American Horror Story’s Real-Life Inspirations, Ranked by Accuracy

Marie Laveau was a prominent spiritual practitioner in 19th-century New Orleans. Born in 1801, she became one of the city’s most famous figures associated with Louisiana Voodoo. Coven takes that historical person and turns her into a literal immortal who wields magic and spars with Delphine LaLaurie. While the real Laveau was a powerful and respected figure in her community, she died in 1881. The historical woman provides a solid foundation for the character, but nearly everything she does during the season belongs entirely to supernatural fantasy.