Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_26561508_1 (patient_portrayer VARCHAR, directed_by VARCHAR, written_by VARCHAR)

### Question ###
What is the total number of patient portayers for the episode directed by Craig Zisk and written by Brad Falchuk?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT COUNT(patient_portrayer) FROM table_26561508_1 WHERE directed_by = "Craig Zisk" AND written_by = "Brad Falchuk"