Dennis Quaid Didn’t Want to Play the Happy Face Serial Killer at First

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As a cinephile with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that Dennis Quaid continues to impress me with his versatility and dedication to his craft. His upcoming roles in “Reagan” and “Happy Face” are prime examples of this. While many actors might shy away from playing complex characters like Ronald Reagan or a serial killer, Quaid dives headfirst into these challenging roles with grace and finesse.

In the movie “Reagan,” Dennis Quaid portrays the legendary President Ronald Reagan, which will be released in theaters on August 30. However, it’s Quaid’s portrayal of another historical figure that is making news – he’ll star as Keith Jesperson, a notorious serial killer from the 1990s, nicknamed “Happy Face,” in the 2025 Paramount+ series “Happy Face.” The show is based on the chilling true story of Melissa Moore, Jesperson’s real daughter. Her podcast and autobiography, titled “Shattered Silence” (co-written with M. Bridget Cook), garnered widespread attention.

“During an interview for his upcoming Reagan biopic, Quaid stated that in the ’90s, a man is believed to have murdered eight women over five years. However, this individual, known as Jesperson, admitted to nearly 185 murders, but only eight were confirmed. What intrigued Quaid about the role wasn’t so much portraying a serial killer, but rather exploring the dynamic between him and his daughter. At that time, she was just a child, while he was simultaneously being a loving father to her and carrying out these murders.”

Happy Face Is About Reconciliation

Besides Quaid, the cast for “Happy Face” includes Annaleigh Ashford (known from “Welcome to Chippendales”), James Wolk (“Mad Men”), and Khiyla Aynne. Interestingly, Michael Showalter, who has a significant background in comedy, is slated to direct, and producers Michelle and Robert King, famous for their work on “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight”, are also involved as producers.

In reality, the character “Happy Face” frequently boasted about his wrongdoings. The narrative revolves around Quaid’s character re-entering his long-lost daughter’s life. Caught off guard, Melissa becomes resolved to discover if an innocent man might be executed for a heinous crime that her father allegedly committed. Furthermore, she must grapple with her self-image as his child. Regarding the “Happy Face” character, Quaid commented:

As a young admirer, I find myself reflecting on Melissa’s journey when she learned that her father was a serial killer. At that age, he was this loving figure in my life, someone with whom I shared a sweet bond. But, once he was caught, I had to grapple with the reality of his true identity. As I grew older, our relationship became incredibly complex, filled with intrigue and complications.

Another Role That Will Stretch Dennis Quaid

In a subsequent role for Paramount+, Dennis Quaid will follow his successful portrayal of Sherrill Lynn in “Lawmen: Bass Reeves.” Over the span of five decades, Quaid’s extensive body of work has solidified him as one of Hollywood’s consistent and dependable actors.

In contrast to films like “Breaking Away,” “The Rookie,” and “Great Balls of Fire,” there were also movies such as “The Right Stuff,” “Far From Heaven,” and “The Day After Tomorrow.” Quaid, with his roles in “Reagan” and “Happy Face,” consistently expands his acting prowess and captivates audiences. You can preview the Reagan trailer below and find showtimes and tickets here:

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2024-08-30 00:03