20 Inspiring Facts about Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor: A Tale of Two Actresses

20 Inspiring Facts about Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor: A Tale of Two Actresses

As someone who enjoys theater and film, I’m always captivated by the lives of talented actresses. Two who particularly inspire me are Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor. Though from different generations, these women found success through determination and powerful performances. When I learned that Paulson and Taylor fell in love and entered a committed relationship despite over a big age difference, I was thrilled by their courage to follow their hearts. In this article, I’ll share inspirational facts about both Paulson’s and Taylor’s journeys to acclaimed acting careers.

You’ll learn how Paulson persevered through early rejections to become an Emmy and Golden Globe winner. Additionally, how Taylor’s dedication and talent have kept her working consistently from her twenties through today at seventy-nine years old. Their accomplishments are remarkable, but even more meaningful to me is the love and support they give each other to continue pursuing their passions after finding a partnership late in life. Both on and off-screen, Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor exemplify the power of being true to oneself regardless of obstacles.

The following are twenty inspiring facts about Sarah Poulson and Holland Taylor:

1. Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor Met at a Party in 2005

Harry Langdon Studio, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor first met at a dinner party back in 2005, neither could have predicted what the future held. Despite their differences during that initial meeting, the connection between them persisted. In time, their friendship and mutual admiration grew into something deeper, proving that sometimes the most meaningful bonds take years to cultivate. Their patience ultimately paid off with one of Hollywood’s most loving and enduring partnerships.

2. They were both in other Relationships when they Met

Upon meeting for the first time Paulson and Holland Taylor were seeing other people and far from ready to start a new romance. Paulson was involved with actress Cherry Jones at the time, while Taylor was recovering from the end of a five-year relationship. Still, even while committed elsewhere, the two felt an intriguing spark upon meeting. Over the next decade, as they focused on demanding careers, Paulson and Taylor’s paths would cross now and again. In time, free from past ties and at similar crossroads, they finally saw each other through fresh eyes. Something began as professional respect evolved into an emotional connection neither woman expected so late in life.

3. They were Friends for Ten Years before they began Dating

Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After meeting in 2005, it would be another ten years before they went on their first date. Though drawn to each other at that initial introduction, the timing just wasn’t right. Still, the spark between them lingered even as Paulson and Taylor maintained merely an acquaintanceship for a decade. Finally single again in 2015, Paulson gathered the courage to ask Taylor out to dinner. To her relief and delight, Taylor happily accepted. From that very first date, their late-blooming romance flourished rapidly. Paulson and Taylor wasted no more time, making up for the decade when they could only admire each other from afar.

4. Holland Taylor made the First Move to Ask Sarah Paulson on a Date

In 2015, Holland Taylor decided to make the first move and slide into Sarah Paulson’s DMs. Taylor crafted a playful tweet professing her interest in Paulson and asking her out on a date. Paulson quickly accepted and just like that, thanks to Taylor boldly shooting her shot online, two lives were brought together in midlife romance. Both actresses have since expressed gratitude that Taylor had the confidence to flirt via Social Media DM, despite the risks. Their first date led to a second, and soon theater outings gave way to meals cooked at home. Sliding into Paulson’s DMs may have seemed an unlikely way to find love, but Taylor’s courageous digital flirtation sparked an enduring bond that has inspired fans worldwide.

5. They Publicly Confirmed their Relationship in 2015 against All Odds

When rumors first surfaced in 2015 of a romance between Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor, the longtime friends avoided directly addressing the speculation. But in December, Paulson joyfully confirmed the relationship by posting “If my life choices had to be predicted based on what was expected from me from a community on either side, that’s no life at all.” Taylor simultaneously posted her pride in Paulson for living authentically. By publicly acknowledging their love without shame or secrecy, Paulson and Taylor modeled courage and integrity. Paulson and Taylor made clear that midlife awakening can happen at any age and social conventions need not dictate one’s path to happiness.

6. Despite Keeping their Relationship in Privacy, the Couple has nothing to Hide

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Though Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor closely guard the details of their life together, they have been very open when it comes to declaring their love for one another. After all, their romance didn’t begin in a way that allowed for secrecy. When Holland first asked Sarah out back in 2015, it sparked immediate attention. Still, rather than denying their relationship, both actresses enthusiastically confirmed it instead. Though preferring intimacy away from cameras, Holland and Sarah proudly walk side by side. After initially shielding their connection, Paulson realized she had nothing to hide regarding her heart’s choice. Now, transparency around their romance enables Holland and Sarah to demystify perceptions about age gaps and same-sex love

7. They Take Every Opportunity to tell the World How Much they Love each Other

From the very start of their surprising midlife romance, Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor have been effusive in expressing mutual devotion. On social media, they exchange loving birthday notes and praise for the latest projects. Walking red carpets hand-in-hand, their affection is palpable. And when asked about their decision to couple up despite a wide age span, both women reply with the simplest explanation: when such an amazing person comes into your world, you don’t hesitate. For Paulson and Taylor, after waiting many years, caution gave way fully to tenderness. Unabashed in verbalizing their feelings, they beam when discussing their soulmate. Now several years into dating, Sarah and Holland still eagerly share what drew them first – Holland’s mind, Sarah’s humor, and their perfectly matched hearts.

