What does Khiyla Aynne reveal about her character Hazel Reed and her connection to the Happy Face Killer? How did the production team enhance the authenticity of her interactions with Dennis Quaid? What personal experiences shaped Aynne’s approach to portraying a real person involved in such a dark narrative? What significance does Hazel’s first conversation with her grandfather hold in the context of her self-discovery?
Khiyla Aynne is ready for the spotlight, which she will have tonight on the Paramount+ series Happy Face when her character Hazel Reed does the forbidden.
Hazel is the granddaughter of serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson, better known as the titular Happy Face killer; both characters are based on real people. Aynne spoke to Deadline about her experience playing a real-life person and the lengths production went to make her first interaction with Dennis Quaid, who plays her imprisoned grandfather, be as authentic as possible.
Watch a clip from their characters’ first interaction above.
The CBS Studios-produced Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore, the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore, and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
Jumping off from Moore’s true-life story, the series follows Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford) and her incarcerated father, known as the Happy Face Killer (Quaid). After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout, she discovers the impact her father had on his victims’ families and must face a reckoning of her own identity.
Moore’s children Hazel and Max Reed are played by Aynne and Benjamin Mackey, respectively.
DEADLINE: This series tackles heavy subjects. What was it like being on set of a series based on real-life events involving a serial killer?
KHIYLA AYNNE: Yes, it’s definitely a heavy subject matter, but we really kept it light and positive between takes. During breaks, we sometimes played Uno and joked around a bit. Our crew was really amazing and the cast was wonderful to work with.
DEADLINE: Episode 5 is a pivotal moment for your character, Hazel. Her mom has successfully kept her isolated from her grandfather even though Hazel has asked a lot about him and shown interest in getting to know him. The two of you connect behind her back, as we can see in the video clip. What can you share about the significance of their chat?
KA: Yeah, episode 5 is pivotal for Hazel, who has some pretty big moments. She is seen first talking with her grandfather, which I think viewers will be shocked about. Some probably will be screaming at my character, saying, “Stop! Why are you doing that? Hang up the phone.” I think what’s going through her head is definitely that he doesn’t seem as bad as her mom and her family have made him out to be. You’ll see how he’s validating her when he says, “You’re not a kid anymore, and you can decide for yourself what you think of me.” She feels the opposite when her mother tells her what to think and what to do. Meanwhile, this man who’s been hidden from her is validating her and telling her that she can make up her own mind and think the way she feels is best.
DEADLINE: From an outsider looking in, though, 15-year-olds think they know everything and don’t realize their parents have their safety and best interest at heart. There have to be repercussions for Hazel, no?
KA: Definitely. Going back to episode one, we see Hazel’s desire to find out where she came from and who she is after she overhears her mother saying that her father is the Happy Face killer. That sparks something inside her as she’s on this journey of self-discovery. This gives her something even deeper to dive into: her family’s past and everything. When we see her speaking with Keith for the first time, we don’t really know where the relationship’s going or what this will mean. He has access to the outside world while being in prison, and for the larger story, Melissa is seeing whether or not they’re going to do a trial for the murder.
DEADLINE: What was your process for getting into character?
KA: It was definitely a hard frame of mind to get into because I’d be speaking with a serial killer. That’s not a normal thing, so it’s very different. Our director, Ramaa Mosley, was very helpful with that. She made some amazing choices, which included having me and Dennis not meet before we filmed any of our scenes. I didn’t meet him for the first time until our show premiered at SXSW in Austin, Texas.
DEADLINE: You never saw each other on set?
KA: Never. We saw each other in passing one time during lunch, but we didn’t meet one another until SXSW. Ramaa chose that because this was both of our characters’ first time talking to each other, and she wanted it to be real. So in the scenes [airing tonight], those phones are real, and we were doing our scenes together but apart.
DEADLINE: Did you feel any pressure about playing a real-life person?
KA: Playing a real person comes with added pressure. It’s not a bad pressure, but you want to do a good job because you are portraying them in a slightly different version. You want to make them proud.
DEADLINE: Did you get to meet Melissa or Hazel?
KA: I didn’t meet Melissa or Hazel until after we finished shooting. When I met them, they were so welcoming, so lovely. I gave her entire family hugs. It was nice to see them face to face. We had spoken on social media, privately, before we met. Hazel complimented the series and how I portrayed this version of her. That meant a lot to me. We hung out a lot in Austin.
DEADLINE: Before we go, can you tease what’s ahead for Hazel? She’s making big mistakes and involving other people. This can’t end too well.
KA: What I can say is Hazel has gone through hard times with the bullying she experienced in the previous episodes and hard times with her peers at school. So when [she starts talking to her grandfather], people start giving her attention and thinking she’s so cool. However, she’s making mistakes and letting these friends into her life. You’ll just have to wait and see what else happens for the rest of this season.
