“Happy Face,” the latest original series on Paramount+, revolves around Melissa Reed, a television makeup artist played by Annaleigh Ashford. Her father, Keith Jesperson portrayed by Dennis Quaid, is behind bars for the murder of 8 women. When Jesperson contacts Reed’s TV show for an interview, she must confront her troubled past, adding complexity to her life.
The show was developed and helmed by Jennifer Cacicio, with the first episode directed by Michael Showalter. Alongside Ashford and Quaid, David Harewood and James Wolk play significant roles in the main cast.
With such a detailed and realistic synopsis, it begs the question, is Melissa’s story based on a true story? Keep reading to find out more.
The narrative draws inspiration from the real-life ordeal of Melissa Moore, whose father is the infamous Happy Face killer, Keith Jesperson. Known for leaving smiley faces on his correspondences with the media and authorities, Jesperson’s actual victim count is speculated to be around 160, with only 8 confirmed cases.
Her 2018 podcast of the same name and her 2009 autobiography Shattered Silence are the main inspirations for this series.
Moore has also been on various talk shows in the past, such as Dr. Phil and The Oprah Winfrey Show, talking about her experiences further. )In the series, the show Reed works on is called Dr. Greg.)
Executive producers Robert and Michelle King told Deadline back in 2021 when the series was originally ordered that âWeâre obsessed with true-crime podcasts, and Happy Face is the best weâve heard.” Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeart Digital Audio group said âAnd we know that audiences will be just as moved by the on-screen adaptation of Happy as they were with the hugely successful podcast. Paramount+ has quickly built a fantastic reputation, with some of todayâs most exciting content. Itâs the perfect home for this incredible story.â
In a Time interview with Moore herself, she describes how the back and forth confrontations between Reed and Jesperson in the show, are quite authentic when compared to her actual conversations with her father in jail.
Jesperson had told her to change her last name after he finally turned himself into authorities, but she decided to embrace her past with her podcast and autobiography detailing her experiences.
Cacicio pitched the show to Moore directly, both agreeing to make the show more fictionalized so that it could “take on a life of its own”.
While what Moore dealt with is any families worst nightmare, she takes on her story with courage and isn’t afraid to face her past.
Happy Face is now available to stream on Paramount+
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