Here’s What The Jeffrey Dahmer Characters Look Like In Real Life

1. Evan Peters played by Jeffrey Dahmer

Image source/ ExpressEvan Peters played the notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. The similarities between the two of them were uncanny as Evans took on the demeanour of Dahmer totally. He described it as the hardest thing he's ever done and talked about how he was scared of going to very dark places and staying there for a significant length of time when playing the role.

2. Jeffrey Dahmer

Image source/ The MirrorThis is the real Jeffrey Dahmer, serial killer and cannibal who murdered 17 young boys/men and became one of the worst killers in history. His acts of drugging, murder, rape and necrophilia, dismemberment as well as cannibalism were all revealed after he was finally caught in 1991.

3. Tracy Edwards played by Shaun J. Brown

Image source/ ladbibleShaun J. Brown and previously been known for his role in the series The Great Indoors, before playing the difficult position of Tracy Edwards. As we can see from this picture this is the moment he depicts being in Dahmer's apartment as he realises, he is in danger.

4. Tracy Edwards

Image source/ YahooTracy Edwards was the last victim of Dahmer who managed to survive and escape and alert the authorities to Dahmer and end his killing spree. After being held hostage in the apartment, he finally managed to hit Dahmer and break free to run away and flag down the nearest police.

5. Glenda Cleveland played by Niecy Nash

Image source/ otakuartGlenda Cleveland in the series is played by Niecy Nash. In the series Glenda Cleveland depicts Dahmer's next-door neighbour who rings the police multiple times and continually asks the police to help save Konerak as she knows something is seriously wrong.

6. Glenda Cleveland

Image source/ reddit.comIn real life Glenda Cleveland does not live next door to Dahmer, but down the street. However, her part to play with Konerak is true, as well as the fact she tried to follow up on his case and ask the police to check about him. She sadly passed away at the age of 54.

7. Catherine Dahmer played by Michael Learned

Image source/ tylaIn the series Michael Learned portrays Catherine Dahmer who is shows as his very involved grandmother with whom he stays for a few years. In the series she even stays and watches one of his victims until she is sure he is out safe. She knows something is wrong with him and eventually makes him live somewhere else.

8. Catherine Dahmer

Image source/ ahoramismoThis is the real Catherine Dahmer, grandmother of Jeffrey Dahmer. In real life it is true that Dahmer and his grandmother had a loving relationship. They lived together for some time in which he would help her with the chores. She remained unaware of what was happening in her basement despite realising Dahmer was not a normal boy.

9. Lionel Dahmer played by Richard Jenkins

Image source/ IMBdLionel Dahmer was played by Richard Jenkins in the series who portrays the complicated relationship between the father and son very accurately. In the series, Jenkins loves his son but struggles to deal with him and recognises that there is something wrong with him. Despite this, he sticks by him.

10. Lionel Dahmer

Image source/ PinterestThis photograph shoes the real Lionel Dahmer. Who, just like in the series, continued to love Jeffrey despite the horrendous acts he had committed. Despite this in Jeffrey's early childhood he had spent less time with his son because of his turbulent relationship with his wife. He was very open in admitting his responsibility and trying to look back for warning signs.

11. Shari Dahmer played by Molly Ringwald

Image source/ cheatsheetIn the series iconic 80s actress Molly Ringwald stands as the very unwavering and supportive wife of Lionel, Shari Dahmer, and a supportive presence in Jeffrey Dahmer's life. She sticks beside the family despite the horrendous things Jeffrey puts them through.

12. Shari Dahmer

Image source/ sharidahmerIn real life this is Shari Dahmer who very similarly to the series, stood by the family. She revealed that when she first entered the family, Jeffrey Dahmer was in need of love and stability. Since the series, she had shown that she is not ashamed because she played no part in Dahmer's crimes.

