Canadian actor Brendan Taylor, known for his compelling performances in acclaimed series like “Fargo,” “Arrow,” and “Bates Motel,” has taken on one of his most challenging roles yet in Lifetime’s “Monster in the Family.” In an exclusive interview, Taylor revealed the intricate process of portraying Rickie Kananen, a character whose seemingly innocent exterior masks a darker truth in this gripping true crime adaptation.
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The Duality of Rickie Kananen
Playing Rickie Kananen in “Monster in the Family” presented Taylor with a unique acting challenge that required him to masterfully balance two contrasting personas within a single character. “It was a fun role and it was a challenging role,” Taylor explained, highlighting the complexity of portraying someone who must appear both “unsuspecting lovely and also quite menacing.”
The character’s transformation throughout the film isn’t driven by a sudden personality change, but rather by external circumstances that force hidden truths to surface. “The transition happens, not from his own doing. It just unravels and people poke and prod until the reveal and he’s got no choice (other than) to just state what happened,” Taylor elaborated.
| Brendan Taylor’s Career Highlights | Project | Role/Character |
|---|---|---|
| Monster in the Family | Lifetime Film | Rickie Kananen |
| Fargo | FX Series | Various Characters |
| Arrow | The CW | Guest Appearances |
| Bates Motel | A&E Network | Recurring Role |
| Supernatural | The CW | Officer Doug Stover |
| The Magicians | SYFY | Recurring Character |
Understanding the True Crime Context
“Monster in the Family” is part of Lifetime’s “ripped from the headlines” series, based on the real-life story documented in Stacey Kananen’s memoir “Fear of Our Father: A True Story of Abuse, Murder, and Family Ties.” Taylor approached this sensitive subject matter with the gravity it deserved, understanding that his portrayal would represent real people who lived through these traumatic events.
The film explores the devastating story of a family torn apart when dark secrets emerge, with Taylor’s character Rickie playing a pivotal role in the unfolding drama. “This film is a ‘ripped from the headlines’ story and it’s based on events that actually happened and people that existed,” Taylor acknowledged, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with adapting true crime stories.
The Character’s Moral Complexity
One of the most intriguing aspects of Taylor’s performance is how he navigates the moral ambiguity of his character. Rickie Kananen’s actions stem from what he perceives as justified motivations, creating a character that challenges audiences’ moral compass.
“It was with the best intentions for him and his family and what he thought he was owed because it was the bare minimum of what he could have to try to have a normal life,” Taylor explained, drawing parallels to popular anti-hero narratives. He compared the character’s moral complexity to that of Dexter, noting, “That’s what makes it so fascinating. I’m sure you could find people who would be like, ‘I’m fully on board with it’ and what does that say about us?“
Working with Elisha Cuthbert
Taylor expressed genuine admiration for his co-star Elisha Cuthbert, who leads the film as Stacey Kananen. On social media, he shared his gratitude for the opportunity, writing, “Absolutely humbled to help tell this chilling and important tale based on a true story. And truly honoured to play opposite the exceptionally talented and generous [Elisha Cuthbert], as well the rest of gifted cast.”
The chemistry between Taylor and Cuthbert proves essential to the film’s emotional impact, as their characters’ relationship forms the core of this family drama that spirals into a true crime nightmare.
| Monster in the Family Production Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | October 11, 2025 |
| Network | Lifetime |
| Lead Actress | Elisha Cuthbert |
| Supporting Cast | Brendan Taylor, Luvia Petersen, Meg Roe |
| Director | Jessica Harmon |
| Writer | Jill Blotevogel |
| Based on | “Fear of Our Father” by Stacey Kananen |
The Challenge of True Crime Adaptation
Adapting real-life events for screen requires a delicate balance between dramatic storytelling and respectful representation of actual victims and survivors. Taylor approached this challenge with careful consideration, understanding that his performance would need to serve both the narrative requirements of the film and the dignity of the real people involved.
The actor’s preparation for the role involved extensive research into the actual case, ensuring that his portrayal would be both compelling for audiences and respectful to those affected by the real events. This commitment to authenticity while maintaining dramatic effectiveness represents one of the most challenging aspects of his performance.
