Michael Chernus Discusses His Role as John Wayne Gacy in ‘Devil in Disguise’
Michael Chernus Reflects on Playing a Serial Killer in Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy
Michael Chernus discusses the emotional impact of his role in Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy and shares his admiration for Indian cinema.
In the recent true crime series, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, actor Michael Chernus takes on the chilling role of the infamous serial killer. He describes the unsettling nature of his character, emphasizing how normal he seemed. “What’s scary about many serial killers is that they live among us, hiding in plain sight. Gacy perfectly exemplified this, actively engaging in society while concealing his true self,” he explains.
Chernus delves deeper into Gacy’s character, remarking, “He was deeply involved in local politics. A misconception is that he killed while dressed as a clown. In reality, he engaged with children at hospitals and parades to present a façade of normalcy.”
When asked if portraying such a dark figure affected his mental state, he revealed that understanding Gacy’s multifaceted personality prevented him from succumbing to it. “Gacy referred to himself as having multiple versions. He was a contractor, politician, family man, and a villain. This idea of wearing different masks depending on the situation guided my portrayal,” he shares.
Chernus continues, “I was relieved to know I didn’t have to represent his entire essence all at once. We only glimpse the true Gacy briefly. Recognizing that he wore different masks to integrate into society made my approach manageable.”
Known for his roles in Severance, Orange Is The New Black, and Spider Man: Homecoming, Michael acknowledges the privilege of reaching a global audience through streaming platforms. “It’s thrilling to be part of an industry reaching people worldwide. With this project, I aimed to highlight the victims and tell their stories, which often went untold during Gacy’s arrest in the ’70s,” he states.
Chernus expresses gratitude for his international fanbase, particularly those in India. “I’ve always wanted to visit India. Knowing I have many fans there is incredible, and I intend to plan a trip soon,” he shares. When asked about potentially working in Indian films, he expresses admiration. “I’m impressed by the Indian film industry, but my hands are quite full here at the moment. Still, it’s a possibility,” he adds.
Is there a role you’ve taken on that had a profound effect on you?