#nick godejohn

"CalumWorthy: Thank you @HollywoodReporter for the article diving into my process to become Nicholas Godejohn in The Act. [link] to the feature in my bio. My Mom called me about this article to tell me she liked it, so you know it’s worth checking out.”

Gypsy Rose Blanchard became famous after she orchestrated the brutal murder of her mother in 2015.

The Act is not simply a true crime story. It explores the humanity of the characters and why they committed these crimes. 

Dee Dee Blanchard played the role of a mother, abuser and victim. She cared for her severely disabled daughter who suffered from multiple disorders. They practically lived in the hospital. Everyone knew who they were. People in the community admired Dee Dee for her selflessness. Compassion. Diligence. No one suspected that the hairless girl in the wheelchair could actually walk and talk for herself. Gypsy did not need a feeding tube, endless medication and all her teeth removed. 

Her growth was stunted. She was trapped in a putrid pink house with her overprotective mother. So Gypsy found her rescuer online. Nick Godejohn broke Gypsy out of her prison only to deliver her into another one, where she is currently serving time.

It was interesting watching the dynamic between the abuser and the abused. Especially, when those roles were reversed. Gypsy outgrew her shackles. She had lived half a life as her mother’s puppet, which must have left deep psychological scars. But when I think about Gypsy, I cannot help but wonder if she was entirely to blame... or was she simply trying to survive?

Hulu has told Gypsy’s story with respect, giving the viewers a unique perspective on the crime and the criminals. None of it is black or white. It is deeply dark and twisted. Yet, it also challenged the audience. Do we pity Gypsy and Dee Dee or do we condemn them? Are they fraudsters? Did they manipulate the system? Or were they a product of the system and the American Dream?

If Gypsy had not escaped would she still be alive? 

I do not know the answer. 

I just know that she paid a price for her freedom and she is still incarcerated.

The Act is sensational. Joey King stars as Gypsy Rose and Patricia Arquette masterfully portrays Dee Dee. These two actresses together are electrifying. These strong female characters are complex, scarred and human. Their story will haunt you as it has haunted me.