Beyond the Screen: Taylor’s Diverse Interests
During the interview, Taylor also revealed his passion for cooking, which has become a significant hobby alongside his acting career. “I really got into it. I renovated my home and got a nice stove. I really got into wok cooking and Asian cooking. I dabbled a little bit in Indian cooking,” he shared enthusiastically.
This culinary passion has taken him on culinary adventures around the world, including an Indian cooking class in Orchha, a small town near the Taj Mahal. “They’re the trickiest ones – Indian cooking and, east Asian cooking – with the amount of different things that go into it and getting the balance,” Taylor noted, demonstrating the same attention to detail that characterizes his acting approach.
Future Projects and Aspirations
When asked about the possibility of combining his love of travel and cooking into a television project, Taylor expressed genuine interest. “That would be cool. I would be down to do that at any point. I’ve gotten to travel quite a bit. For me food goes hand in hand with traveling. You just have to go to the local places and try what’s there and being inspired by that.”
His international experiences, including multiple trips to Buenos Aires for filming projects, have enriched both his cultural perspective and culinary expertise, qualities that undoubtedly enhance his acting versatility.
The Vancouver Film Scene
As a Vancouver-based actor, Taylor has witnessed firsthand the city’s evolution as a major filming destination. His career trajectory from set decoration to acting has given him unique insights into both sides of the camera, experiences that inform his current performances.
His background in set decoration, beginning with “The Wicker Man” starring Nicholas Cage, provided him with valuable behind-the-scenes knowledge that enhances his collaboration with directors and crew members. This comprehensive understanding of film production contributes to his reputation as a professional and collaborative actor.
Industry Recognition and Growth
Taylor’s steady progression from supporting roles to more prominent parts reflects his dedication to craft and professional growth. His recurring roles in high-profile series like “Supernatural,” where he played Officer Doug Stover, and “The Magicians” have established him as a reliable character actor capable of bringing depth to diverse roles.
The transition from behind-the-camera work to acting demonstrates Taylor’s multifaceted talents and deep understanding of the entertainment industry. This unique perspective allows him to approach each role with both creative insight and practical knowledge of production requirements.
A Career Built on Versatility
Brendan Taylor’s portrayal of Rickie Kananen in “Monster in the Family” represents a significant milestone in a career characterized by steady growth and increasing complexity of roles. His ability to navigate the moral ambiguity of the character while respecting the true crime source material demonstrates his maturation as an actor.
The film’s exploration of family dynamics, hidden secrets, and moral complexity provides Taylor with the perfect vehicle to showcase his range as a performer. As he continues to take on challenging roles that push his boundaries, “Monster in the Family” stands as a testament to his evolving capabilities and commitment to meaningful storytelling.
With his diverse interests, international experiences, and comprehensive industry knowledge, Taylor continues to build a career that balances commercial success with artistic integrity, making him one of Vancouver’s most promising acting talents.
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FAQs
What is Brendan Taylor’s most challenging aspect of playing Rickie Kananen?
Taylor found the duality of the character most challenging – portraying someone who appears “unsuspecting lovely” while also being “quite menacing,” requiring a careful balance between these contrasting elements throughout the film.
How did Brendan Taylor prepare for his role in Monster in the Family?
Taylor approached the role by understanding the character’s motivations and moral complexity, comparing the character to anti-heroes like Dexter, and researching the true crime source material to ensure respectful representation.
What is Monster in the Family based on?
The film is based on Stacey Kananen’s memoir “Fear of Our Father: A True Story of Abuse, Murder, and Family Ties,” as part of Lifetime’s “ripped from the headlines” series focusing on real events.
When did Monster in the Family premiere?
“Monster in the Family: The Stacey Kananen Story” premiered on Lifetime on October 11, 2025, and became available for streaming the following day.
What other notable shows has Brendan Taylor appeared in?
Taylor has appeared in several acclaimed series including “Fargo,” “Arrow,” “Bates Motel,” “Supernatural” (as Officer Doug Stover), and “The Magicians,” establishing him as a versatile character actor in television.
