Niecy Nash is no stranger to transformation, and her latest role in the upcoming thriller series “Grotesquerie” is yet another testament to her incredible range as an actress. 

Known primarily for her comedic genius, Nash has been breaking new ground in her career, thanks in part to her burgeoning working relationship with visionary creator Ryan Murphy. Their collaboration, which began with Murphy’s “Scream Queens” and recently led to Nash’s critically acclaimed role in Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, has pushed Nash into uncharted territory and earned her a Primetime Emmy Award win for Outstanding Supporting Actress for the latter series. As Nash steps further into the world of suspense and drama, her role in Grotesquerie cements her as a powerful force in the genre, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences beyond her comedic roots.

In “Grotesquerie,” Nash plays the role of Detective Lois Tryon, a determined and sharp-witted investigator who is pulled into a twisted world of macabre crimes that defy explanation. Set against a backdrop of eerie, supernatural elements, Nash’s character is thrust into a series of disturbing cases that blur the lines between reality and nightmare. 

Alongside Nash, the series also stars Raven Goodwin and Courtney B. Vance, whose performances bring additional layers of intensity and complexity to this dark, psychological thriller. As Tryon unravels the chilling mysteries at the heart of “Grotesquerie,” Nash’s portrayal promises to be both riveting and haunting, elevating the show’s tension and highlighting her evolution into a dramatic powerhouse.

Nash has long been known for her versatility, but stepping into the role of Detective Lois Tryon in the FX thriller marks a bold, new chapter in her career. Teaming up once again with Murphy, Nash isn’t just front and center on the screen; she’s behind the scenes as an executive producer, shaping the narrative of a flawed, complicated Black woman leading a twisted thriller.

“It’s like our relationship leveled up,” Nash says of working with Murphy. Their creative bond is undeniable, a dynamic where Murphy’s offbeat genius meets Nash’s unfiltered authenticity. “Ryan’s mind is something else. You just lean in and ride the wave. This time, I’m not just acting—I’m also bringing my voice and perspective to the production. It’s my chance to say, ‘Let’s tell the truth, even if it’s messy.’”

Tryon is all layers—brilliant at her job, yet falling apart in her personal life. She’s a mother with a strained relationship with her daughter, an alcoholic trying to keep it together, and a wife struggling in a fractured marriage.

“I’ve never played anyone like her before,” Nash admits. “We see her putting on that brave face, but she’s dealing with so much underneath. It’s complex and raw, and I love that.”

Nash’s turn as Lois Tryon comes when thrillers finally start to embrace Black women in lead roles, pushing beyond stereotypes to tell stories that feel real and unapologetic. For Nash, this isn’t just representation—it’s reclamation. “We are not just here to survive the plot; we’re here to own it. I’m out here on a mission—like Kamala Harris, but with a badge,” she laughs.

Executive producing the series has allowed Nash to bring her unique touch to the project. Drawing from years of experience in Hollywood, she’s determined to push boundaries and spotlight Black women in all their complexity. 

“I’ve seen how the industry can pigeonhole us. I wanted to make sure this wasn’t just another role, but a real, honest portrayal of a woman juggling it all,” she says. “And let’s be real, I do enjoy telling folks what to do—even if it’s just nudging them in the right direction.”

One of the film’s key strengths is its refusal to shy away from its characters' messy, flawed realities. Nash and her co-stars Vance and Goodwin breathe life into a story that doesn’t just put Black characters on the sidelines but places them squarely at the center, complete with all their imperfections.

“We’re a messy Black family—no doubt about it,” Vance quips, speaking to the layered dynamics that Ryan Murphy masterfully captures. Goodwin adds, “Ryan doesn’t just put us in the story; he digs into what makes us tick, what makes us real. That authenticity is what sets this film apart.”

Nash is committed to showing Black women as they are—strong, vulnerable, fierce, and flawed. “We’re not just one thing,” Nash emphasizes. “We’re complex, and that’s what makes our stories worth telling. This is more than just a role for me. It’s a statement that we belong in every part of the story, not just on the sidelines but at the heart of it all.”

You can catch “Grotesquerie” on FX every Wednesday.