Taissa Farmiga

Early life

Farmiga was born in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, on August 17, 1994, the daughter of Ukrainian immigrants Lubomyra (née Spas), a schoolteacher, and Michael Farmiga, a systems analyst. She is the youngest of seven siblings: Victor, Vera, Stephan, Nadia, Alexander "Alex" and Laryssa, the last of whom was born with spina bifida. Her maternal grandparents met at Karlsfeld, a sub-camp of the Dachau concentration camp system, during World War II. Farmiga attended public school until the fourth grade, after which she began being homeschooled by her mother, alongside her two siblings Alex and Laryssa. She has stated that she understands Ukrainian language but can only partially speak it. She is proficient in American Sign Language, having taken classes for four years. Farmiga was raised Pentecostal as her sister Vera and the rest of the family had already been converts from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Career

2011–2014: Early work and television breakthrough

Although Farmiga initially planned on becoming an accountant, she was persuaded by her sister, Vera, to appear in her directorial debut drama Higher Ground, where she was cast as the 16-year-old version of the lead character, Corinne Walker. Shortly after its premiere at the 2011 Sundance, where Farmiga garnered rave reviews for her performance, she was signed to talent agency ICM Partners.

That same year, Farmiga starred in the first season of FX's anthology series American Horror Story, which launched her to worldwide prominence. Murder House, where she played Violet Harmon, the troubled adolescent daughter of Vivien (Connie Britton) and Ben Harmon (Dylan McDermott), premiered to rave reviews. She secured the role of Violet in her first professional acting audition. She next joined the cast of Sofia Coppola's crime satire The Bling Ring, based on the real life criminal group of the same name, portraying 17-year-old wild child Sam Moore. The film opened in Un Certain Regard at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival to generally positive reviews. She then portrayed Audrey Martin, an uptight teen touring a college campus, in the romantic comedy At Middleton, co-starring with her sister Vera and Andy García. The film premiered at the 2013 Seattle International Film Festival and received a mixed to positive response from critics.

Farmiga returned to the American Horror Story franchise to star as Zoe Benson, a young witch afflicted with a dark and dangerous power in the third season, American Horror Story: Coven (2013–2014), for which she received critical acclaim. She had her first leading film role as Anna Greene in Jorge Dorado's psychological thriller Mindscape, which premiered at the 2013 Sitges Film Festival. Her performance in Mindscape was lauded by critics; comparing her to a young Hannibal Lecter, and La Razón calling her "hypnotic" in the role. She next co-starred as Sarah, the main character's love interest, in the biographical crime drama Jamesy Boy (2014).

2015–2016: Rise to prominence in mainstream film

Farmiga starred in three films that premiered at the 2015 South by Southwest: the first was Todd Strauss-Schulson's critically-acclaimed horror comedy The Final Girls, in which she portrayed the lead role of final girl Max Cartwright, which earned her a Fright Meter Award nomination. The second was Hannah Fidell's heavily improvised romantic drama 6 Years, in which she starred as Melanie Clark. The third and final film was Pippa Bianco's short drama Share, in which she played Krystal Williams, a teenager who returns to school after an explicit video of her sexual assault goes viral. Her performances in all these films were acclaimed, and Farmiga was listed as one of the breakout stars of the festival.

Farmiga next appeared as Karen McClaren, a young journalist who gets caught up in the hunt for a serial killer, in ABC's short-lived crime drama series Wicked City (2015). On filming the series, she stated that, "There's neon lights and billboards and clubs, and it just feels so fun – even though there's a seedy underbelly to it." The series received mixed reviews from critics, and due to low ratings was cancelled after three episodes, with the remaining unaired episodes later debuting on Hulu.

