Melissa G. Moore, 46, is the daughter of Keith Hunter Jesperson, notorious as the “Happy Face Killer,” serving a life sentence for the murders of eight women from 1990 to 1995. Jesperson earned his nickname by sending letters with smiley faces to authorities and media, claiming to have killed up to 160 people. Moore’s story is now depicted in the series Happy Face, premiering with two episodes on March 20 on Paramount+. Annaleigh Ashford plays Moore, while Dennis Quaid portrays Jesperson.
Moore struggled with reconciling her father’s crimes, recalling a moment in high school when Jesperson almost confessed to her over lunch at a diner. He hinted at a dark secret, but ultimately remained silent. Looking back, Moore believes Jesperson was about to reveal his murders, realizing that he may have posed a threat to her life if left alone with him.
Learning of her father’s arrest for murder while living with her mother and siblings in her grandparents’ basement, Moore was in shock. She has since written about her experience in a book and advocated for families affected by crime, including both victims’ and perpetrators’ families. Her podcast, Happy Face, inspired the upcoming series, shedding light on the ripple effects of crime on numerous lives.
Despite her limited involvement in the show’s production, Moore expresses pride in how it showcases the broader impact of crimes on individuals beyond the immediate victims.
She shared her story with the producers and even handed them unopened letters from Jesperson that she had never read. Moore recognizes that her own children have faced challenges due to their grandfather’s identity. Nevertheless, she remains optimistic that the series will offer insight into her parenting and her efforts.
“Watching the series has allowed me to view my own narrative from an outside perspective, a gift that not many people receive,” she explains. “I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on my experiences and parenting style. As my children have grown into adults, this feels like my graduation and report card.”
This article was independently written by the editorial team at PEOPLE and adheres to our editorial guidelines. Paramount+ is a paid promotional partner of PEOPLE. Read the original article on People.
