Holland Taylor Discusses Career, Relationship, and Living Arrangements

Holland Taylor recently reflected on her extensive acting career and her long-term relationship with partner Sarah Paulson. During media appearances, the 83-year-old actress discussed why she chose not to renew her contract on the hit CBS comedy Two and a Half Men, as well as the practical details behind her living arrangements with Paulson.

Looking back at her time playing Evelyn Harper on Two and a Half Men, Taylor revealed that she never received a pay raise despite earning four Emmy nominations for the role. Although she enjoyed working on the series, she decided to stop signing contracts when her initial six-year agreement expired. She explained that she preferred to make guest appearances only when she felt like it rather than remaining tied to a full-time contract.

Taylor noted that the production was surprised by her choice, as actors typically renegotiate for higher compensation after receiving major accolades. She remarked that her pay rate on the show remained comparable to what she had earned years prior on other projects, adding that while she loved aspects of the series, the production environment lacked certain courtesies.

Beyond television history, Taylor addressed her dynamic with Paulson, with whom she has been together for over a decade after first meeting in 2005 and going public in 2015. Speaking on The Drew Barrymore Show, Taylor explained that geography and demanding work schedules dictate how much time they spend together, leading them to maintain separate homes in Los Angeles and an apartment in New York.

The arrangement has long served as a functional balance for the couple. Paulson previously described their setup on a podcast as the secret to their relationship, noting that they enjoy spending time together when they choose to while still maintaining individual living spaces. Taylor noted that Paulson has a new home in Los Angeles that she has yet to fully move into, though she frequently stays at Taylor's properties.

In addition to discussing their living situation, Taylor recently ruled out the possibility of sharing the screen with Paulson in an acting project. During an appearance on NBC's Today, Taylor admitted that the idea of co-starring together felt somewhat strange to both of them, joking that the concept seemed creepy and that they would likely never pursue a joint project.

Despite keeping their professional lives separate, the couple remains deeply supportive of each other's careers. Paulson famously attended the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards to support Taylor, who received a nomination for her performance in The Morning Show, playfully describing her role for the evening as carrying a portable cooling fan for her partner.