The legendary Fleetwood Mac frontwoman, 65, went from inspiring the cult hit American Horror Story: Coven to making an awesome cameo in the Jan. 8 episode. We talk to her about the role — and whether she’ll return to cast more spells.
AHS co-creator Ryan Murphy said it was tough to get you to actually appear on the show. How did he finally convince you?
When they asked if they could use my music, they just said, “There’s a character, and you’re a muse because she listens only to you, and she lives out in the swamp.” And that was good enough for me! [Fleetwood Mac] was in Europe, but we were able to pull up the first couple episodes. Of course, I fell into the spell. Then all of a sudden I had five weeks at home, and I was like, “Can I just do a walk-through? [Like] ‘Hello, witches! Goodbye, witches!” I had no idea I’d be written in until I got to New Orleans. I don’t want to go down in history as “Stevie Nicks: rock & roll star par excellence — terrible actress.” So I didn’t sleep very well.
What was your experience like on the set?
I did these scenes with Jessica [Lange], and I got to really watch an amazing actress act. I realized, Boy this is much harder than what I do. I get on, I’m on for two and a half hours, I get off stage, I get on the plane and go to the next city and order room service.
Murphy says you have tons of script ideas — and that you’ll be back for the Jan. 29 finale.
I know they’re like, “Are you part of the writing team now?” It’s just that I’m so unfortunately full of ideas! I wrote them a letter last night that said, “You know, my friends think I should up rock & roll and just go to work for you.” [Laughs]
Ray Rahman / EW / January 2014