8. Their Huge age gap has only made their Love Grow Stronger

If the quote “age is just a number” needed the perfect photo, an image of Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor would fit. When the actresses first met, their thirty-two-year age gap became an issue. However, Paulson and Taylor didn’t let skeptical scrutiny dissuade them from exploring their connection. As love grew deeper, the numbers mattered less and less. Holland’s wisdom and experience help spark Sarah’s boldness, just as Sarah’s vivaciousness makes Holland feel young again. By publicly and proudly dating against the Hollywood grain, Paulson and Taylor’s tender romance articulately conveys that maturity and compatibility count far more than mere age difference.

9. Sarah Paulson never missed a chance to Praise Holland Taylor’s Talent over the Years

LBJ Library from Austin, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Sarah Paulson has long been Holland Taylor’s biggest cheerleader when it comes to admiring her talent. Paulson frequently sang Taylor’s praises in interviews and on social media. She has called Taylor a national treasure and genius for the perceptive depth and wit she brings to every acting role. Publicly complimenting Taylor well before romance sparked between them, Paulson’s appreciation has only grown over time. She loudly applauds each new career achievement with supportive congratulations. Just as importantly, Paulson salutes Taylor’s grace in rising above adversity and mean-spirited critics over decades in the spotlight. As the actress pair make their romance more public, Sarah Paulson continues seizing every chance to validate the person and performer who awed her long ago in 2005.

10. Sarah Paulson has Publicly Celebrated Holland Taylor’s Birthday in the Past 

In 2016 Sarah Paulson publicly wished girlfriend Holland Taylor a happy birthday kicking their romance into high gear. While Paulson and Taylor had secretly been dating for several months, Paulson’s affectionate birthday message made headlines for its obvious intimacy. Referring to Taylor as “the most exquisitely beautiful creature,” Paulson proved her feelings loud and clear. Taylor then responded in kind, sharing a beaming photo of Sarah on her feed. From that point on, all the traditional romance trappings followed for the couple. Each passing year has only seen their bond strengthen and sweeten further. Now nearly a decade later, Holland and Sarah maintain that same tradition of honoring one another’s big days with adoring public praise.

11. They made their Couples Red Carpet Debut in 2016

The couple took a major step forward in their relationship when they made their first public appearance as a couple on the red carpet at the 2016 Critics’ Choice Awards. Stepping out hand-in-hand in complimentary outfits, the actresses posed proudly together for photos. Since that night, Paulson and Taylor have made looking glamorously in love with their red carpet signature. Whether cheering Paulson’s Emmy nominations or celebrating Taylor’s latest Broadway endeavor, they walk every carpet beaming arm-in-arm. Now years into dating, Holland and Sarah still attend awards shows and gallery openings together when able, relying on Hollywood glitz to display their ever-growing devotion.

12. Holland Taylor is Sarah Paulson’s number-one Cheerleader During Public Events

Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When Sarah Paulson was up for another Emmy award, girlfriend Holland Taylor reliably displayed unconditional support. As Paulson awaits each category announcement in nervous anticipation, Taylor sends a steady stream of encouraging messages, applauding her brilliance whether she wins or loses. When victory ultimately comes, Taylor is the first to publicly celebrate Paulson’s talent. And in darker years when she doesn’t hear her name called, Holland’s loving messages continue, reassuring Sarah of her irreplaceable gifts. Also, Paulson eagerly attends Taylor’s plays, while Taylor inquires thoughtfully about Sarah’s challenging roles. Holland and Sarah are still one another’s loudest cheerleaders as well as most empathetic confidantes.

13. They are a Whole New People on Halloween

The couple is everywhere as on Halloween night 2017, Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor chose fun, clever costumes to showcase their love. Paulson dressed up as legendary singer Tina Turner, complete with a wild wig and short sequined dress. Meanwhile, Taylor embodied Turner‘s former husband, Ike. By spoofing Tina and Ike’s toxic marriage for Halloween, Sarah and Holland aimed not just to entertain but to educate. Using pop culture parody, they underscored the seriousness of intimate partner violence while celebrating growth since those darker times. Ultimately the couple’s cheeky Halloween attire reminded them how liberation and self-love can triumph after hardship. For survivors Paulson and Taylor, wearing the pain of the past with humor and hope made for the ultimate relationship goals.

