Taissa is the youngest of seven children and is the younger sister of Vera Farmiga, who is 21 years her senior. Unlike her sister, Taissa had no interest in becoming an actor. However, Vera managed to persuade Taissa to make her acting debut in Vera's directorial-debut Higher Ground (2011). Also playing the lead in the film, Vera wanted to cast someone who was physically similar to play the younger version of her character. Taissa was age 15 and, apart from a school play, had no previous acting experience. The film showcased at the Sundance film festival and she received great reviews. It was after Sundance that Taissa officially decided to pursue acting.
Age 16, she is starring in the TV series American Horror Story (2011).
