John Leonard Orr: The True Story Behind Apple TV+’s ‘Smoke’ – Where is He Now?

Apple TV+’s gripping new crime drama miniseries “Smoke” is inspired by the real-life story of serial arsonist John Leonard Orr. Portrayed by Taran Egerton as Dave Gudsen, the show follows an arson investigator teaming up with Detective Michell Calderon, played by Jurnee Smollett, to track down two serial arsonists in the Pacific Northwest.

Orr, like Egerton’s character, was an arson investigator who was suspected of setting nearly 2,000 fires from 1984 to 1991. Despite maintaining his innocence, Orr was convicted of four counts of first-degree murder and numerous arson charges, receiving a life sentence at California State Prison, Centinela.

In his writings for the Prison Journalism Project, Orr reflects on his relationship with his father and his daughter’s journey from believing in his innocence to acknowledging his guilt. His daughter, Lori Orr Kovach, who supported him initially, later came to terms with the truth and co-authored a book about her experiences.

Before his arrest, Orr wrote a book called “Points of Origin,” a novel about a serial arsonist deriving twisted pleasure from setting fires. Orr’s story is a chilling reminder of the complexity of criminal minds.

“Smoke” premiered on Apple TV+ and continues to unravel the intense narrative every Friday. Dive into the world of crime investigation and unravel the story of John Leonard Orr as depicted in this thrilling series.