Unveiling the Journey Behind Devil in Disguise The John Wayne Gacy Series Explores the Serial Killer’s Infamous Path
The tragic case of John Wayne Gacy continues to capture public attention decades after the infamous events that took place between 1972 and 1978. During this period, Gacy took the lives of 33 young men and boys in Norwood Park, a suburb not far from O’Hare Airport. Actor Michael Chernus steps into this chilling history with his portrayal of Gacy in the new drama series “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy,” now premiering on Peacock.
Exploring Gacy’s Infamous Path
For the new series, Michael Chernus immersed himself deeply into the role of one of Illinois’ most notorious serial killers. His preparation included walking the paths Gacy might have taken and researching extensively through books, articles, and archived interviews, notably the 1992 interview by Walter Jacobson. In his pursuit to realistically portray Gacy, Chernus visited significant locations like the L&L Tavern in Lake View, reflecting on the extent to which Gacy concealed his gruesome activities.
The Creation of “Devil in Disguise”
The series, a scripted spin-off of NBC News’ 2021 docuseries, “John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise,” marks a narrative shift by focusing on the victims. Show creator Patrick Macmanus decided to tell the story through the perspective of those affected, a decision he felt was necessary to bring new depth to a well-documented saga. The pilot episode highlights the tragedy of Robert Piest, Gacy’s last-known victim, whose disappearance led to Gacy’s arrest and eventual execution in 1994.
Challenges in Portraying Gacy
Chernus expressed initial hesitance in taking on such a notorious character. Gacy’s history is riddled with complexities, including his dynamic personalities: the contractor, the clown, and the politician. In this portrayal, the series aims to shed light on these various facets, allowing viewers to see how manipulation and narcissism were central to Gacy’s character.
Focus on the Victims
Each episode in the series is dedicated to the life stories of Gacy’s victims, avoiding on-screen violence to maintain respect for their legacies. By structuring the narrative this way, Macmanus and his team aim to ensure the victims’ voices are at the forefront, highlighting their lives rather than the circumstances of their deaths.
Addressing Societal Prejudices
“Devil in Disguise” also explores underlying societal issues, such as prejudices against the LGBTQ+ community, which influenced the investigation and perception of the victims. The creators collaborated with GLAAD to appropriately handle sensitive topics, seeking to remind viewers of ongoing biases that can cloud judgment and perpetuate violence.
Encouraging New Leads
Despite decades passing, Gacy’s case remains open with several victims yet to be identified. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek information to complete this chapter, hoping advancements in DNA technology will help. Chernus encourages the public to step forward if they believe a friend or relative could be among the unidentified victims, emphasizing the continued relevance of each life affected by these tragic events.
