Michael Chernus on Portraying John Wayne Gacy in ‘Devil in Disguise’

Michael Chernus Reflects on the ‘Unfortunate Duty’ of Playing John Wayne Gacy

Actor Michael Chernus recently opened up about the profound challenges and unexpected decisions behind his portrayal of notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy in Peacock’s new anthology series, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy. Chernus, known for roles in Orange Is the New Black and Severance, described the role as an “unfortunate duty,” a sentiment that underscores the gravity of embodying such a dark figure. His performance has garnered significant attention, not just for its chilling accuracy but also for the thoughtful approach taken by both the actor and the production team to a story fraught with ethical considerations.

The Weight of a Controversial Role

Taking on the character of John Wayne Gacy, responsible for the murders of at least 33 young men and boys, is a decision few actors would make lightly. Chernus acknowledged the immense responsibility, stating, “I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn’t know how hard it was going to be.” This candid admission highlights the psychological toll of delving into the mind of a serial killer, especially one whose crimes remain a disturbing chapter in American history. The series aims to explore the duality of Gacy’s public persona as a respected community member and his hidden life as a predator, a complexity Chernus was tasked with bringing to life.

Chernus’s preparation involved extensive research, including reading Gacy’s autobiography, A Question of Guilt, and numerous other books and articles. He also watched documentaries and listened to recordings of Gacy’s voice, not to mimic but to understand the cadence and manipulative charm. This deep dive allowed him to construct a nuanced portrayal that avoided caricature, focusing instead on the chilling banality of evil.

The Decision to Cut Extensive Finale Scenes

One of the most significant revelations from Chernus concerned the decision to significantly reduce his screen time in the series finale. Originally, the finale included extensive scenes depicting Gacy’s trial, conviction, and eventual execution. However, the creative team, led by director and executive producer Rod Blackhurst, made a conscious choice to shift the focus away from Gacy in the final episode, instead centering on the victims and their families. This pivotal decision was made after a crucial conversation between Chernus and Blackhurst.

Chernus recalled Blackhurst approaching him, stating, “I think we’re going to cut a lot of your stuff in the finale.” Initially, Chernus expressed a natural actor’s concern, asking, “Oh no, is it not good?” Blackhurst reassured him, explaining that the decision was not about performance quality but about narrative intent. “He said, ‘No, it’s great, but we don’t want to end this story with Gacy. We want to end it with the victims and the families,'” Chernus recounted. This shift in perspective was profoundly impactful for Chernus, who immediately understood and supported the decision.

Prioritizing the Victims’ Narrative

This narrative choice underscores a growing trend in true crime storytelling: moving beyond the sensationalism of the perpetrator to honor the lives lost and the enduring pain of those left behind. By minimizing Gacy’s presence in the finale, Devil in Disguise aims to prevent inadvertently glorifying the killer or allowing his story to overshadow the true tragedy. Chernus affirmed the wisdom of this approach, stating, “It was absolutely the right decision.” He elaborated on the importance of this shift, explaining, “The show is about the victims, it’s about the families, and it’s about the ripple effect of what this man did. It’s not about him, ultimately. It’s about what he did to other people.” This perspective aligns with a more ethical and empathetic approach to true crime, seeking to provide closure and remembrance rather than further exploitation.

The Impact on Chernus and the Series

For Chernus, the role was not just a professional challenge but a personal journey. He acknowledged the emotional toll, describing the experience as “heavy” and requiring significant psychological resilience. Despite the difficulty, he views the project as a vital piece of storytelling, particularly given the sensitive way the production handled the subject matter.

Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy premiered on Peacock, offering viewers a deep dive into the disturbing case. The series has contributed to ongoing discussions about the ethics of true crime narratives and the responsibility of creators to handle such sensitive material with care. Chernus’s performance, coupled with the production’s thoughtful narrative choices, positions the series as a significant entry in the genre, emphasizing human impact over morbid fascination.

Key Takeaways

• Michael Chernus described playing John Wayne Gacy as an “unfortunate duty,” highlighting the role’s immense psychological demands.
• Extensive research, including Gacy’s autobiography and voice recordings, informed Chernus’s nuanced portrayal.
• The series finale significantly reduced Gacy’s screen time to shift focus from the killer to his victims and their families.
• Director Rod Blackhurst made this decision to prioritize the narrative of those impacted by Gacy’s crimes.
• Chernus fully supported the decision, calling it “absolutely the right decision” for ethical storytelling.
• The series aims to explore the ripple effect of Gacy’s actions rather than glorifying the perpetrator.

Conclusion

Michael Chernus’s experience portraying John Wayne Gacy in Devil in Disguise offers a compelling look into the ethical considerations of bringing notorious true crime stories to the screen. His willingness to embrace the “unfortunate duty” of the role, combined with the production’s conscious decision to pivot the finale’s focus to the victims, marks a significant moment in true crime storytelling. This approach not only enhances the series’ integrity but also serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost behind such horrific events. As audiences continue to engage with true crime, Devil in Disguise stands as an example of how to approach these narratives with sensitivity, respect, and a commitment to honoring the memory of those affected rather than sensationalizing the perpetrator.