Inside Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor's Age Gap Romance

Although Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor first crossed paths at a party in 2005, it wasn’t until nearly a decade later that they reconnected through social media and began dating.

'The Two and a Half Men' actress first hinted at her romance with Paulson during a November 2015 appearance on 'WNYC's Death', 'Sex & Money' podcast. She revealed she was in her first "deeply committed relationship" with a woman significantly younger than her.

"It's the most wonderful, extraordinary thing that could have ever possibly happened in my life," Taylor said about her relationship at the time. While she didn’t mention her partner’s name, the couple officially confirmed their relationship the following month.

In January 2016, while the pair had yet to confirm their romance, they walked the red carpet together at the Critics' Choice Awards. They even snapped a photo with Regina King backstage.

'The Bird Box' actress confirmed her relationship with Taylor in an interview with the 'New York Times', saying, “I am in love, and that person happens to be Holland Taylor.” However, she clarified that she didn’t want to label her sexuality. Reflecting on their significant age gap, Paulson shared that it brought a "greater appreciation of time" and made her cherish the little things. “It puts a sharp light mixed with a diffused light on something," she added.

After Paulson won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series at the 2016 Primetime Emmy Awards for 'The People vs. O.J. Simpson', she gave Taylor a shoutout during her acceptance speech. “Hi, Holland — Holland Taylor, if you're watching, I love you,” Paulson said. Taylor quickly responded on Twitter, writing, “If I’m watching...?? If I’m WATCHING??? YES, I’m watching--!!! good LORD! ... I LOVE you!!!”

On 'Watch What Happens Live', Paulson shared that she and Taylor reconnected after 10 years through Taylor's bold social media flirtation. Paulson said they met at a party, then started following each other on Twitter. When Eichner asked, “Holland Taylor slid into your DMs?” she replied, “She actually did, yes! It’s pretty great!” Taylor later described Paulson as a "chameleon" and praised her as a "profoundly gifted performer" in an interview with 'Fox 11 LA'.

Taylor gushed about her relationship with Paulson during a radio interview on SiriusXM’s 'Sandyland'."I'm the luckiest person in the world," she told host Sandra Bernhard. "I can't talk about my life today without mentioning this wonderful love."She added, “This relationship is the most wonderful thing in my life. It makes everything else make sense.”

In an exclusive interview with 'Us Weekly', Taylor joked that it was a “mystery” why Paulson was still with her. “I’m surprised by Sarah. It’s not that we love each other, but that she would make such a commitment and share her life with me,” Taylor said. She called Paulson “very brave” and “very truthful” for embracing their large age gap, adding, “I’m following her lead, and I’m blessed.”

Paulson talked about the public's focus on the age gap between her and Taylor in an interview with 'Elle'. “I didn’t choose who I fell in love with,” she said. “It’s interesting to people because it seems unconventional. But if my living authentically can inspire someone who might be worried about being judged, that can’t be a bad thing.”

In August 2023, Paulson praised Taylor on Chelsea Handler’s Dear Chelsea podcast, calling her the "smartest, wisest, funniest, most extraordinary person" she’s ever met. She shared how Taylor helps her overcome self-doubt, constantly reminding her of her capabilities.Paulson added that Taylor, often wonders why they’re together: “She’s constantly saying to me, ‘Why are you with me? What are you doing? You’re a very strange person.’” Paulson laughed, replying, “Really? Is it? I don’t know.”

Paulson celebrated Taylor's 81st birthday by sharing a slideshow of personal photos on Instagram. She captioned the pictures, "Happy Birthday to my one and only love. You are, quite simply — my world. I love you."