Michael Chernus Reflects on Playing John Wayne Gacy in Peacock Series

In a recent interview, actor Michael Chernus discussed the challenges and implications of portraying notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy in the Peacock series, “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy.” The show, which debuted on March 15, 2024, takes a distinct approach to true crime by focusing on the stories of Gacy’s victims rather than glorifying the killer himself.

Chernus, known for his role as Ricken Hale on “Severance,” acknowledged the weight of taking on a character like Gacy, who murdered over 30 young men in the 1970s. He recognized that his performance could overshadow his career, particularly as Gacy’s chilling image may become synonymous with his name. The actor felt a responsibility to accurately depict the horror of Gacy’s actions while also respecting the victims’ narratives.

From the outset, Chernus was aware that his role would not dominate the series. In initial discussions with series creator Patrick Macmanus, he learned that Gacy would not be present in every scene. “He said to me, ‘I have to warn you, you’re not going to be in every scene. This is not going to be about you, even though you are technically the lead of the show,’” Chernus recalled. This approach allowed him to engage with the material without glorifying Gacy’s character.

The series refrains from depicting the infamous clown makeup associated with Gacy, instead emphasizing the lives of his victims. Chernus noted that the focus on the victims provides a more profound understanding of their stories, which were often overshadowed by Gacy’s infamy. One pivotal scene features Gacy luring his final victim, 15-year-old Robert Piest, with a false job offer, showcasing the predatory tactics he employed.

Chernus undertook extensive research to prepare for the role, immersing himself in documentaries, podcasts, and academic studies about Gacy. He even visited locations in Chicago that were significant to Gacy’s life, although the city has changed significantly since the 1970s. “I really went down quite the rabbit hole,” he admitted, emphasizing the importance of understanding Gacy’s background and the cultural context of his crimes.

Despite the depth of his research, Chernus had to balance his preparation with the narrative of the show. “I think I could have stayed in the research realm forever,” he said, acknowledging that he needed to focus on the scripts as filming approached. He often listened to recordings of Gacy’s voice to capture the nuances of his speech and demeanor.

Chernus described the filming process as akin to a theater production, where the cast worked collaboratively to highlight the stories of Gacy’s victims. He expressed the emotional toll of embodying a character as despicable as Gacy, reflecting on the psychological impact it had on him. “I didn’t want to be in his skin or walk a mile in his shoes. I don’t have any empathy for him,” he stated, but recognized the necessity of understanding Gacy to portray the manipulation he exerted over his victims.

The series faced a significant editorial decision when Macmanus chose to cut nearly 25 minutes of footage from the finale. While initially disappointing to Chernus, he ultimately agreed with the decision, understanding that it aligned with the show’s focus on the victims. “I’m proud of all of it, but I don’t think it should be in the show,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the narrative’s integrity.

As the show progresses, the emotional weight of Gacy’s actions becomes increasingly evident, particularly in a climactic scene that captures the chilling dynamics between Gacy and his victims. Chernus found it difficult to watch, describing it as a powerful representation of the manipulation and terror that Gacy inflicted. “It’s the most we see John Gacy in the show, period,” he remarked, highlighting its significance to the overall narrative.

Chernus’s portrayal of Gacy raises important questions about representation in true crime stories. By choosing to focus on the victims rather than glorifying the killer, “Devil in Disguise” aims to provide a more respectful and nuanced perspective on a harrowing chapter in American history. Chernus’s thoughtful approach to the role underscores the complexities of storytelling in the true crime genre, reminding audiences of the real lives affected by Gacy’s actions.