Devil in Disguise cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the Peacock true-crime drama?

Devil in Disguise explores the double life of Gacy, a community member and political operative who turns into a horrific killer during the nights. He performs as a clown at children's parties and becomes the "Killer Clown" with various young boys becoming his victims. Devil in Disguise centres on these victims, their families, and the law enforcement officers who investigated him.

The peacock's drama consists of eight episodes and premiered on 16 October 2025. John Wayne Gacy is performed terrifically, keeping in mind the complexity of the character, by Michael Chernus. Gacy is known as the notorious clown who murdered at least 22 young men and boys between 1972 and 1978. The actor is accompanied by several other brilliant actors.

Read on to know the complete cast and character guide of Devil in Disguise, the true-crime drama.

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Devil in Disguise cast and character guide: Who plays whom explored

Michael Chernus as John Wayne Gacy

Michael is praised for his portrayal of the notorious clown. According to reports, he was first hesitant to take the role as he was sceptical about contributing to a show that involves severe violence and s*xual assault. But when he learnt that the show focuses on the victims' lives and systemic failures as well, he agreed to meaningfully support as an actor.

Chernus has shared credits in several TV shows and movies and has 20 years of industry experience. He was in Men in Black 3 (2012), followed by Captain Phillips (2013). Along with this, he also had a recurring role as Cal Chapman in Orange Is the New Black.

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Gabriel Luna as Detective Rafael Tovar

In this crime drama, Luna plays Detective Rafael Tovar, who first investigates Gacy's crawl space, unveiling the extent of his crimes. He discovered the 26 victims of Gacy and became the hero of the story by proving his skills and persistent action.

Wondering if you have seen Gabriel earlier? He played Tommy in HBO's The Last of Us and the Ghost Rider on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

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James Badge Dale as Joe Kozenczak

Joe is portrayed as the chief investigative officer in Gacy's case in Devil in Disguise. Joe is also the one who co-wrote the book titled, The Chicago Killer: The Hunt for Serial Killer John Wayne Gacy, giving him a deep understanding of the real-life events, and now investigating the case for real.

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Michael Angarano as Sam Amirante

Sam is Gacy's defence attorney during his trial. The role is played by Angarano, who has been acting since childhood and shared credits in some popular TV shows and movies. This includes This Is Us (2018–2021) and appeared in Oppenheimer (2023).

Sam also resembles the person who, in reality, wrote the book John Wayne Gacy: Defending a Monster.

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Alongside this brilliant cast is Emmy-nominated Chris Sullivan, appearing as Bill Kunkle, Gacy's prosecutor. The real Kunkle passed away in 2022 at the age of 81. Marin Ireland appears as Elizabeth Piest, the mother of one of the victims the show revolves.

Greg Bryk comes as Harold Piest, the Father of the same victim. Hamish Allan-Headley is Detective Michael Albrecht, another fellow investigator in the case. Another survivor who was once abducted by Gacy is played by Augustus Prew, Jeffrey Rignall.

Devil in Disguise is literally filled with some great performers and artists, such as Brandon McEwan as Phillip Paske, another victim of Gacy, and Cricket Brown as Kerry Piest, among others.

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Devil in Disguise dropped all of the episodes at once on the premiere date for the viewers to binge-watch. Stream the show now.