Naomi Grossman tells us why "Pepper fans are going to be pleased" with the rest of American Horror Story: Freak Show, set in 1952 Jupiter, Florida.
Naomi Grossman.
If you're an American Horror Story devotee, you know Pepper—the first "freak" to be featured in two different seasons of the often-terrifying TV show. But do you know the woman behind the costume? She's accomplished actress Naomi Grossman, who undergoes an intense two-hour transformation to get in character. As the fourth season of Freak Show comes to a climax, we talk with Grossman about the secretive audition process, Pepper’s journey, and shaving her head.
Tell us about auditioning for the part of Pepper for season two of American Horror Story. Were you up against people that actually had microcephaly?
NAOMI GROSSMAN: I didn’t see any people with microcephaly, but [there were] little people. In fact, I was the giant in the room and I thought there was no way in hell that I could get this role. Fortunately it all worked out, but I had no idea really what was in store. Even after I was cast, it took a while before I really figured out what it was.
Were you surprised when they called you to come back for season four?
NG: I don’t know that I was totally surprised because it makes sense. Ryan [Murphy, the show’s director] recycles actors and the freak show seems like a perfect fit [since] Pepper was modeled after Schlitzie, the well-known freak show performer from the 1930s—it sort of made sense.
Was shaving your head a hard decision?
NG: As they were sort of creating the character physically, it became apparent that a bald cap would require another couple of hours in the makeup chair, which of course I was happy to do if it meant being able to keep my hair. But at the same time, I’m an actress and this is what we do for our art [and] clearly they knew what they were doing.
Any regrets about shaving your head?
NG: Oh, absolutely not! Honestly, I think all women should. It’s liberating.
How long is the process of turning you into Pepper?
NG: It takes about two-and-a-half hours. It consists of a nose, brows, ears, man hands, fake teeth, and a contact lens. Of course [there is] the shaved head and they have a thing with the little pigtail that they apply, as well.
Naomi Grossman as Pepper (left).
Do you get recognized even though you look so different from Pepper?
NG: You know, it’s amazing, I do. I didn’t at first, especially during Asylum. I remember the first time it happened, I thought, “Oh my God, on one hand I’m so excited because it’s all I’ve ever wanted, but then on the other hand I’m like great, I just got recognized as the ugliest girl on television. Is that good? Should I be happy right now?” Since then, here in New Orleans, I would say on a daily basis somebody comes and asks me to take a photo. Of course my little bald head gives it away.
Is this season going to explore how Pepper ended up at Briarcliff Manor in season two, Asylum?
NG: Well, Ryan Murphy has said that this was Pepper’s origin story, so I can repeat what Ryan said—we’ll be seeing Pepper’s origin.
What is it like working alongside legends like Kathy Bates, Jessica Lange, and Angela Bassett?
NG: It’s really thrilling—it’s like an acting master class. Jessica Lange makes it so easy. There’s some really juicy stuff coming up, which when I first read it I thought, “Oh God, how am I going to do this?” [But] Jessica Lange makes it so easy. All you have to do is everything they teach you in acting class: be present, be in the moment. If you do that, she will get you where you want to go emotionally. Kathy is a hoot. She’s such fun on set and so humble. Angela, too; she’s just so lovely, like a girlfriend. It’s amazing.
Do you have any stories from your time shooting the show?
NG: There was a clothing-optional club in New Orleans, which the freaks and I frequented. I bullied Meep [played by Ben Woolf] into taking all of his clothes off, which I shouldn’t be proud of. Yet, he does claim it was one of the best days of his life. So, you’re welcome Meep.
What can we expect from the rest of this season of American Horror Story?
NG: I don’t think I’m spoiling anything when I say there will be deaths. I mean, it is American Horror Story; this isn’t an ABC Family after-school special. It’s going to get freaky [and] there will be blood. Pepper fans are going to be pleased.
Watch Grossman as Pepper on American Horror Story on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on FX.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FREDERICK M. BROWN/GETTY IMAGES (TOP); KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES (MIDDLE); MICHELE K. SHORT/FX (PEPPER)