Dennis Quaid as ‘Happy Face’ Killer in New Series

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Actor Dennis Quaid, who captivated audiences with an extraordinary performance reminiscent of Terry Gilliam’s grotesque characters in the film “The Substance” last year, has been cast as American serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson, also known as “The Happy Face Killer” due to his habit of drawing smiley faces on notes sent to authorities. This role will be seen in an upcoming series titled “Happy Face“, streaming on Paramount+.

America excels in creating drama series and films inspired by real-life serial killers more than anything else. It’s a theory that the high lead content in gasoline during the mid-20th century might have affected America’s ability to empathize on a deep level, but the 1960s to the 1990s saw some of the most psychopathic serial killers emerge.

Despite Quaid portraying the cold-blooded murderer at the heart of a string of gruesome killings in the early ’90s, the series primarily revolves around Melissa G. Moore, Jesperson’s daughter, who uncovered her father’s hidden life as a criminal when she was just 15 years old.

The show is inspired by Moore’s 2018 podcast titled “Happy Face“, which explores her journey of accepting her father’s wrongdoings and defining her own identity. Alongside this, she delves into the question of whether an innocent man would face capital punishment for a crime her father was responsible for. In 2021, Moore spoke with Marie Claire about developing the podcast and handling real-life events involving victims in media discussions.

Prior to hosting the podcast, I primarily produced daytime true crime segments, but I distanced myself from my personal narrative. This was a deliberate choice, as I felt a sense of guilt each time I shared my story because it would draw attention to my father. This was challenging for me. However, I met with Don Findlay, the son of Julie Ann Winningham (Jesperson’s victim). He essentially granted me permission to continue sharing my story. This newfound approval allowed me to move forward.

Quaid Plays Against Type

Throughout more than four decades and numerous roles totaling over 70, Quaid is frequently recognized as a rugged, quintessentially American actor, whose gaze holds a captivating charm. Not everyone might find the idea of portraying a serial killer enticing at first, especially for an actor like Quaid from ‘The Right Stuff’, who had some reservations about taking on that specific role.

Ben Kingsley, Tom Hanks, and Liam Neeson, at the age of 70, continue to surprise us by taking on roles that challenge their established personas. As these seasoned actors venture into unconventional territories, they add a fresh perspective to cinema.

In their senior years, Ben Kingsley, Tom Hanks, and Liam Neeson have proven their versatility by embracing roles that defy the stereotypes associated with them. By stepping out of their comfort zones, these esteemed actors enrich our cinematic experience.

The series features Tony winner Annaleigh Ashford in the role of Moore, with Jennifer Cacicio at the helm as showrunner. Notably, she has previously worked on shows like “Your Honor” and “Shooter”. The series is jointly produced by Robert and Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Moore, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, Michael Showalter, and Jordana Mollick.

The Debut of ‘Happy Face’ is set for March 20th on Paramount+, followed by two episodes initially, with a new episode airing each week thereafter.

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2025-01-28 02:31