Who Plays David Madson in Versace?

If you’ve watched the highly acclaimed TV series ‘American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace,’ you might be curious about the character of David Madson. This real-life character played a pivotal role in the tragic events that unfolded in 1997, leading to the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace. In this article, we’ll explore who played David Madson in Versace and what went into bringing this complex character to life on screen.

Who is David Madson?

David Madson was a young architect from Minneapolis who met Andrew Cunanan, a gay escort, in 1995. The two became friends and had an on-again-off-again romantic relationship. However, things took a dark turn when Cunanan became increasingly unstable and violent.

In April 1997, Cunanan murdered his friend Jeff Trail in Minneapolis before fleeing to Chicago. He then convinced Madson to go on a road trip with him, during which he killed Madson by shooting him in the back of the head.

Who Plays David Madson in Versace?

Cody Fern is the actor who played David Madson in ‘American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace.’ Fern is an Australian actor known for his roles in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘House of Cards.’ He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Madson and was praised for bringing depth and nuance to the character.

How Did Cody Fern Prepare for the Role?

To prepare for his role as David Madson, Cody Fern did extensive research into the real-life events surrounding the murder. He read police reports, watched interviews with people who knew Madson and Cunanan, and studied photographs of them.

Fern also worked closely with director Ryan Murphy to understand the nuances of Madson’s character and motivations. He wanted to accurately portray the conflict that Madson felt between his love for Cunanan and his fear of him.

Bringing David Madson to Life on Screen

Cody Fern’s performance as David Madson was widely praised for its complexity and emotional depth. He brought a sense of vulnerability to the character, making it clear that Madson was a victim of circumstance rather than a willing participant in Cunanan’s crimes.

In addition to Fern’s acting, the show’s creators also used visual cues to convey Madson’s state of mind. For example, they showed him wearing different outfits throughout the road trip, each one representing a different stage in his emotional journey.

Conclusion

Cody Fern’s portrayal of David Madson in ‘American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace’ was a standout performance in an already stellar cast. Through extensive research and collaboration with the show’s creators, Fern was able to bring this complex character to life on screen. His performance serves as a powerful reminder of the tragic events that took place in 1997 and the impact they had on those involved.