American Crime Story season 2: Who is the real Norman Blachford?
By Sandy C.
In tonight’s episode of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, we learn more about Norman Blachford aka Andrew Cunanan’s sugar daddy. But who really is he?
Episode 7, “Ascent,” takes us back to when Cunanan and Blachford meet. Norman Blachford (Michael Nouri) is extremely wealthy, successful, and kind. But was the character created for the FX series or did Andrew Cunanan really live with a Norman? The answer is — Mr. Blachford is very real! Here’s everything we know about him…
Note: Not caught up on American Crime Story? Spoilers ahead!
We know who David Madson and Jeffrey Trail were, and now it’s time to meet Norman Blachford.
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In the series, Cunanan is very secretive about his relationship with Blachford. Only a few friends (well, only Lizzie, really) know that there is something more than a “professional” relationship between the two. But to everyone else, even though they are suspicious (because who wouldn’t be?), Cunanan is simply Blachford’s assistant. Blachford shuts down any doubts the audience may have when he tells Cunanan that they haven’t been intimate in a long time. So how far from the truth is all this?
In reality, according to Maureen Orth’s novel Vulgar Favors based on Cunanan, details about their relationship are not clear. It is believed that Cunanan really did help Blachford with his art, antique furniture, and decorating, and in exchange, Cunanan received a generous allowance ($2,500 a month), a car, all-expenses paid vacations, and was allowed to live in the home. Skeptical? Many were and still are. The arrangement seems too good to be true.
According to the same book, Blachford really had only recently lost his longtime partner when he met Cunanan. And he became wealthy after selling his Oscar-winning insulation company (Town and Country Mag).
The series gets another thing right — Cunanan’s former sugar daddy, Lincoln Aston, really was killed. It is after this tragedy that Cunanan did research on Blachford and approached him, convincing the older man to purchase the home Aston lived in.
Today, Norman Blachford keeps an extremely low-profile and is enjoying retirement.
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story airs Wednesday nights on FX. Don’t miss it!