The Truth About American Horror Story's Hayden That Will Surprise You

Hayden McClaine, the scorned mistress from the very first season of *American Horror Story: Murder House*, left a lasting impression with her manipulative tactics and ghostly vengeance. But beyond her on-screen antics, there's more to this character, and the actress who portrayed her, than meets the eye. Prepare to be surprised by these hidden truths about Hayden.

1. Taissa Farmiga Initially Auditioned for Hayden:

Before landing the role of Violet Harmon, Taissa Farmiga, the younger sister of *The Conjuring* actress Vera Farmiga, actually auditioned for the part of Hayden. Imagine a world where Violet and Hayden had swapped roles! The casting directors ultimately saw Farmiga as Violet, recognizing her vulnerability and ability to portray the troubled teenager.

2. Hayden's Pregnancy Was a Last-Minute Addition:

Initially, Hayden wasn't pregnant in the script. The pregnancy was added later in development, intensifying her obsession with Ben Harmon and adding another layer of complication to the already chaotic Murder House. This plot twist heightened the drama and solidified Hayden's status as a formidable antagonist.

3. Kate Mara's Real-Life Sister is a Famous Actress:

While many know Kate Mara from her role as Hayden, fewer realize that she has a famous sister: Rooney Mara. Rooney is known for her critically acclaimed performances in films like *The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo* and *Carol*. The Mara sisters are both incredibly talented, but have carved out distinct paths in Hollywood.

4. Kate Mara Almost Didn't Take the Role:

Mara was initially hesitant to take on the role of Hayden. She was concerned about portraying a character who was so unlikeable and morally ambiguous. Ultimately, she was persuaded by the show's creator, Ryan Murphy, who assured her that Hayden's complexity would be explored and that the role would be a significant challenge.

5. Hayden's Fashion Choices Were Deliberately Provocative:

Hayden's wardrobe, especially in her ghostly form, was meticulously chosen to reflect her manipulative nature and desire for attention. The often revealing and somewhat inappropriate outfits were a conscious decision to portray her as someone constantly seeking validation and power, even in death. This added another layer to her character, showing that even after death, she cared about her appearance.

6. Mara Found Hayden's Death Scene Difficult to Film:

Even though her character was deeply flawed, Mara admitted to finding Hayden's death scene particularly difficult to film. The scene, which sees Hayden being brutally murdered and buried, was emotionally taxing and required her to tap into a deep well of vulnerability. It showcased her acting range, portraying fear and desperation in her final moments.

7. Hayden's Popularity Surprised the Writers:

The writers were surprised by how much audience members loved (or loved to hate) Hayden. Despite her villainous actions, viewers were captivated by her unwavering determination and the chaos she brought to the Harmon family. This unexpected popularity solidified her place as a memorable character in the *American Horror Story* universe.

8. Mara's Experience on AHS Led to Other Big Roles:

*American Horror Story* was a pivotal role for Kate Mara. The show exposed her to a wider audience and helped her land subsequent high-profile roles in projects like *House of Cards* and *The Martian*. It demonstrated her ability to portray complex characters and cemented her status as a versatile actress.

9. Hayden's Ghostly Return Was Almost Permanent:

Ryan Murphy initially considered bringing Hayden back as a recurring character throughout the entire series. He was fascinated by her potential for mischief and the ways she could continue to torment the living and the dead within the *American Horror Story* universe. However, the writers ultimately decided to limit her appearances to maintain the impact of her initial storyline.

10. Kate Mara Still Gets Recognized for Hayden:

Years after *Murder House* aired, Kate Mara still gets recognized for her portrayal of Hayden. The character made such a lasting impact that fans frequently approach her to discuss the show and her performance. It's a testament to the enduring popularity of *American Horror Story* and the memorable characters it created. This shows that while she's gone on to do many other things, Hayden remains a significant role in her career.