Gabourey Sidibe has only been acting for four years, but she’s already accomplished more than many actors twice her age. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her work in the 2009 film Precious, Sidibe brings the strength and confidence of a veteran actor to her performances, and that’s never been more evident than it is in her captivating run as Queenie, the “Human Voodoo Doll” witch on the FX series American Horror Story: Coven. Parade sat down with Sidibe to discuss this season of the hit show, being unconcerned with fitting in, racially charged storylines, and “taking the Minotaur by the horns.”

How did you get involved with American Horror Story: Coven?

American Horror Story has been my favorite show since it first aired and, somehow, I ended up on it! I can only speculate that I did something nice for someone once and so my prayers were answered.

What was your first thought when you found out about Queenie’s powers?

My first reaction, as it always is, was to freak out! I worked very hard to keep myself from screaming my joy into Ryan Murphy’s ear. I’ve fantasized about being a witch my entire life, and being a “Human Voodoo Doll” is just about the coolest power ever because it’s totally useful. Plus, I knew I’d get to do a lot of fun special-effects makeup and stunts like stabbing myself. I was really excited to learn how makeup artists use makeup (and I think just general, everyday magic) to fool the audience into believing I’m hurting myself or someone else.

Did Ryan Murphy give you any indication of just how absolutely crazy this season was going to get, or did you already expect that because it’s AHS?

As a fan of the previous seasons, I had a feeling about how crazy it could get. Ryan only spoke to me about my character. He was very secretive about the entire story. I assume it’s because he didn’t think I could be trusted yet. He was right. I was way too excited.

You couldn’t have imagined you’d be getting kinky with a Minotaur though, right?

Nope! Didn’t see it going there at all! Because of the extreme cool factor that comes along with the Ryan Murphy name, I just said, “Yes!” I knew I’d be challenged in a certain way and I knew that I needed to just go for it without knowing what would be asked of me because the reward would be greater than the risk. I knew to say yes and to step out with faith and trust in Ryan and his entire production team. I took the Minotaur by the horns.

What was your reaction when you read that scene in the script?

I wasn’t sure that I was actually reading what I was reading. I kept saying, “Wait… What? What’s happening? No, Queenie! No!” But I couldn’t stop laughing. Then I couldn’t stop feeling sad for both Queenie and the Minotaur. The sadness that brings them together is very powerful. I saw it as a very human moment for each character and it really moved me. I wanted to do that moment justice.

How do you think you’ve changed personally, and as an actor, in the four years you’ve been acting?

Personally, I’m much more introverted than I used to be. I’m less likely to talk to strangers or have loud or emotional conversations in public. I don’t make friends as willingly as I did before, so I hold on to my actual friends very dearly. I’m a very careful person now. As an actor, I’m much more willing to embarrass myself if it will serve the story. I hunger for strange and daring stories. I’m less and less afraid of dark material and that’s really saying something, as my first role was an illiterate sexual-abuse victim with HIV. I’m also less and less concerned with fitting in. I was born to stand out. I don’t care whether or not people will find me attractive on screen. That’s not why I became an actor. I know that more and more with each new role.

You and Angela Bassett are really the only two main cast members that are African-American and the show is dealing with some really racially charged subjects this season. Do you think those stories resonate deeper with you guys because of that connection?

I can’t speak for her, even though we have talked to each other about the racial aspect of this season. I will say this: During the first episode, there is a scene in Madame LaLaurie’s torture chamber, where she imprisoned her slaves. I went to see the set because I heard that it was really cool. I stepped in and saw those actors in cages and tattered clothes and saw the special effects scars on their bodies. I lost my breath and started having a minor panic attack and, after only a few seconds, I had to leave. I didn’t see actors playing on a set. I saw reality. I saw history. My history. My mother, my father, my entire family and everyone I know. I later threw up. I can’t say that it resonates deeper with me because I’m black. It resonates deeply with me because I’m black and because I’m a human being who has love for my fellow human beings. But I can’t say it’s deeper than anyone else just because I’m black, only because I know that it also resonated deeply with Kathy Bates as a southern-born, white woman.

Gabourey Sidibe with Kathy Bates in FX's American Horror Story: Coven. (Courtesy FX)

You’ve gotten to work more closely with Kathy Bates than anyone other than Jessica Lange. Have you learned a lot from working with her?

Working with Kathy is so dope! I have a lot of scenes with her and I cherish them! I do learn from her. I mostly learn how to be able to really deliver a knockdown scene but to still have humor and light within you. Kathy means business emotionally, but she still gives me a smile and a warm hug at the beginning and end of each scene. I learn, like I do with all of these wonderful ladies, that your scene partner is as important to you as the words you say. [Kathy Bates discusses her American Horror Story character with Parade here.]

I spoke with Taissa Farmiga about a week ago and she said, “Gabby’s my homegirl.” How did you guys end up being such fast BFFs?

TeeTee is, honestly, my baby. She can do no wrong. Maybe it’s because we’re both from the East Coast or maybe it’s because we’re two of the coolest people in the universe and our awesomeness has attracted us to one another. I don’t know. I’m not a scientist. What I do know is that I love her and she’s just as much my homegirl as I am hers.

Without going into spoiler territory what can you tell us, however small, about what’s to come for Queenie the rest of this season?

This is tough. You can definitely expect more of this budding relationship between Queenie and Madame LaLaurie… but then you should expect the unexpected.

Word hit the Internet last week that AHS is coming back for season four. Are you coming back as well?

There will be a season four, for sure. As far as who’s coming back for it, I don’t know. I’m picking up every lucky penny that I can find.

Every year seems to add some really interesting actors to the mix. Is there anyone out there that you’d love to see added to the cast next year?

Maybe Neve Campbell in a throwback Scream Queen sort of way. Giancarlo Esposito because he’s an amazing actor. Also Kerry Washington. She’s got such a strong presence.

Do you have a favorite memory or moment, on screen or off, from your work on American Horror Story so far?

My favorite on-screen moment was the Minotaur. The director was Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, who is the show’s co-executive producer. Clearly it was a very sensitive scene, and it took a lot of emotion and preparation. Alfonso started preparing me for it weeks in advance and made me feel really comfortable with what I was doing and what my limits might be. I felt like I was doing something important to the story and that, in turn, I was being taken care of emotionally. I felt like a real actor with real talent and that I was being trusted with this story and this scene because of that talent. I was very proud of myself and thankful to Alfonso and Ryan Murphy for their trust in me. All of my favorite off-screen moments center around the friends I’ve made on this show. Swamp trips with the cast and Saturday night movies are my favorite!

American Horror Story: Coven airs on FX on Wednesdays at 10 PM EST.