Johnny Berchtold, who portrays Paul Murdaugh in Hulu’s Murdaugh: Death in the Family, praised co-star Patricia Arquette for guiding him on protecting mental health while tackling emotionally demanding scenes. Berchtold, a University of the Arts alum, immersed himself deeply in the real-life events surrounding the Murdaugh family, including Paul’s 2021 death and his involvement in a fatal boating accident. He conducted extensive research and even adjusted his TikTok feed to reflect a South Carolina perspective to better understand the youngest Murdaugh. The actor emphasized the responsibility of portraying Paul authentically while balancing personal well-being.
Main Details
Berchtold’s portrayal of Paul Murdaugh required meticulous preparation. He reviewed a 400–500 page research binder on the case, including court documents, news coverage, and personal accounts of the family tragedy. The series explores the high-profile 2021 murders of Paul Murdaugh and his mother Maggie, two years after Paul’s involvement in a boating accident that killed Mallory Beach.
The actor worked closely with Patricia Arquette and Jason Clarke, who play Paul’s parents, Maggie and Alex Murdaugh. Their guidance helped him navigate emotionally intense scenes, including moments of remorse and vulnerability rarely seen in public records of Paul.
Quotes and Reactions
Berchtold shared his experience with Deadline:
“I had this incredible conversation with Patricia Arquette about mental health and how important it is to protect it, especially when tackling stories like this. She really set me up to approach the scene responsibly.”
He reflected on portraying Paul’s remorse:
“I wanted to honor that expression of guilt that Paul never really got a chance to do. I felt a lot of responsibility.”
On the collaborative experience:
“Working with Jason Clarke and Patricia Arquette, we built genuine relationships that strengthened the chemistry on-screen. They are incredible leaders who understood the importance of our dynamic.”
Impact Analysis
Berchtold’s detailed preparation and focus on mental health highlight the growing importance of actor well-being in dramatizations of real-life tragedies. His approach sets a standard for responsibly depicting sensitive events while maintaining audience engagement.
By portraying Paul Murdaugh with nuance, the series encourages viewers to consider the complexity of real individuals involved in high-profile criminal cases, rather than reducing them to public perceptions. Analysts note that the balance between authenticity and sensitivity may influence public discourse and viewership reception.
What’s Next
Murdaugh: Death in the Family* is currently streaming on Hulu, with all episodes available to watch.
Berchtold is also pursuing upcoming indie and genre projects, including the dramedy Charmers and the horror film In Case of Fear.
Fans and critics will likely follow his future performances, noting how his experience on this series may inform subsequent roles requiring emotional depth.