14. Sarah Paulson openly discussed with Holland Taylor about their Age Gap

On January 2nd, 2018, Sarah Paulson directly addressed the considerable age difference between herself and her girlfriend Holland Taylor in a magazine interview. Speaking on the three decades between them for the first time since confirming their romance, Paulson dismissed the criticism. She said that on finding a magical person who unpredictably enters your world and heart. Though Taylor is older, Paulson explained, their age gap is irrelevant compared to what they share. By proudly spotlighting how she and Taylor built a bond despite being from seemingly different eras, Paulson challenged superficial, ageist judgments. She made clear that an unconventional pairing doesn’t equate to dysfunction. Two years later, Paulson and Taylor’s love appears only strengthened by social media bile over an arbitrary number.

15. Paulson was Initially intimidated by Taylor’s Brilliance and Personality

Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor met, Paulson was instantly intimidated by Taylor’s confidence and quick wit. Though longing to get to know the respected actress better, she let shyness and Taylor’s recent breakup deter her. As Paulson later shared, she felt unworthy of approaching someone so wise, worldly, and well-put-together.  A decade later, acting on that decade-old spark between them, the once unlikely pair began falling firmly in love. The rest became proof positive that sometimes the most beautiful outcomes just require patience for the right moment to occur organically.

16. They Have had Successful Careers Spanning Decades Long

The lovebirds boast of remarkably accomplished acting careers spanning decades on the stage and screen. Paulson has become an icon through her work in the series American Horror Story, her comedic turn in Ocean’s 8, as well as her Emmy-winning portrayal of trailblazer Alice Paul in Mrs. America. Meanwhile, Taylor has brought memorable wit and wisdom to films like Legally Blonde and others. Together, Paulson and Taylor’s creative talents have not only yielded professional accolades and devoted fans worldwide but also an inspiring romance that blossomed belatedly in midlife. Though at the peak of stardom in very different eras, these two formidable actresses found common ground thanks to a shared passion for the craft – and soon, for one another against all odds.

17. Sarah Paulson has no Reservations about their Same-Sex Intimacy

Image by Jess Foami from Pixabay

While acknowledging their same-sex pairing initially raised some eyebrows, Paulson maintained that she and Taylor were building something real and lasting. As Paulson told it, when she encountered and fell for Taylor, concerns about gossip and stigma melted away. What mattered most was that she had met her soulmate, someone who brought meaning and joy to her world. In Paulson’s words, “If people want to spend any time thinking I’m strange for loving the most spectacular person on the planet, then that’s their problem.” For her, the depth of feeling and understanding she shares with Taylor conquers any other reservations. Sarah Paulson’s courage helped pave the way for wider acceptance of couples who transcend convention.

18. Taylor’s Love for Paulson’s Courage and Fearlessness is Openly Evident

What is better than one being in love with their partner’s personality? Holland Taylor has raved about girlfriend Sarah Paulson’s bravery and willingness to take risks. As Taylor explained in interviews, what initially awed her about Paulson was her utter lack of self-consciousness and concern for other’s opinions. According to Taylor, Paulson lives life on her terms. That courage to be fully herself is what Holland found so magnetic. Taylor has applauded Paulson’s fearlessness in weathering criticism of their pairing. She expresses admiration at how Paulson speaks out for marginalized communities without worrying about whom she might offend. So whether discussing their romance or reacting to global politics, Taylor never misses a chance to praise Sarah’s courage under fire as much as her empathy.

19. They have Openly Expressed their Support for the LGBTQ+ Community

Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay

When it comes to advocating for equality, Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor unapologetically utilize their celebrity platforms to champion LGBTQ+ rights. Both award-winning actresses identify as members of the queer community and have been vocal proponents of landmark civil rights victories like legalized same-sex marriage. By fearlessly confirming their relationship, Paulson and Taylor have normalized images of queer couples thriving in the spotlight. And they eagerly lend their voices to the ongoing work of passing non-discrimination protections to ensure safety, dignity, and opportunity regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

20. They Live together in Los Angeles 

They cherish the comfortable domestic life they’ve built together in Los Angeles. Though globally revered for their acting talents, at home they’re just another devoted couple attending plays and galleries, museums, and movies in support of the arts. Staying centered amid hectic filming schedules and publicity demands, Sarah and Holland’s downtime priorities include cuddling their furry rescue dog Townie, and making hearty meals to enjoy together. They consciously carve out precious one-on-one time at their Spanish-style compound. There, away from the glare of cameras and the chaos of sets, the actresses focus on nurturing their bond through quiet conversation, laughter, and simple togetherness.

Paulson and Taylor show that passion and perseverance can lead to great success, no matter your age or circumstances. Their inspirational journeys motivate me to boldly pursue my dreams. And their supportive partnership is a heartwarming reminder that it’s never too late to find love and encouragement.