TV Topics: Matt Berry’s Crafting of Laszlo in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Injects Soul Into The Vampire

Matt Berry’s portrayal of Laszlo Cravensworth in What We Do in the Shadows is a underestimated showcase in character creation, blending aristocratic ego, hedonistic charm, and some surprising tenderness. His distinctive accent has fans quoting and imitating Berry’s delivery tirelessly.

While beloved and with more subtle crafting than people realize, Laszlo is much more than just an accent. The dynamic with his immortal beloved Nadja is a result of Berry pouring deliberate thought into every facet of the vampire lord. Berry was a guest on the latest episode of TV Topics podcast, a candid interview where the actor discusses crafting a character who feels both immortal and uniquely his own as well as some TV Topics which veered heavily into his passion for music.

Berry’s approach to Laszlo began with a conversation with co-creator Jemaine Clement who also wrote and starred in the film the series was based on. Berry had ideas in mind for the character, but Clement had other plans. “I thought I was going to be playing an Eastern European vampire. And then I said to him, I said, ‘How do you want this guy to sound?’ And he was like, ‘I want him to sound like you.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, like me doing an Eastern European accent.’ He goes, ