Olympic medalist Gus Kenworthy on taking on new role in ‘American Horror Story’
Gus Kenworthy will join the cast of "American Horror Story" for its ninth season.
The openly gay U.S. Olympic silver medalist and professional freestyle skier will star as the boyfriend of Emma Roberts' character.
Ryan Murphy, the FX show's creator, announced the exciting news in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
"That special moment when you realize you have an Olympic medal AND will be playing Emma Roberts’ boyfriend on “American Horror Story” Season 9," Murphy captioned the shot, featuring Kenworthy smiling.
Kenworthy reposted the image, adding, "I guess the cat's out of the bag... I'm So F------ Shook."
The LGBTQ advocate also took to Twitter to comment on his new role and how he'll play a straight character.
"Interviewer: So how did you prepare for this role? Me: I actually played ‘straight’ for the first 23 years of my life..." he wrote.
Kenworthy expressed his excitement in taking on the role.
"Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had dreams of becoming an actor and I am so grateful that those dreams are finally coming true on a show I love," Kenworthy told ABC News in a statement. "I know I have a lot to prove and am so honored to be given such an incredible opportunity to work with Ryan and the amazing cast & crew on American Horror Story."
Kenworthy appeared in "Sharknado 5: Global Swarming" in 2017 and is also set to appear in Nick Kroll's upcoming film "Olympic Dreams."
He told Variety last year that his goal has always been to enter the film and entertainment industry.
"Growing up, I wanted to be an actor. That was always my dream as a kid. It wasn’t even to be a skier. And then that got sidelined when the ski career took off,” he said.
