Annaleigh Ashford Praises Melissa G. Moore's Strength in 'Happy Face'

Annaleigh Ashford stars as Melissa G. Moore, the daughter of notorious serial killer Keith Jesperson, in the new true crime series 'Happy Face.' The show, inspired by Moore's memoir and podcast, emphasizes her journey of navigating family trauma and the stigma attached to her father's crimes. Ashford describes Moore as strong and generous, using her own trauma to advocate for victims' families and promote healing. The series does not depict violence but focuses on the emotional impact of Jesperson's actions, with Ashford's character reflecting on letters from her father that reveal complex familial dynamics. Ashford highlights the moral conflict of being related to a criminal, illustrating the challenges Moore faced in reconciling her past with her future. The series aims to shed light on the often-overlooked perspective of family members of perpetrators and their struggles with inherited shame and identity.