Written by: Cassandra Blake

Harvey Guillén: The Unassuming Scene Stealer of What We Do in the Shadows

Harvey Guillén is best known for his breakout role as Guillermo de la Cruz, the lovable and loyal human familiar, in the FX television series What We Do in the Shadows. His portrayal of the wannabe vampire has earned him widespread acclaim and a devoted fan base.

Career Highlights and Major Works

Guillén's acting career spans over a decade, with recurring roles in several television series, including Huge, The Thundermans, Eye Candy, and The Magicians. He made his film debut in 2013 with The Internship, starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson.

However, it was his role as Guillermo in What We Do in the Shadows that catapulted him to fame. His impressive comedic timing and endearing character quirks have made him a fan favorite, earning him a spot in TheWrap's 2019 Emmy Contenders list.

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

Guillén's experiences as the son of Mexican immigrants have shaped his perspective on identity and cultural heritage. He adopted the name Harvey due to his teachers' difficulty in pronouncing his given first name, Javier. This personal anecdote highlights the complexities of cultural assimilation and the importance of representation in media.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

Guillén is a polyglot, fluent in Spanish, English, and Japanese, which he learned during a 13-month stay in Japan. His linguistic abilities have undoubtedly enriched his acting career, allowing him to take on a wide range of roles.

Influence on Modern Society

Guillén's portrayal of Guillermo has helped to humanize and demystify the vampire genre, making it more relatable and accessible to a broader audience. His character's struggles with identity, loyalty, and ambition resonate deeply with viewers, sparking conversations about representation and diversity in media.

Awards and Honors

Guillén's standout performance in What We Do in the Shadows has earned him widespread critical acclaim, with many praising his comedic genius and scene-stealing abilities.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Guillén provides the voice of Funny the Magic House in Mickey Mouse Funhouse.
• He played Nightwing in season 3 of Harley Quinn.
• Guillén voiced the character Perrito in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022).
• In 2023, he appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, playing Representative George Santos in a skit.
• Guillén reprised his role as Cousin Blobbin in The Thundermans Return (2024) and voiced Odie in The Garfield Movie.
• He also played Vasago in Helluva Boss.

With his impressive range and versatility, Harvey Guillén is sure to continue entertaining audiences with his unique brand of humor and heart.