In 2016, she made her stage debut as Shelly in the Off-Broadway revival of Sam Shepard's drama Buried Child, also starring Ed Harris and Amy Madigan. She then starred opposite Ethan Hawke and John Travolta in the Ti West-directed revenge Western film In a Valley of Violence, playing a motormouthed young innkeeper who befriends Hawke's character. The film premiered at the 2016 South by Southwest, and was met with positive reviews. Farmiga made her voice acting debut as the superhero Raven in DC Comics' Justice League vs. Teen Titans, directed by Sam Liu, which premiered at the 2016 WonderCon, and thereafter returned to American Horror Story for the sixth season of the series, Roanoke, where she guest starred as Sophie Green in the November 2016 episode "Chapter 9". Farmiga next co-starred as Sarah Bransford in Warren Beatty's ensemble romantic comedy-drama Rules Don't Apply, which premiered at the 2016 AFI Fest to mixed reviews. The project reunited Farmiga with her Buried Child co-stars Harris and Madigan, who portray her character's parents in the film.

2017–2021: Established film actress

Farmiga reprised her voice role as Raven in Teen Titans: The Judas Contract, again directed by Sam Liu, which premiered at the 2017 WonderCon. She next played Emma Ertz in Elizabeth Chomko's drama film What They Had, and re-teamed with director Hannah Fidell for the comedy film The Long Dumb Road, both of which premiered at the 2018 Sundance. Farmiga next appeared as the Catholic novitiate Sister Irene in Corin Hardy's horror film The Nun, the fifth film in The Conjuring Universe, which was released in September 2018, and became the highest-grossing film in its series.

In August 2018, it was confirmed that Farmiga would return to American Horror Story for the eighth season of the series, American Horror Story: Apocalypse, portraying both her Murder House and Coven characters, Violet Harmon and Zoe Benson.

Farmiga then played protagonist Merricat Blackwood in Stacie Passon's film adaptation of Shirley Jackson's mystery novel We Have Always Lived in the Castle, which premiered at the 2018 LA Film Festival. She also appeared alongside Clint Eastwood and Bradley Cooper in the Eastwood-directed drama film The Mule, released in December 2018.

In May 2019, Farmiga appeared as Annie Miller in an episode of the CBS All Access series of The Twilight Zone, a reboot of the 1959 TV series of the same name, where she starred opposite Rhea Seehorn, Luke Kirby and Ike Barinholtz. The following year, she also guest starred as Hannah Stolsfiss in 3 episodes of the horror anthology series 50 States of Fright for Quibi.

2022–present: ''The Gilded Age'' and further film roles

In 2022, Farmiga began starring in the HBO period drama series The Gilded Age as socialite Gladys Russell, the daughter of Carrie Coon’s character. The following year, she reprised her role as Sister Irene in the supernatural horror sequel The Nun II.

Farmiga next starred in the independent romantic drama film She Taught Love in the supporting role of Samantha Miron, which was released by Hulu on September 27, 2024.

Personal life

Farmiga owns a home in Los Feliz, Los Angeles. In May 2019, she was reported to be engaged to screenwriter and director Hadley Klein. They were married in an intimate ceremony at their home on August 8, 2020.

On the official HBO Gilded Age podcast released July 13, 2025, she announced she was divorced. The divorce apparently dates to early July 2024.

Filmography

Film

Television

Stage

Podcast

Accolades

Awards and nominations

Honors

• Farmiga was included on Variety magazine's list of "The 14 Women Who Dominated the South by Southwest Film Festival" for her works in The Final Girls (2015) and 6 Years (2015).

• Farmiga was included on the cover of Town & Country magazine's June 2025 issue.

