Dennis Quaid is known for being charming right? Think Parent Trap or The Rookie. But get ready to see a totally different side of him . He is playing real-life serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson in a new series called Happy Face and it is dark. Like seriously dark.
Quaid's Wife Found His Serial Killer Role 'Creepy': 'A Little Iffy There for a Couple of Hours'
Even Dennis Quaid's own wife Laura Savoie was taken aback by his portrayal of Jesperson. He admitted in a recent interview that after she watched the show she found it "a little iffy there for a couple of hours afterward." Quaid joked "that'd be creepy for me too" if he was watching himself in that role. Imagine seeing your usually affable husband transform into a notorious murderer. It is understandable she was a bit disturbed for a while. But Quaid also mentioned "she knows me" implying Savoie understands it is just a role even if it is a very unsettling one.
From Dateline to Happy Face: Dennis Quaid's Unexpected True Crime Obsession
Here's a fun fact that might explain why Quaid took on such a heavy role. He and his wife are actually true crime fans. He even confessed "My wife and I fall asleep to Dateline." Yes you read that right. Dennis Quaid apparently winds down by watching murder mysteries before bed. He says they especially like "the murder stories" and finds the psychology behind these crimes fascinating. Quaid thinks people are drawn to true crime because they want to understand "how can a human being do that to another human being?" and enjoy playing armchair detective trying to solve the case themselves.
The Chilling True Story of the Happy Face Killer and His Daughter's Perspective
Happy Face is not just another serial killer drama. It is based on the true story of Keith Hunter Jesperson and told from a unique viewpoint: his daughter Melissa Moore . The series is adapted from Moore's autobiography Shattered Silence and her podcast Happy Face. The show explores the impact of Jesperson's horrific crimes on his own family particularly Melissa. Between 1990 and 1995 Jesperson murdered at least eight women and signed letters to the media with a smiley face earning the moniker "The Happy Face Killer ". The series dives into how Melissa now an adult makeup artist has her world turned upside down when her imprisoned father reaches out promising new details about another possible victim.
Annaleigh Ashford Plays Melissa Moore: Exploring Trauma and a 'Toxic Entanglement'
Annaleigh Ashford plays Melissa Moore and the series really focuses on her emotional journey. Melissa had a seemingly normal childhood with Jesperson but everything changed when she learned the truth about her father. The show examines the "toxic entanglement" between Melissa and her dad even after his imprisonment. Melissa Moore herself is an executive producer on Happy Face and wanted the show to accurately portray the emotional manipulation her father used. She describes their relationship as "ping pong"-like with Jesperson always trying to lower her guard to manipulate her. Quaid and Ashford reportedly worked to capture this complex and disturbing dynamic onscreen.
Beyond the Killer: Happy Face Focuses on Victims and Aftermath Not Just Gore
James Wolk and Tamera Tomakili also star in Happy Face alongside Quaid and Ashford. Wolk plays Melissa's husband Ben and Tomakili plays Ivy a talk show producer where Melissa works. Wolk and Tomakili emphasize that the show is not about glorifying violence or the killer. Instead they hope audiences will see the other side the trauma and the lasting impact on victims and their families. Tomakili mentioned that the show highlights "the people who are actually affected by it and how they move forward through it." Wolk added "It deals with the trauma and the psychology and the people that were affected by it." This true crime series aims to explore the ripple effects of violence beyond the sensationalism often associated with the genre.
Key Facts About Happy Face Killer Series:
- Based on True Story: Adapted from Melissa Moore's autobiography and podcast about her father Keith Hunter Jesperson.
- Dennis Quaid as Keith Hunter Jesperson: Quaid plays the notorious serial killer.
- Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Moore: Ashford portrays Jesperson's daughter focusing on her emotional trauma.
- Not Just About the Crimes: Series explores the impact on victims families and the killer's own family.
- Premieres March 20 on Paramount+: Mark your calendars to watch this chilling true crime drama.
Get Ready for a Chilling and Emotional Ride with Happy Face
If you are a true crime fan and want something that goes beyond the usual serial killer story Happy Face sounds like it could be compelling viewing. Dennis Quaid's transformation into Keith Hunter Jesperson is already generating buzz and the focus on Melissa Moore's experience promises a different more human perspective on a truly horrific case. Prepare for a chilling and emotional watch when Happy Face premieres on March 20.