13. Joyce Dahmer played by Penelope Ann Miller

Image source/ momentofgameIn the series, Joyce Dahmer, played by Penelope Ann Miller as seen in the picture plays a small role in the series as she is often absent from Dahmer. She won a custody battle and took David Dahmer and decided to leave Jeff. The series shows her struggle massively with mental health.

14. Joyce Dahmer

Image source/ YouTubeThe series is accurate in showing Joyce Dahmer's struggles. She suffered with depression, post-partum psychosis amongst other mental health battles such as anxiety. She very much struggled with her relationship with Jeff Dahmer and so it is true that she was very absent.

15. Tony Hughes played by Rodney Burford

Image source/ express.co.ukTony Hughes played by Rodney Burford starred in one of the most emotional episodes of the series. It follows the life of Tony who is shows to have become deaf and struggled with chasing his dreams and forming relationships throughout his life because of it. The series suggests that the two of them had a lengthy relationship.

16. Tony Hughes

Image source/ The MirrorThis is Tony Hughes, a boy who had big dreams of becoming a model in a highly unaccepting time of the world. The series shows how he was shunned not only due to being a black male, but also gay and deaf. Dahmer preyed on his vulnerabilities and his friends have revealed that Hughes and Dahmer had a significantly long friendship.

17. Colby French played by Patrick Kennedy

Image source/ complexPopular actor Colby French plays Detective Patrick Kennedy in the Netflix series. He is shown throughout the series as one of the leading police officers in the investigation of Jeffrey Dahmer. He receives a call when a human head has been found in Jeffrey Dahmer's apartment.

18. Colby French

Image source/ uawardThis is the Real Col by French who had a very accurate portrayal in the series. He was heavily involved in the investigation. He was of two officers who listened to Jeffrey Dahmer's 60-hour confession. He goaded information from him to get as much insight into the murders as possible.

19. Michael Beach

Image source/ ranklerIn the series we can see Michael Beach is fully aware of Dahmer's racism, the way he purposefully targets minority groups and vulnerable communities to choose his victims. He tries to extract this information from the confession however Dahmer does not yield.

20. Detective Murphy played by Michael Beach

Image source/ courttvThe real life Detective Murphy as shown here managed to extract very detailed information out of the killer. He actually revealed that Dahmer would fondle himself 'in front of preserved body parts and skulls because it reminded him of the victims.’ As well as this Murphy said ‘Dahmer once fried a man’s biceps in Crisco, put meat tenderizer on top, and ate the muscle. He reported that it had a beefy flavor.’

21. John Balcerzak played by Scott Michael Morgan

Image source/ thetabScott Michael Morgan plays Balcerzak in the series. He is portrayed in the series of representing an institution filled with racism. His dismissive nature of minority victims, his racist harassment of victim's families as well as his comment about being 'deloused' after dealing with the 14-year-old Konerak. In the series he is rewarded with officer of the year.

22. John Balcerzak

Image source/ courttvIn real life Balcerzak dealt with the Konerak incident identically to the series, right down to the comment about needing to be deloused. Although he was not awarded with officer of the year, he did go on to have a long and successful career and in 2020 before he retired, he was congratulated on his service.

23. Ronald Flowers played by Dylan Burnside

Image source/ popbuzzUp and coming actor Dylan Burnside played the escaped victim Ronald Flowers. Flowers was trying to start his car when it failed, so Dahmer appeared and offered him a lift. In the series Dahmer drugs Flowers but his grandmother sits with him all night until she can send him home. He then tries to inform the police who don't listen.

24. Ronald Flowers

Image source/ newsweekIn real life, Ronald Flowers did manage to escape. The rest of the story is an accurate portrayal with Dahmer claiming he would take him on his car. However, it is not clear how much Catherine Dahmer had to do with his escape. But flowers did inform the police and even stopped a future male getting in a car with Dahmer.

