Pepper, the wide-eyed, childlike character with microcephaly from “American Horror Story,” is a series standout. But who is the actress behind the mask of prosthetics and makeup?

Enter Naomi Grossman, an actress who thrives on bringing unusual characters to life. When the opportunity arose to play Pepper in season two of the FX horror anthology , Grossman didn’t hesitate.

While Grossman had a small role in “The Secret of Father Dowling” earlier in her career, and a recurring part as a cheerleader in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” Pepper presented a unique challenge. The elaborate makeup alone was a three-hour daily process, transforming Grossman into a character unrecognizable even to her own father.

Grossman’s petite stature added to Pepper’s vulnerability. She even shaved her head for the role, a testament to her commitment. “Hair is hair,” she once said, “it grows back. This is a serious role that could take me to the next level.”

Grossman’s gamble paid off. Pepper garnered her significant recognition. Ironically, she received compliments on her beauty in person, a stark contrast to Pepper’s appearance.

For Grossman, portraying beauty is a dime a dozen. “American Horror Story” gave her the platform to showcase her acting chops and transformative abilities. While many actresses prioritize on-screen attractiveness, Grossman relished the opportunity to be unconventional.

“My job,” she explained, “is to aspire to something greater, sometimes unattainable. It’s about embracing unfamiliar, uncomfortable, unexpected roles.” Looking flawlessly beautiful on screen wasn’t Grossman’s goal.

Pepper may have been Grossman’s most impactful role, but her career extends far beyond Briarcliff Manor. She has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including “The Observer,” “Hell Next Door,” “Painkiller,” and “Good Girls.”

A multi-hyphenate, Grossman is also a writer, producer, and performer of solo shows like “Girl in Argentine Landscape” and “Carnival Knowledge: Love, Lust, and Other Human Oddities.” The former even garnered an LA Weekly Magazine Theatre Award nomination.

Today, at 49, Grossman remains active in film, with five releases in 2023 alone. A talented and fearless actress, Naomi Grossman isn’t afraid to push boundaries and captivate audiences with unconventional characters. Her dedication to her craft and willingness to embrace transformation are what make her a truly remarkable performer.