‘American Horror Story: Delicate’ Star Maaz Ali Finds His Courage
Writer Daniel Anderson talks to the first South Asian 'AHS' star about being a lifelong performer, his favorite roles, and more
Maaz Ali
Photo by Adam Hendershott
Words by Daniel Anderson
Maaz Ali made history by becoming the first South Asian lead in the American Horror Story (AHS) franchise, currently starring in its 12th season, American Horror Story: Delicate. In the series, Ali portrays Kamal, the enigmatic bodyguard and devoted protector of protagonist Anna Alcott (Emma Roberts). Despite the show's reputation for terror and screams, Ali considers it a personal milestone that taught him courage and conviction. In one particular scene, Kamal has to escort characters around, but make a hard stop. Ali emphasized he is a good driver, but was lacking the umph the director was looking for when he had to pump the brakes.
“You have to be precise,” Ali said. “There’s a whole cast and crew around you, and your co-stars are in the car with you. I told them, ‘I hope you guys don't get whiplash on me.’ Then I just went for it. You have to go hard so it translates well on camera. It's those little things that make all the difference in the shot. But we all got to be up for it and be on the ride.”
As the youngest of three children, Ali quickly learned the benefits of performing. With a 10-year gap between his sister, the eldest, and a six-year gap between his brother, they were often prone to speaking for the shy youngest sibling. Those instances struck a chord with him as early as 4 years old. “I think I was able to pay attention to how people spoke, how people walked, how people sneezed, and how people laughed,” he says. “That's kind of where the acting bug first began. I felt like I had to really define myself as a person through sort of being a little performative.”
Fortunately, Ali's family had a penchant for television, exposing him to various shows that left a lasting impact. Introduced to the vibrant sketches of In Living Color, he was particularly influenced by Jim Carrey's physical comedy. His siblings also played a role in shaping his comedic sensibilities, with The Wayans Bros. becoming a significant source of inspiration. Ali fondly recalls mimicking lines and moments from the series, earning him and his brother the playful nickname "the Wayans brothers" from their mother.
Ali’s mother is originally from Bombay, India. And his father was born in India, but migrated to Pakistan when the Partition happened. Most often, the immigrant parent story and their child’s dream of the arts form schisms. However, Ali notes his parents were supportive of his acting passions. “I think they saw that I had a knack for these things,” he says. “I was a little unconventional. They always saw that I had this performative side to me. When I decided I wanted to move from the Bay Area to L.A. and pursue a career in entertainment they were very supportive.”
The journey to stardom wasn't an overnight leap but rather a fastidious balancing between the corporate world and auditions' waiting rooms. Tech sales and corporate housing gigs gave him financial stability and peace of mind, but the magnetic pull of his artistic pursuits led him to embrace night shifts and valet duties as he began to land more auditions. The global pandemic would bring all of that to a halt except for voice acting roles.
Most notable are his voices for the English dub of Chairman Rose in the Pokémon Masters EX mobile game and Buddha in Netflix’s anime series Record of Ragnarok. In the latter, the gods and mythical figures of various religions fight against chosen champions from humankind. Many of the gods hold a contempt for humanity due to their many sins, but Buddha is a renegade. His carefree and cheeky nature becomes fully apparent as he chooses to fight for humankind, driven by a strong desire to keep them safe.
“Buddha is such an interesting character. He is obviously inspired by the actual Buddha, but the creators made the character his own thing. So you are figuring him out as you go,” Ali says. “It's the discovery of finding who he is and finding that voice. I felt like I kept learning with Buddha.”
Throughout our interview, the theme of continuous learning emerges as a prominent thread. Ali expresses his eagerness to grow as an artist with each opportunity. For his role in American Horror Story: Delicate, he delved into researching security specialist Will Geddes, gaining insights into the mindset of a character responsible for protecting Hollywood A-listers and foreign royal families. “Just to hear what he does, you can find moments to implement influences and get into the mindset of a character then. It’s just so much fun,” Ali says.
Joining the ensemble cast of AHS further reassured Ali that he was on the right path. Observing seasoned actors like Matt Czuchry, Kim Kardashian, Dennis O’Hare, Julie White, and Cara Delevingne reinforced his own artistic process. “There was a lot of my own process that was reaffirmed by watching these veterans do the same thing in a regard,” he says. “I've done a lot of indie work over the course of 10 years or so. I've developed a process. To see others in the corner preparing lines the same way, I'm like, ‘Hey, I do that too.’”
Wrapping up the conversation, Ali revealed his next dream role would be in a historical epic. Once a timid boy whose voice was often overshadowed, he has now emerged as a leading man, confidently in the driver's seat, ready for the next thrilling ride.
Published on January 15, 2024
Words by Daniel Anderson
Daniel Anderson is a disabled Chinese American adoptee based in Seattle. His freelance writing specialties include K-pop, entertainment, and food. He believes that any restaurant can be a buffet, and the key to success is to take a nap each day. Follow his adventures on Instagram @danzstan.