If you’ve watched the Netflix comedy Senior Year, you might have noticed a familiar face among the cast. Mary Holland, who plays Martha, the nerdy best friend of Rebel Wilson’s character, has a striking resemblance to another famous actress: Sarah Paulson.
Some fans are convinced that Holland and Paulson are related, either as sisters or cousins, because of their similar features and mannerisms. But is there any truth to these rumors? Are Mary Holland and Sarah Paulson really related?
Contents
The Short Answer: No
According to our research, there is no evidence that Mary Holland and Sarah Paulson are related by blood or marriage. They have different last names, different birthplaces, and different family backgrounds.
Mary Holland was born on June 24, 1985, in Galax, Virginia. She is the daughter of Tom Holland, a musician and songwriter, and Mary Beth Holland, a teacher. She has two brothers, Sam and Ben Holland.
Sarah Paulson was born on December 17, 1974, in Tampa, Florida. She is the daughter of Douglas Lyle Paulson II, a circuit court judge, and Catharine Gordon Dolcater, a waitress. She has a sister, Liz Paulson, who is a casting director.
The Long Answer: They Are Friends and Colleagues
Although Mary Holland and Sarah Paulson are not related, they do have a connection through their friendship and their work in the entertainment industry.
Holland and Paulson first met in 2016 when they co-starred in the comedy film The Intervention. They played sisters who were part of a group of friends who staged an intervention for a couple whose marriage was falling apart.
In an interview with Collider, Holland said that she was a huge fan of Paulson before working with her and that she was nervous to meet her on set. However, she said that Paulson was very kind and supportive and that they had a lot of fun together.
“She’s just such an incredible actress and such an incredible person,” Holland said. “She’s so generous and so warm and so funny. And we just had a blast.”
Holland also said that she learned a lot from watching Paulson act and that she admired her versatility and range.
“She can do anything,” Holland said. “She can do comedy, she can do drama, she can do horror. She’s just amazing.”
Since then, Holland and Paulson have remained friends and have supported each other’s careers on social media. For example, in 2020, Holland tweeted her congratulations to Paulson for winning an Emmy for her role in Mrs. America.
“Congratulations @MsSarahPaulson!!! You are absolutely brilliant in Mrs America!! So well deserved!!” Holland wrote.
Paulson replied with a heart emoji and thanked Holland for her kind words.
“@mholland85 thank you my sweet friend,” Paulson wrote.
The Confusion: They Have Similar Partners
Another reason why some fans might think that Mary Holland and Sarah Paulson are related is that they both have partners who are older than them and who are also famous actresses.
Holland is married to Betsy Sodaro, who is 11 years older than her and who is known for her roles in Disjointed, Duncanville, and Animal Practice.
Paulson is dating Holland Taylor, who is 32 years older than her and who is known for her roles in Two and a Half Men, Legally Blonde, and The Practice.
Holland and Sodaro met in 2011 when they were both performing at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles. They got married in 2018 in a private ceremony.
Paulson and Taylor met in 2005 at a party but did not start dating until 2015 when they reconnected on Twitter. They confirmed their relationship in 2016 and have been open about their love for each other ever since.
Both couples have faced some criticism for their age gaps but have also received a lot of support from their fans and peers. They have also defended their choices and expressed their happiness with their partners.
In an interview with The New York Times, Paulson said that she did not care what other people thought about her relationship with Taylor.
“If anyone wants to spend any time thinking I’m strange for loving the most spectacular person on the planet,” she said. “Then that’s their problem. I’m doing just fine.”
In an interview with The Advocate, Holland said that she was grateful for her marriage with Sodaro and that they had a lot of fun together.
“She’s my favorite person in the world,” she said. “She makes me laugh so hard, and she’s so supportive and wonderful.”
The Conclusion: They Are Not Related, But They Are Awesome
So, to sum up, Mary Holland and Sarah Paulson are not related, but they are friends and colleagues who have a lot in common. They are both talented and hilarious actresses who have starred in various genres and mediums. They are also both in love with older women who are also accomplished and respected in their fields.