References

References

1. (April 7, 2015). "Just Jared Spotlight presents Taissa Farmiga".
2. Minear, Piper. (August 17, 2017). "Taissa Farmiga: A New Generation's Scream Queen".
3. Fitzsimons, Amanda. (August 8, 2011). "Taissa Farmiga: It's All Relative".
4. Sundel, Jenny. (March 11, 2015). "SXSW 2015: Taissa Farmiga Takes Off".
5. (November 4, 2013). "5 Things You Don't Know About Taissa Farmiga".
6. Brown, Mick. (August 30, 2008). "Vera Farmiga: rare breed".
7. Smindak, Helen. (October 15, 2006). "Actress Vera Farmiga: reaching for stardom".
8. Savage, Sophia. (August 22, 2011). "Vera and Taissa Farmiga Talk Higher Ground: Strength, Vulnerability, Self-Discovery, Courage".
9. Neumyer, Scott. (March 15, 2014). "Actresses Vera and Taissa Farmiga Are Sisters and Best Friends".
10. (October 23, 2014). "Nadia Spas Obituary".
11. DeSocio, Jeffrey Thomas. (October 6, 2015). "Farmiga bring the chills in 'The Final Girls'".
12. Luscombe, Belinda. (August 29, 2011). "That's the Spirit".
13. Doty, Meriah. (July 30, 2015). "Taissa Farmiga Talks '6 Years' and Sis, Plus Exclusive Trailer".
14. Jacobs, Laura. (June 22, 2011). "The Family Farmiga".
15. Miller, Daniel. (March 30, 2011). "Agency Signing Round-Ups: 'Falling Skies' Star Connor Jessup to UTA; Vera's Sister Taissa Farmiga to ICM".
16. Goldberg, Lesley. (May 5, 2011). "Duo Join Ryan Murphy's 'American Horror Story' FX Pilot". The Hollywood Reporter.
17. Wightman, Catriona. (December 26, 2011). "'American Horror Story' Taissa Farmiga Q&A: 'Violet is a dark soul'".
18. Hale, Mike. (October 4, 2011). "'American Horror Story' on FX: They Said It Had Good Bones".
19. Andreeva, Nellie. (May 5, 2011). "'American Horror Story' Casts Young Leads".
20. Jagernauth, Kevin. (March 1, 2012). "American Horror Story'' Star Taissa Farmiga Joins Sofia Coppola's ''The Bling Ring".
21. Rosen, Christopher. (May 16, 2013). "'The Bling Ring' Reviews: Sofia Coppola's Burglar Bunch Film Debuts At Cannes".
22. Kit, Borys. (June 19, 2012). "Three Actors Join Indie Dramedy 'Admissions'". The Hollywood Reporter.
23. Rome, Emily. (May 18, 2013). "Vera Farmiga, Andy Garcia film 'Middleton' premieres in Seattle".
24. Goldberg, Lesley. (February 7, 2013). "'American Horror Story' Adds Frances Conroy, Taissa Farmiga for Season 3". The Hollywood Reporter.
25. Pasha, Adam. (October 7, 2013). "American Horror Story: Coven Premiere, "Bitchcraft"".
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27. Montoya, Por Àlex. (November 28, 2013). "Mindscape".
28. (February 22, 2014). ""Mindscape": Yo vigilo tu mente – La Razón digital".
29. Kroll, Justin. (March 1, 2012). "'Horror Story' thesp Farmiga lands 2 roles".
30. Peitzman, Louis. "The 19 Best Horror Films Of 2015".
31. Kroll, Justin. (February 27, 2014). "SPWA Acquires 'Final Girls' Starring Malin Akerman, Taissa Farmiga".
32. Harvey, Dennis. (March 14, 2015). "SXSW Film Review: 'The Final Girls'".
33. "It Follows, Spring, and We Are Still Here Lead the 2015 Fright Meter Awards Nominations".
34. Kilday, Gregg. (June 12, 2014). "Taissa Farmiga, Ben Rosenfield Starring in Hannah Fidell's New Feature". The Hollywood Reporter.
35. "6 Years (2015)". [[Metacritic]].
36. Chang, Justin. (March 17, 2015). "SXSW: 'Krisha,' 'Peace Officer' Win Grand Jury Prizes".
37. Setoodeh, Ramin. (March 20, 2015). "The 14 Women Who Dominated the SXSW Film Festival".
38. (March 23, 2015). "The 12 Breakouts of the 2015 SXSW Film Festival".
39. Goldberg, Lesley. (February 25, 2015). "'American Horror Story' Alum Taissa Farmiga Joins ABC Anthology". The Hollywood Reporter.
40. Kenyon, Sandy. (October 27, 2015). "Behind the making of Wicked City".
