about an impending health crisis facing New York gay men in 1981. EDGE spoke to Bernhard about the show.

One reason why this season of "American Horror Story" has authenticity is the presence of such stars as Patti LuPone and Sandra Bernhard. Called "AHS:NYC," the series is set in 1981, when LuPone ruled Broadway after her first Tony win for "Evita," while Bernhard held sway over the East Village, where "Without You, I'm Nothing" had completed its run and had reached movie audiences with its film version.

On the show, LuPone plays a chanteuse whose Broadway days are behind her, while Bernhard is a lesbian activist and lab worker who has discovered a government program aimed at creating a virus capable of targeting minority groups they want to eliminate, in this case, gay men. While these theories have largely been discredited, they persist in memory (and on the Internet), and are perfect fodder for Ryan Murphy's conspiratorial imagination.

Bernhard is no stranger to the Murphy universe, having earlier had a memorable turn as a Devil-worshipping preacher on "American Horror Story: Apocalypse," followed by her acclaimed performance as Nurse Judy on three seasons of "Pose." No doubt when Murphy went to cast this season, Bernhard's inclusion was crucial.

In addition to her role on "AHS:NYC," Bernhard continues with her highly successful Sirius radio show "Sandyland," as well as preparing for her annual holiday gig at Joe Pub's. And prior to that, she heads to Texas for a number of solo shows in early December. For more information, visit her website.

EDGE spoke to long outspoken Bernhard about her role, working with Ryan Murphy, and her upcoming holiday show.

EDGE: What was the pitch that Ryan Murphy used that made you play Fran?

Sandra Bernhard: There was no pitch. He just called and said he wanted me to be in this season of "American Horror Story." His one condition was that I had to get a shag haircut.

EDGE: What is it like working with the Ryan Murphy?

Sandra Bernhard: It's very collaborative and adventurous with a lot of last-minute changes, but very fun. He moves quick and so does everything else. It's fun, it's easy, and it's not stressful. With Ryan, you just roll with the punches.

EDGE: Can you talk a little bit about portraying Fran?

Sandra Bernhard: I can't say too much because the character changes a lot. We're only four episodes in, so I can't fully explain what happens or what she gets involved in without giving something away.

EDGE: You and Fran seems to have a lot of similarities. Does that help you in the process of finding the character?

Sandra Bernhard: Yes, I mean, every actor is going to bring essentially who they are to the part. You can only transform so much unless you put on prosthetics. If it's just you as a character, you're going to draw upon some of your own personality. With Nurse Judy and with Fran, I found different parts of myself and my emotion to tap into that I normally wouldn't do. You want to be yourself but with something extra.

EDGE: American Horror Story is a very dark series. It must take a toll on your mental health. How do you decompress from filming?

Sandra Bernhard: Luckily, I can step away from it and go back to my normal life. It does help that I don't have any scenes that were really too violent. Violence is not my thing at all, so I probably would have a harder time stepping away. Fran does skirt around the edge of the violence, but not enough to affect me.

EDGE: What is the first horror movie that affected you?

Sandra Bernhard: "The Creature from the Black Lagoon" from 1954. I just love it. I love all those old Hollywood movies on TMC.

EDGE: You have worked in film, on stage, as a comedienne, as a singer. Where are you the happiest creatively?

Sandra Bernhard: For me, it all just comes together. I love performing live because that's how I started out. As an actor, I love getting to explore other personas and different stories. I like to flow in and out of each of these. Going back and forth helps keep it fresh for me.

EDGE: Tell us about your upcoming shows in Texas, especially your show at Fiesta Youth, an organization that serves LGBTQIA+ teens, young adults, and their allies. (The event date is Dec. 3 in San Antonio, TX. For ticket information, click here.)

Sandra Bernhard: A lot of times, At Risk LGBTQ+ organizations call me to come and perform and help set an example for young people who are struggling and going through a lot of cultural shock and change. I love it because it's just nice to be able to support these organizations and show them that we've all gone through it and that it does get better. Show them that if you keep your wits about you and you stay strong, you will come out of the other side and be a mentor and an example to other people too. In our community, we have to always find ways to pass the baton on to the next one.

EDGE: Tell us about your upcoming holiday show at Joe's pub in New York.

Sandra Bernhard: I love the holiday shows. I love the intimacy of them. It is a great place to break in new material and songs that I have been working on all year. I love celebrating in New York. Its my favorite time of the year to hang with my friends, family, and band members. Joe's has a really great vibe to it and that's something cool and special about it. I love just experiencing those shows with the audience.

EDGE: I loved your comedy routine on Netflix's "Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration." Are we going to get a new comedy special from you anytime soon?

Sandra Bernhard: Yes, I'm actually working with a director/producer right now. It came together. He will be filming some of my shows at Joe's. It's going to be a hybrid documentary/performance film. Stay tuned as it is still coming together, but I'm really excited about it.

For more information about Sandra visit, visit her website. Bernhard heads to Texas for dates in early December. She returns to NYC's Joe's Pub from Dec. 27 through 31 for her annual holiday show. For ticket information, //publictheater.org/productions/joes-pub/2022/s/sandra-bernhard/

You can also watch Sandra on "American Horror Story: NYC" streaming now on FX and Hulu.