Michael Chernus Transcends Character Roles Revealing His Chilling Side as a Cold-Blooded Killer
Michael Chernus, an experienced actor known for his compelling supporting roles, will soon showcase a stark departure from his usual characters. At 48, Chernus is stepping into the role of notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy in the miniseries Devil in Disguise, streaming on Peacock. Gacy, who was active in the 1970s, is infamous for the rape, torture, and murder of at least 33 young men.
Preparing for the Role of a Cold-Blooded Killer
Chernus has gone to great lengths to portray Gacy authentically. He emphasized that the portrayal does not aim to humanize the killer, acknowledging the profound impact the role had on him. During filming, he experienced emotional turbulence, stating, “There was one day where I came back to my room, I took a shower, and I just started crying because the weight of it just came tumbling down.”
Throughout his preparation, Chernus engaged in extensive research. He studied Gacy’s behaviors and visited places significant to the killer’s life. This involved hanging out in bars Gacy frequented and even creating a makeshift home in Toronto while filming.
Distinct Approach to Filming
Filming for Devil in Disguise spanned six months, from September 3 to March 3. Chernus revealed that the shoot aimed to avoid glorifying Gacy and focused on delivering a psychologically intense narrative. He noted, “We didn’t want it to be salacious or glorify Gacy in any way.”
- Title: Devil in Disguise
- Starring: Michael Chernus as John Wayne Gacy
- Gacy’s Victims: At least 33 young men
- Shooting Period: September 3 to March 3 (6 months)
The Mind of a Monster
Chernus explained the psychological complexities involved in portraying a figure like Gacy. Reflecting on Gacy’s mindset, he remarked that the serial killer operated under a chilling internal logic. “He felt justified in it, in my opinion. He did have a code,” Chernus stated, underscoring the murky moral waters surrounding Gacy’s actions.
The actor faced the challenge of balancing charm with malevolence, noting, “I was so afraid at first to come off as charming or likable because I was like, ‘This guy’s a piece of shit.’” Yet, this duality is crucial to understanding how Gacy managed to evade authorities for so long.
Support During the Process
Recognizing the emotional strains of the role, Chernus brought his family along to Toronto during filming. This choice proved beneficial as it provided him with a grounding sense of normalcy amidst the dark material. He shared, “I think if I was in some shitty corporate condo in Downtown Toronto by myself for six months, I would’ve been self-destructive.”
Through a combination of personal experience and professional dedication, Chernus aims to deliver a haunting yet nuanced portrayal of one of America’s most infamous criminals. With Devil in Disguise, he endeavors to shed light on the chilling persona of John Wayne Gacy and the devastating impact of his actions on countless lives.