Happy Face’s Khiyla Aynne Talks Connecting With Dennis Quaid
In the realm of film and television, few moments stand out as powerfully as the connections forged between actors on set. For Khiyla Aynne, a rising star in the industry, her recent collaboration with veteran actor Dennis Quaid in the project "Happy Face" turned out to be one of those unforgettable experiences. Not only did they share the screen, but they also connected on a personal level, creating a bond that goes beyond the script.
The Journey Begins
Khiyla Aynne has always been passionate about storytelling. Growing up in a small town, she found solace in film and drama, using her experiences to fuel her desire for artistic expression. After years of honing her craft, she gained recognition in several independent films and television roles. However, it was her participation in "Happy Face," a film that delves into complex emotional landscapes and the struggles of identity, that truly catalyzed her career.
"Happy Face" follows the journey of an individual navigating the delicate balance between the masks we wear and our true selves. The film addresses issues of mental health, societal expectations, and the quest for personal fulfillment. Khiyla plays a pivotal role, portraying a character that echoes her own beliefs about authenticity and vulnerability. The film’s themes resonated deeply with her, making the project particularly meaningful.
A Connection Forged
For Khiyla, one of the highlights of working on "Happy Face" was undoubtedly her interactions with Dennis Quaid. Known for his dynamic performances and charismatic on-screen presence, Quaid is a celebrated actor whose career spans decades. Khiyla had long admired him, and when she learned he would be starring alongside her, she knew it would be a transformative experience.
"Dennis brought an incredible energy to the set," Khiyla recalls. "He was not only professional but also incredibly approachable. It’s rare to find established stars who are so willing to connect with newer actors and share their experiences." The two quickly struck up a rapport, exchanging stories and insights that enriched their performances.
Their discussions often ventured beyond acting techniques and the film’s narrative. Khiyla appreciated Quaid’s perspective on the industry, particularly his views on maintaining authenticity in a world filled with pretense. "He talked about the importance of being ourselves, both on and off the screen," Khiyla shares. "It was inspiring to hear someone with his experience speak about vulnerability and staying true to one’s artistic voice."
Learning from the Best
Working alongside someone as seasoned as Quaid offered Khiyla a unique learning opportunity. She observed his work ethic and commitment to his craft firsthand, taking note of how he prepared for scenes and interacted with the crew. "He treats everyone, from the director to the production assistants, with such respect," she notes. "That’s a lesson I will carry with me throughout my career."
In addition to technical skills, Quaid’s passion for storytelling greatly influenced Khiyla’s approach to her character. During rehearsals, he encouraged deeper explorations of their characters’ motivations, and this collaborative environment allowed Khiyla to stretch her own abilities as an actress. "Dennis pushed me to dig deeper into the emotional aspects of my character. He believed in me and made me feel comfortable expressing my vulnerabilities," she explains.
The Impact of Connection
The relationship between Khiyla and Dennis Quaid exemplifies the often-overlooked importance of personal connections in the film industry. In an environment marked by high pressure and competition, a supportive colleague can make all the difference. "Having him there, sharing his wisdom and experiences, made me feel like I was part of something special," Khiyla reflects. "It reminded me why I fell in love with acting in the first place."
As "Happy Face" approaches its premiere, Khiyla feels a mix of excitement and anticipation, knowing that audiences will soon witness the story they poured their hearts into. The lessons learned and connections made during the filming process will undoubtedly shape her as an actress. She hopes that viewers will connect with the film’s core messages and take away the same feelings of authenticity and empathy that she experienced on set.
Looking to the Future
As Khiyla Aynne continues to navigate her burgeoning career, she remains grateful for the opportunity to learn from industry veterans like Dennis Quaid. She aspires to use her platform to advocate for important conversations around mental health, creativity, and self-acceptance, much like the themes portrayed in "Happy Face." For Khiyla, it’s not just about acting; it’s about using her art to foster understanding and connection among audiences.
In a world that often emphasizes superficiality, Khiyla’s journey is a reminder of the power of authenticity and the lasting impact that genuine connections can have on our lives—and on our art. With the premiere of "Happy Face" on the horizon, audiences will bear witness to not just a captivating story but also the beautiful connection that inspired its telling.
In an engaging conversation, Khiyla Aynne from “Happy Face” opens up about her experience working alongside the talented Dennis Quaid. She reflects on how their interactions enriched her understanding of the craft and the nuances of acting. Khiyla shares that Dennis’s approachability and dedication to his work created an atmosphere of collaboration and creativity on set.
As they navigated their scenes together, Khiyla emphasizes the importance of genuine connection in storytelling, describing how working with an experienced actor like Quaid allowed her to explore her character more deeply. She appreciates the insights Dennis offered, which helped her grow as an actress and bring authenticity to her performance.
In discussing the themes of “Happy Face,” Khiyla adds that the show addresses important societal issues, and she feels honored to be part of a project that resonates with viewers. Her admiration for Quaid goes beyond his talent; she notes his ability to inspire others and foster a sense of community among the cast and crew. Their collaboration has left a lasting impression on her, shaping her perspective on the film industry and the relationships built within it.