Dennis Quaid Stars in 'Happy Face' – The True Story of the Happy Face Serial Killer

Happy Face Killer terrorized vulnerable people from 1990 to 1995

Mar 05, 2025

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A Real-Life Nightmare Brought to the Screen 😱

🔍 What if you found out your dad was a serial killer? That's the horrifying reality that Melissa Moore had to face when she learned the truth about her father—Keith Hunter Jesperson, the infamous "Happy Face Killer."

Now, Paramount+ is bringing this shocking true crime story to life in a new gripping series, "Happy Face," starring Dennis Quaid as the notorious killer. 🎬 The show will not only delve into Jesperson’s crimes but will also follow Moore’s emotional journey as she struggles to come to terms with her father’s dark past.

🗓️ Mark your calendars! The series is set to premiere on March 20, 2025, and promises to be a haunting exploration of crime, trauma, and resilience.

😈 Who Was the Happy Face Killer?

One of America’s most chilling serial killers hid in plain sight...

🔪 Between 1990 and 1995, Keith Hunter Jesperson, a long-haul truck driver, brutally murdered at least eight women across multiple states. He gained the nickname "Happy Face Killer" because of the taunting letters he sent to the media, signed with a creepy smiley face. 😃

How did he get away with it for so long?

He targeted vulnerable women—mostly sex workers and transients.
He was always on the move, making it difficult for law enforcement to connect the dots.
Wrongful convictions—another woman falsely confessed to his first known murder, sending police on a wild goose chase.

Jesperson’s luck ran out in 1995 when he was caught after murdering his girlfriend, Julie Winningham. 👏 But the damage was already done—his crimes had left a horrifying impact on countless lives.

🎭 Dennis Quaid’s Shocking Transformation

"From lovable Hollywood star to one of America’s most terrifying killers..."

🔥 Dennis Quaid, best known for films like The Parent Trap and The Day After Tomorrow, is taking on one of the darkest roles of his career in Happy Face. His chilling portrayal of Jesperson will explore the mind of a sadistic killer, from his early life to his horrific murders.

🤯 Can you imagine Dennis Quaid as a cold-blooded serial killer?
🎥 The trailer hints at a haunting transformation that is sure to send shivers down your spine.

🔗 Watch the Official Teaser Here:
▶ Happy Face | Teaser Trailer | Paramount+

💔 Melissa Moore: The Serial Killer’s Daughter

"How do you cope when your father is a monster?"

For most of her childhood, Melissa Moore had no idea who her father really was. 😨

👧 She thought of him as a strict but loving dad…
🚛 She knew he was a truck driver who spent a lot of time on the road…
💡 Then, at 15 years old, she learned the unthinkable—her father was the Happy Face Killer.

How do you process something like that?
Melissa’s world was shattered as she struggled to understand how the man who tucked her into bed at night could also be a murderer.

📖 She later told her story in the book Shattered Silence, which serves as the inspiration for the Happy Face series.

🎙️ Today, Melissa is an advocate for victims’ families and uses her platform to help others dealing with the trauma of discovering dark family secrets.

📺 What to Expect from the Paramount+ Series

"More than just a crime story—this is a tale of survival and reckoning."

🎬 Happy Face will go beyond the typical true crime format to explore:
✅ The psychological toll of growing up with a serial killer as a father.
✅ The haunting moments when Melissa realized her dad wasn’t who she thought he was.
✅ The cat-and-mouse game between Jesperson and law enforcement.
✅ The impact of his crimes on his victims’ families and the wrongfully convicted individuals.

👥 Cast & Characters:

🏆 Dennis Quaid as Keith Jesperson (The Happy Face Killer)
🎭 Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Moore
🎥 James Wolk as Ben Moore (Melissa’s husband)
📺 David Harewood as Dr. Greg, a fictional talk show host

🔥 If you’re a fan of gripping true crime stories, this is one series you won’t want to miss!

🧐 Why Do We Keep Watching True Crime?

"What is it about serial killers that keeps us hooked?" 🤔

🔪 From Mindhunter to Dahmer, true crime series are more popular than ever. But why?
✔️ They give us a peek into the minds of criminals—without the real-life danger.
✔️ They remind us to stay cautious and be aware of potential threats.
✔️ They explore the human condition, showing us what happens when people cross the line into evil.

📺 Happy Face is different because it focuses on the family left behind. What happens when the killer is your own blood? 💔

📅 Premiere Date & Where to Watch

🛑 Don’t Miss the Premiere!
📆 Release Date: March 20, 2025
📺 Where to Watch: Exclusive to Paramount+

💡 Pro Tip: Set a reminder now, because this will be one of the most talked-about true crime series of the year!

❓ What Do You Think?

👀 Will you be watching Happy Face?
😱 Does Dennis Quaid as a serial killer give you chills?
🗣️ Drop a comment below with your thoughts!

📢 Share this with your fellow true crime fans and let’s discuss!