25. Rita Isbell played by DaShawn Barnes

Image source/ IMDbRita Isbell, sister of Errol Lindsey, is played by the talented young actress DaShawn Barnes. As we can see in the series, she is portrayed as exploding during her moment in court. As one of the victim's families, she gives a very raw and realistic portrayal.

26. Rita Isbell

Image source/ popularnetworthRita Isbell's portrayal is identical in the series as to how it happened in real life. In fact, she can be seen here wearing an identical outfit and hairstyle and her real-life video is word for word correct. She was angry and wanted Dahmer to pay for what he had done.

27. Konerak Sinthasomphone played by Kieran Tamondong

Image source/ ahoramismoKonerak Sinthasomphone is played by Kieran Tamondong. The series shows the heart-breaking moment when Konerak manages to escape from Jeffrey Dahmer and the apartment when Dahmer leaves, only then to be taken straight back to his captor to then be murdered.

28. Konerak Sinthasomphone

Image source/blogspotKonerak Sinthasomphone was just 14 years old. He was taken to Dahmer's apartment, lured there by the promise of money which his family needed. He was then drugged and whilst Dahmer went out of the apartment he woke up and escaped. The police ignored the fact that Konerak looked like a minor, who was naked and bleeding and led him straight to his death.

29. Nick A. Fisher playing Young Jeffrey Dahmer

Image source/archyde.comNick. A. Fisher played the young Jeffrey Dahmer in the series as is seen in the picture. He portrayed the role of Dahmer by accurately displaying his unusual characteristics, the fact that he experienced a very turbulent family life and already had disturbing tendencies.

30. Young Jeffrey Dahmer

Image source/PinterestIn real life, the young Dahmer was much the same. Even the anecdote where he gifted his teacher tadpoles and later killed them with motor oil was true. As a child he was already a loner, who enjoyed watching and learning about death. And, who had a string lack of social bonds.

Cameron Cowperthwaite as Steven Hicks

Image source/macelcromacrioCameron Cowperthwaite was first known for his role in American Horror Story and Shameless. he portrayed the role of Steven Hicks in the series, who sadly became the first victim of Dahmer. This was one of the biggest series Cowperthwaite had starred in for some time.

Steven Hicks

Image source/thestickyfactsSteven Hicks was Dahmer's first victim - he had wanted to hitch hike to a festival where he was meeting his friends. Dahmer had found him on the side of the road and offered him a lift. He was just 18 years old and had graduated two weeks prior. His loved ones described him as a completely compassionate boy.

Matthew Alan as Officer Gabrish

Image source/colliderMatthew Alan is recognisable from his role in the hit Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. This year, he had the opportunity to star in what would be one of the most popular series ever. He starred as Officer Gabrish who neglected his role as a police officer and seriously failed Konerak.

Officer Gabrish

Image source/popbuzzOfficer Joseph Gabrish is one of the two officers which led a bleeding 14-year-old Konerak, back to his murderer. However, after being very briefly suspended he was reinstated and went on to have a very successful career. Since the series, the two have faced backlash from outraged watchers of the show.

Furly Mac as Christopher Scarver

Image source/thevibelyFurly Mac before now was best known for starring in United States vs. Billie Holiday. However, his role has never brought him such prominence as this. He had the quest of playing Christopher Scarver who is shows in the series attacking and killing Dahmer whilst they were working together.

Christopher Scarver

Image source/blogspotChristopher Scarver is now known as the man who murdered Jeffrey Dahmer. What is shows in the series is true, Scarver disliked the way Dahmer had no repentance and instead gloried in his crimes. Similarly, he did believe that he was a reincarnation of God.

Khetphet Phagnasay as Sounthone Sinthasomphone

Image source/infonewsKhetphet Phagnasay is more often referred to as KP. He moved to the U.S as a refugee from the Vitenam war. In the series he portrays the father of Konerak Sinthasomphone who is brutally murdered. He is also shown to be hounded by racist calls from the police.