41. "Wicked City: Season 1".
42. "'Wicked City' officially canceled".
43. Wagmeister, Elizabeth. (December 23, 2015). "Hulu Streaming Un-Aired Episodes of ABC's Canceled 'Wicked City'".
44. Gerard, Jeremy. (October 8, 2015). "'American Horror Story's Taissa Farmiga Joins Ed Harris, Amy Madigan in 'Buried Child' Revival".
45. (February 17, 2016). "'Buried Child', Starring Ed Harris & Amy Madigan, Extends Again Off-Broadway".
46. Yamato, Jen. (May 22, 2014). "Taissa Farmiga Joins Ethan Hawke, John Travolta In Revenge Western 'In A Valley Of Violence'".
47. DeFore, John. (March 12, 2016). "'In a Valley of Violence': SXSW Review". The Hollywood Reporter.
48. Sands, Rich. (January 18, 2016). "Roll Call: Meet the Cast of Justice League vs. Teen Titans".
49. Verhoeven, Beatrice. (October 18, 2016). "Taissa Farmiga, Finn Wittrock to Return to 'American Horror Story: Roanoke'".
50. Busch, Anita. (July 14, 2016). "'Rules Don't Apply' Trailer: First Look At Warren Beatty's Star-Studded Film".
51. Brown, Emma. (February 22, 2016). "Taissa Farmiga Takes the Stage".
52. Kit, Borys. (January 19, 2017). "Christina Ricci, Miguel Ferrer Join Voice Cast of 'Teen Titans' Animated Movie (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
53. Kit, Borys. (March 17, 2017). "Hilary Swank, Michael Shannon to Star in Drama 'What They Had' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
54. Galuppo, Mia. (April 12, 2017). "Jason Mantzoukas, Tony Revolori to Star in Indie Road Trip Film (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
55. McNary, Dave. (April 24, 2017). "Taissa Farmiga to Play Titular Role in Horror Movie 'The Nun'".
56. "Home".
57. Hipes, Patrick. (August 7, 2018). "'American Horror Story: Apocalypse' Adds Familiar Faces To Cast".
58. Kit, Borys. (August 10, 2016). "Alexandra Daddario, Taissa Farmiga Join Sebastian Stan in 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle'". The Hollywood Reporter.
59. Kit, Borys. (June 4, 2018). "Dianne Wiest, Michael Pena Join Clint Eastwood's 'The Mule' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
60. Petski, Denise. (January 28, 2019). "'The Twilight Zone': Taissa Farmiga, Rhea Seehorn, Luke Kirby & Ike Barinholtz To Star In Episode Of CBS All Access Reboot".
61. Griffin, David. (September 28, 2020). "Sam Raimi's 50 States of Fright Trailer: New Episodes Feature Christina Ricci, Taissa Farmiga".
62. Petski, Denise. (November 19, 2019). "'The Gilded Age': Denée Benton, Louisa Jacobson, Taissa Farmiga, Blake Ritson & Simon Jones Join HBO Period Drama".
63. D'Alessandro, Anthony. (October 3, 2022). "Taissa Farmiga Returning As Sister Irene In 'The Nun 2'".
64. Grobar, Matt. (July 28, 2022). "Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Darrell Britt-Gibson & Taissa Farmiga To Star In Romance 'She Taught Love'; Nate Edwards Directing From Britt-Gibson's Script".
65. Beale, Lauren. (May 27, 2019). "Scream queen Taissa Farmiga buys reanimated Traditional in Los Feliz".
66. Caller Jaffe, Marcia. (May 29, 2019). "Lewis Takes Well-Deserved Bow at Westin".
67. Aderoju, Darlene. (November 27, 2020). "American Horror Story's Taissa Farmiga Reveals She Secretly Married Filmmaker Hadley Klein".
68. HBO. (July 13, 2025). "The Official Gilded Age Podcast Season 3 {{!}} Episode 4 {{!}} HBO".
69. "Case 24STFL06735 Klein, Hadley Vs Farmiga, Taissa - Trellis: Legal Intelligence + Judicial Analytics".
70. (January 10, 2024). "Nominations Announced for the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®". [[Screen Actors Guild]].
71. "The Gilded Age Girls Step Into the Spotlight".