Peter Sullivan

**Peter Sullivan** is the managing editor of the Los Angeles Times. Sullivan is also Jay Singletary's boss, who took him under his wing after the George Hodel Case ruined Jay's career.

He is a character in ‘I Am the Night’ portrayed by Leland Orser.

## Official Description

*“A night managing editor for the Los Angeles Times.”*

## Character Overview

Peter Sullivan is a middle-aged man who is a night editor for the Los Angels Times. He is a journalist passionate about his work and always on the hunt for the next A-bomb article. He is the mentor of Jay Singletary, although at some point the two take separate paths as they try to juggle the corruption and violence of the City of Angels. He had been the only one to credit Jay's theories until he decided to cut it off when Jay became obsessed with proving George Hodel's guilt.

## Biography

**Los Angeles, California. 1965.** Peter Sullivan instructs reporter Jay Singletary to take some pictures of illicit affairs of Hollywood stars in Malibu Movie Colony. When Jay seems to have failed, Sullivan is angry with him over the phone. The relationship between the two is very tense and Sullivan does not tolerate much the recklessness of the reporter. At King Eddy Saloon, Sullivan, tells him to take pictures of the body of Janice Brewster, horribly mutilated by an unknown. Once again, Singletary does not seem enthusiastic about the assignment, but unwillingly accepts to work on the sensational story. Sullivan takes the opportunity to warn a young assistant dining with him about how some stories do not want to be told, and others will eat you alive.

At King Eddy Saloon, Jay is thrilled to have a new track on George Hodel's case. The night before he received a mysterious phone call that has enticed him, even more, to continue to investigate after all these years. Sullivan is reluctant. Not only has the story created a scandal and ruined many careers, but it is not even of the opinion that there is anything that they can do in that “bag of snakes.”

Later, Sullivan and Jay meet in Sullivan's office. The chief editor is not happy that his latest story has been scooped by another newspaper, naming it the “Bloody Romeo Slays Ingenue” case. Sullivan instructs Jay to find a better angle to tell the story, but Jay is too busy chasing ghosts.

Sullivan and Jay meet to discuss the “Bloody Romeo” case at their usual diner's table, but Jay is completely obsessed with going back to work on George Hodel's case. Peter is exhausted by the persistence of the former marine but does not have time to reply that Jay has a “shell shock” episode. When a drunk man falls to the ground, the thud scares Jay, triggering memories of war. His precarious psychological condition quickly became a motive for ridicule from the other patrons of the saloon, angering Jay to the point they got into a fight. Peter Sullivan bitterly comment on his colleague's behaviour.

Peter procures an invitation for Jay at the Happening, an artistic event where Corinna Huntingdon, the ex-wife of George Hodel will perform. Last night the woman phoned Jay in tears. She wants to talk about her ex-husband.

An overly excited Jay reveals that he has found Tamar Hodel's daughter, Fauna. All the dates, the accusations and the conjectures match. Tamar became pregnant and was sent to a convent, but fled to Hawaii. Jay would now like to track her down with Peter's financial help and support.

When Jay returns from the trip, he meets Peter at a diner. Unfortunately, Peter sold him to the cops and Sergeant Billis arrests him.

Peter reads about George Hodel's flee from the country in the newspaper. What Jay has claimed over the years was true.

## Memorable Quotes

**Sullivan:** “*Some stories you can't tell. [...] Some stories don't want to be told. Some stories will eat you alive.*”
**Sullivan**: “*The most important rule of journalism is this, kid: never have a hangover on your own time.*”
— Pilot

**Sullivan:** “*Remember where you are.*”
— Aloha

## Appearances

I Am the Night

* Ep. 2: "Phenomenon of Interference"
* Ep. 3: "Dark Flower"
* Ep. 5: "Aloha"
* Ep. 6: "Queen’s Gambit, Accepted"

## Gallery

* Stills
* Videos

I Am the Night "Something Is Up" CLIP TNTI Am the Night Season 1 Ep. 3 “Don’t You Dare” CLIP TNT
## References

1. ↑ TNT Drama - I Am the Night: Characters
2. ↑ Sam Sheridan (writer); Patty Jenkins (director); (January 28, 2019); "Pilot". Episode 1. *I Am the Night*. TNT.
3. ↑  Sam Sheridan (writer); Patty Jenkins (director); (February 4, 2019); "Phenomenon of Interference". Episode 2. *I Am the Night*. TNT.
4. ↑ Sam Sheridan (writer); Patty Jenkins (director); (February 11, 2019); "Dark Flower". Episode 3. *I Am the Night*. TNT.
5. ↑ Sam Sheridan (writer); Victoria Mahoney (director); (February 18, 2019); "Matador". Episode 4. *I Am the Night*. TNT.
6. ↑ Sam Sheridan (writer); Carl Franklin (director); (February 25, 2019); "Aloha". Episode 5. *I Am the Night*. TNT.
7. ↑ Sam Sheridan (writer); Carl Franklin (director); (March 4, 2019); "Queen’s Gambit, Accepted". Episode 6. *I Am the Night*. TNT.