American Horror Story: Best performances from 25 key AHS actors

What is Kathy Bates’s best American Horror Story role?

Every season of American Horror Story that Kathy Bates takes part in is a gift. And her performances are often so nuanced and brilliant that we have a hard time separating the actress from the role. But when it came to her turn as Iris in Hotel, it is hard to deny that she was beyond amazing.

She was tortured and awful in equal measures. And even though she does make attempts at amends with her son, it doesn’t negate the damage she has already done.

As Iris, we get to see a character run through all manner of emotional gauntlets and highs and lows. From attempting to plan a murder to trying to earn forgiveness, Iris is a flawed woman brought to life brilliantly by Kathy Bates.

Is her character the most important one to pop up on our American Horror Story screens? Perhaps not. But it is so well-acted that you can’t help but feel for this woman who seems genuine in wanting to fix things in her life.

If Iris were to pop up in future seasons, we would not be upset. But really anytime we can get Kathy Bates on our screens, we are not going to be mad at it.