Dennis Quaid Takes Dark Turn in New True-Crime Series ‘Happy Face’

LOS ANGELES, CA — Dennis Quaid, renowned for his roles as affable family figures, is stepping into a chilling new role in the upcoming series “Happy Face,” set to premiere March 20 on Paramount+. The series explores the harrowing true story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, infamously known as the Happy Face Killer.

Quaid, 70, portrays Jesperson, who is currently serving multiple life sentences at the Oregon State Penitentiary for the murder of at least eight women in the early 1990s. In an exclusive interview, Quaid expressed, “Serial killers are very easy to play because they really kind of don’t have any emotion; they have to be a little bit removed.”

The series draws inspiration from the true events and personal narrative of Melissa Moore, Jesperson’s daughter. Moore is portrayed by Annaleigh Ashford. The plot centers around Melissa, a makeup artist on a talk show reminiscent of Dr. Phil, whose life is turned upside down when she receives communication from her estranged father. Jesperson claims to have information that could save an innocent man on death row for one of his crimes, but he will only share it if Melissa agrees to meet him.

“What made it interesting for me was not just playing a serial killer with no depth, but exploring the complex relationship between him and his daughter,” Quaid stated. His character’s duality is accentuated by the loving bond he shares with Melissa as a child, contrasting with the horror revealed when she learns of his heinous acts.

The show is based on Moore’s podcast, “Happy Face,” as well as her autobiography, “Shattered Silence: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer’s Daughter.” Quaid’s performance is poised to address the intricate family dynamics that emerge when a loved one turns out to be a monster.

As the series unfolds, Melissa grapples with her father’s legacy and her family’s dark past, facing the stigma of connecting herself to a notorious killer. “It raises the question of how one reconciles their childhood memories with the gruesome reality of a parent’s actions,” Quaid added.

Beyond the dramatic narrative, “Happy Face” also examines the impact of crime on victims’ families and the societal obsession with true crime stories. Melissa’s dilemma highlights the struggle between her familial loyalty and the pursuit of justice for the victims of Jesperson’s crimes.

Quaid, who has three children including actor Jack Quaid, reflected on the challenges of portraying such a complex character. “You have to find a way to make it relatable without glorifying the actions of the killer. It’s about the emotional conflict that arises from this relationship,” he noted.

The cast also includes James Wolk as Melissa’s husband, along with David Harewood and Tamera Tomakili in supporting roles. Created by Jennifer Cacicio, “Happy Face” presents a dark but compelling exploration of familial bonds and the scars left by crime.

As the premiere date approaches, fans eagerly await how this gripping story will unfold and how it will tackle the issues surrounding mental illness, familial loyalty, and the ethics of crime storytelling.