Chapter 54
DEADLINE ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Lee Perkins in Talks to Play Lady Caroline Lamb in Ben Morris’s “Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know”
By Tina Donahoo
EXCLUSIVE: Rising star Lee Perkins (One of You to Love Me) is in talks to play the fiery Lady Caroline Lamb in Ben Morris’s highly anticipated biopic Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know.
The film, which will star Jason O’Brien as Lord Byron, is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about projects of the year.
Lady Caroline Lamb, infamous for her torrid affair with Byron and her iconic description of him as “mad, bad, and dangerous to know,” is a central figure in the poet’s tumultuous life.
Her own struggles with what many historians now identify as manic depression (bipolar disorder) make her a deeply complex character.
The film will explore the volatile relationship between Byron and Lady Caroline, delving into their passionate but destructive love affair, and how their shared battles with mental illness influenced their lives and legacies.
“Lee brings a raw intensity and vulnerability that perfectly captures the spirit of Lady Caroline,” said Morris. “Her ability to embody the duality of strength and fragility makes her the ideal choice for this role.”
Morris’s agent, Marlowe McKay, has confirmed that Perkins is considering the role. Perkins and her agent, Francine Bloom, could not be reached for comment.
This role would mark a major comeback for Perkins, who rose to fame as the star of the hit reality show One of You to Love Me.
Recently, she made headlines after a press conference in Athens, Greece, where her younger sister is being investigated as a missing person.
The incident brought attention to Perkins’s personal struggles, including the immense pressure of life in the public eye and the emotional toll of her family crisis.
An anonymous source, who claims to be a close friend of Perkins, expressed her excitement about Perkins taking on such a layered character.
“Lady Caroline was a woman ahead of her time, unafraid to live and love passionately despite the constraints of her era. Her experience with bipolar disorder, much like Byron’s, shaped her actions and her creative expression in ways that are both tragic and inspiring. ”
Production for Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know begins this summer. The film, written by Pulitzer Prize winner Chari Adora, promises to offer a poignant look at the intersection of genius, mental illness, and the societal pressures faced by two of history’s most compelling figures.
Bennigson Productions is behind the project, with producers Theodore Harrison and Trevor Brooks steering the ship toward an awards season release in 2027.
Fans can expect a deep dive into the emotional and psychological landscapes of both Byron and Lady Caroline, shedding light on the often misunderstood connection between artistic brilliance and mental illness.