Sounthone Sinthasomphone

 Image source/louisewalkSounthone Sinthasomphone is the father of the deceased Konerak. The family of Sinthasomphone had fled as refugees and spent one year living in a refugee camp. As his father, he was devastated and struggled massively with the murder of his son. His son Anoukone was also sexually assaulted by Dahmer.

Karen Malina White as Shirley Hughes

Image source/list23Actress Shirley Hughes has starred in an abundance of very varied roles. However, Dahmer was the first murderer docuseries she had done. She very sensitively depicted the devasted mother of Shirley Hughes who doted on her son who was cruelly murdered by Dahmer.

Shirley Hughes

Image source/list23Shirley Hughes is now 85. She is the mother of Tony Hughes, who was brutally murdered at the hands of Dahmer. She was so heartbroken at her son's deaths he revealed she thought she would lose her mind. Discussing the series, she claimed that it did not happen in that way, and she was upset with the series portraying things falsely.

Arye Gross as Gerald Boyle

Image source/ebay.comAyre Griss is an actor who usually has more minor, supporting roles. He is not a headline actor however he has enjoyed a successful and steady career. In Dahmer, Gerlad Boyle did not appear often, despite portraying Dahmer's defence lawyer in the series.

Gerald Boyle

Image source/twincities.comGerlad Boyle in real life was employed by Jeffrey Dahmer's father to provide a defence for his son. Boyle, set out to prove that Dahmer was insane so that he could be institutionalised in hospital rather than prison. He failed to convince them. At one point in his career, he had his license suspended, but then continued practicing law until he was 82 years old.

Grant Harvey as Officer Mueller

Image source/hartzlerhouse.com Grant Harvey is a very successful young actor whose success and fame had significantly risen in the last few years. In the series he had a significant yet not huge part to play. He had the role of Officer Mueller who was one of the first officers on the scene in the Dahmer case.

Officer Mueller

Image source/popbuzzOfficer Muller as is shows in the series, was one of two officers who walked into Dahmer's apartment after Tracey Edwards flagged the police after escaping. The two of them were close to believing Dahmer's story again - however Muller then spotted the polaroids, exclaiming 'these are for real'.

Vince Hill-Bedford as Steven Tuomi

Image source/IMDbVince Hill-Bedford is a young American actor who plays the role of Steven Tuomi, in Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, who is one of Dahmer's victims. Dahmer convinced him to go back to the Ambassador hotel instead of the bathhouse in which he had been banned from.

Steven Tuomi

Image source/birthfactdeathcalnderSteven Tuomi was brutally murdered by Dahmer. Dahmer was never officially charged with his murder due to the lack of evidence. Tuomi was described as a caring and artistic boy. The two of them met at a gay club, then Dahmer later drugged, assaulted and murdered him.

Nigel Gibbs as Jesse Jackson

Image source/cheatsheetNigel Gibbs has roles in the likes of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. In Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story he played Reverend Jesse Jackson who was a voice of equality and reason. In the show, he helped the community overcome the aftermath and face the racism head on.

Jesse Jackson

Image source/praisedcJesse Jackson is an American Civil Rights leader, a politician as well as a minister. He went to Milwaukee to go and help the town heal and to highlight the great injustices and racial inequalities. And, to listen to Glenda Cleveland who was consistently ignored.

Raphael Sbarge as Mayor John Norquist

Image source/fanpopAmerican actor and filmmaker Raphael Sbarge portrayed Mayor John Norquist in the Netflix series. In the series, he came across as a mayor who prioritised the image of himself and protected his own reputation at the extent of doing what was right by the community.

Mayor John Norquist

Image source/carwIn 1988 John Norquist became the mayor of Milwaukee and left the role in 2004. He is described by many as 'a fiscally conservative socialist'. During his time, he worked on tackling poverty and welfare issues which decreased during his time. He contended with Dahmer's heinous reign of terror as well as facing an accusation of sexual assault.