Sarah Paulson slams actress who sent her 6 pages of unsolicited feedback on 'Talley's Folly' performance

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent episode of the 'Smartless' podcast, Sarah Paulson recounted an unforgettable story about receiving six pages of unsolicited feedback from actor Trish Hawkins after she performed in the play 'Talley's Folly.'

Upon viewing Paulson's portrayal in the play, Hawkins, who initially portrayed Sally Talley, sent a lengthy email criticizing Paulson's performance and offering suggestions drawn from her own experience.

Sarah Paulson recalled the 'outrageous' feedback she had from Trish Hawkins

During a recent visit to the 'Smartless' podcast, the Emmy-winning performer shared her story with hosts and fellow actors Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett about the "outrageous" Trish Hawkins event.

Paulson began by saying, "I did do a play once. The last time I was on stage, I did a play called ‘Talley’s Folly’ at the Roundabout, and the actress — and I’m going to say this, and I’m not going to ask you to cut this out, because I don’t f***ing care — this actress came to the play. Her name is Trish Hawkins — Hi, Trish! Hi, Trisha!"

"Trish Hawkins came to the play — am I going to get sued? I don’t care, because I think this is outrageous," she added, per Variety.

Paulson continued of the event, "She came to the play, proceeded to say — she looked at me up and down and then she went, ‘Your dress is yellow. Mine was pink.’ And I thought, ‘What?’"

"Cut to two days later, I got an email that was six pages long of notes and a communication to me about what she had done when she had done the play, what she recommended I do," she added.

Paulson further said, "It was outrageous. It was really outrageous. Trish Hawkins, I have not forgotten it, and I hope to see you never."

Paulson, shocked by this "outrageous" deed, described the story hilariously on the podcast, even bringing up Hawkins' name in spite of the potential legal fallout.

Paulson claimed that because her mother and Hawkins were "in some kind of writing group together," her mother had taken Hawkins along to see 'Talley's Folly.'

The 'American Horror Story' star acknowledged that she retained Hawkins' notes, but she kept the incident a secret from her mother. She remarked, "I just put it back in the file of things my mother has done."

Trish Hawkins created the character of Sally Talley in 'Talley's Folly'

Trish Hawkins originated the role of Sally Talley during both the off-Broadway run of "Talley's Folly" in 1979 and its Broadway premiere in 1980.

Playwright Lanford Wilson made his Broadway debut with 'Talley's Folley' in 1980.

Described as a romantic comedy, it follows two unusual lovers, Sally Talley and Matt Friedman, as they come to terms with their feelings for one another, per The Wrap.

Despite this unusual experience, Paulson's career has progressed, and she went on to receive her first Tony nomination in 2024 for her performance in 'Appropriate.'

Paulson's other Broadway credits include 'The Glass Menagerie,' 'The Sisters Rosensweig,' and 'Collected Stories.'