True-crime shows have become very popular on television. These shows tell real stories about crimes and the people involved. Some cases, like The Girl from Plainville, The Act, and The Staircase, have been turned into scripted dramas. These dramas show the details behind the crimes and how they affected people.
Now, a new series called Happy Face is joining them. This show tells the emotional and terrifying story of Melissa Moore, the daughter of a well-known serial killer, Keith Hunter Jesperson. He is also known as the “Happy Face Killer.”
The Story Behind ‘Happy Face’
Jennifer Cacicio created Happy Face, along with Michelle King and Robert King, who also worked on Evil and The Good Fight. The show tells a fictional story but is based on real-life events. It follows an adult version of Melissa Moore, played by Annaleigh Ashford. Melissa works as a makeup artist for a talk show.
One day, her life changes when her father, Jesperson, played by Dennis Quaid, contacts her from prison. He claims to have information about a ninth victim and wants to talk to her in exchange for revealing what he knows.
Even though the plot is fictional, the show presents the emotional pain that Melissa went through. It shows the harmful and manipulative relationship she had with her father. The crimes shown in the series are based on real events, including the horrible actions that made Jesperson infamous.
Why Was Keith Jesperson Called ‘The Happy Face Killer’?
Keith Hunter Jesperson worked as a long-haul truck driver. In 1995, he admitted to killing at least eight women across six different states. His victims were found in California, Washington, Oregon, Florida, Nebraska, and Wyoming.
Jesperson became widely known, not just for his violent crimes but also for how he taunted the police. He sent letters to law enforcement and reporters, bragging about what he had done. At the bottom of these letters, he drew a happy face, which is why he became known as the “Happy Face Killer.”
Jesperson’s killing spree ended when he called a detective and confessed to killing his girlfriend, Julie Winningham. This confession led to his arrest. Today, he is serving seven life sentences at the Oregon State Penitentiary.
While the public was shocked by Jesperson’s crimes, his family also suffered deeply. His daughter, Melissa, was only 15 years old when she found out who her father really was. She had no idea he was a serial killer. Jesperson spent long periods away from home because of his job as a truck driver.
When he returned, he acted like a loving father and even brought gifts for his children. This made his arrest even more shocking for Melissa.
The series shows how Melissa and her family dealt with this painful reality. Flashbacks show her as a teenager, played by Kate Maree, sharing happy moments with her father. These scenes are followed by the heartbreaking truth about his crimes and how hard it was for her family to move forward. Melissa also had to hide the fact that he was her father because of how people would react.
Melissa Moore’s Journey to Accept Her Past
Despite the pain, Melissa decided not to hide her identity. In 2008, she wrote a book called Shattered Silence: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer’s Daughter. In the book, she describes her struggles and the deep emotional wounds caused by her father’s actions. She explains how hard it was to grow up knowing her father was responsible for such terrible crimes.
Melissa has spoken openly about how her father manipulated her, even after his arrest. She has shared how she was emotionally affected by his actions. Over time, she found the strength to speak up and help others who have faced similar pain.
How ‘Happy Face’ Tells Melissa Moore’s Story
The show Happy Face focuses on the emotional impact of being the child of a serial killer. It tells the story from Melissa’s point of view and shows her struggle to understand her past. In the series, Jesperson contacts Melissa to reveal that an innocent person is about to be executed for one of his crimes. She realizes that she must come forward and tell the truth.
While some parts of the show are fictionalized, the emotions and struggles shown are real. The series highlights Melissa’s fears, including her worry that she might be like her father. At times, she wonders if she has any of his traits. But as the story unfolds, she realizes that she is not defined by his actions. She finds her own identity and proves that she is different from him.
In a 2014 essay for BBC News, Melissa wrote about the deep injustice of her father’s crimes. She said, “My father will never get the death penalty for his crimes, but he should. I don’t say that for myself, but for his victims.” This statement reflects her strong feelings about what her father did. It also shows her commitment to speaking out for the people he hurt.
Melissa Moore’s Mission to Help Others
Since learning the truth about her father, Melissa has dedicated her life to helping others. She has shared her story and created a space for other people who have experienced similar trauma. In 2018, she launched a podcast called Happy Face, where she talks about her experiences and interviews others who have faced difficult situations.
Through her work, Melissa has become a voice for victims and survivors. She wants to remind the world that those who suffer from violent crimes should not be forgotten. Instead of focusing on killers, she believes that stories should center on those who were hurt and the families left behind.
How ‘Happy Face’ Stands Out from Other True Crime Shows
Many true-crime shows focus on the killers and their crimes. Happy Face takes a different approach. Since Melissa Moore is one of the show’s executive producers, the series avoids the usual sensationalism seen in other crime dramas. Instead, it focuses on the victims and their families.
The show highlights how Jesperson’s crimes affected his daughter and those around him. It gives a realistic look at how trauma impacts people long after the crime has been committed. By focusing on these aspects, Happy Face separates itself from other shows in the genre. It tells a more thoughtful and compassionate story about the aftermath of Jesperson’s actions.
A Reminder of the Real Victims
Happy Face serves as an important reminder that the people who suffer the most from violent crimes are the victims and their families. While serial killers often become infamous, the pain they leave behind lasts forever. Melissa Moore’s story shows the struggles of trying to live a normal life after discovering a horrifying truth.
The series makes it clear that she is not responsible for her father’s crimes. Instead, she is a survivor who has chosen to speak out and help others. Happy Face is not just about a serial killer—it is about the people who had to pick up the pieces after his crimes.
The first two episodes of Happy Face are now available on Paramount+, with new episodes released every Thursday.
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