‘Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy‘ might centre on one of America’s most feared serial killers. Still, Michael Chernus has now opened up about something far more unsettling than just portraying darkness.
While stepping into Gacy’s world, he revealed a deeply personal practice that went far beyond typical character preparation. So, what exactly did he do each day, and why did it matter so much?
Why Michael Chernus Almost Walked Away From ‘Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy’
Taking on the role of John Wayne Gacy wasn’t an easy yes for Chernus. He admitted he was initially “super hesitant,” concerned about his name being associated with such a figure indefinitely. Now, with Gacy’s story having been told repeatedly since his 1978 arrest, Chernus questioned what more there was to add. He feared a retelling might risk sensationalising horror, until he learned this series would centre on the victims, not the killer.
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That vital focus changed everything for him. The project wasn’t about reviving infamy; it was about restoring identity to those whose lives were violently taken. That purpose gave Chernus a reason to proceed, but with responsibility came an emotional burden. Knowing he had to approach the role with care, he found a way to carry their memory with him through every day of filming.
The Silent Ritual Behind The Trailer Door
Chernus revealed that each morning, alone in his trailer, he began his day with a solemn act. He had created a three-fold poster board, like those used in school science fairs, on which he had written the full list of Gacy’s victims and their ages. Before filming, he opened it and read through every name.
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Chenus explained that this ritual reminded him exactly “why I was doing this.” He ensured that he never allowed the victims to become faceless shadows in a crime narrative. At the end of each day, he folded the darkness shut until it was time to return to it.
To protect his mental health, he uprooted his life and moved his family to Toronto. Coming home each night to his wife, young daughter, and dog became his anchor. It was his way of leaving all that stuff at work.
And the authenticity of the set only doubled on the experience. Chenus added that the production team rebuilt Gacy’s suburban Chicago home exactly as it would have in the 1970s. Walking through that replica helped him access the unsettling reality of the character. While he acknowledged it was not an easy role to fall into, the tactile details made it unavoidable.
Through it all, Chernus’ concern was to remember and ensure the world did not forget the names lost to him.
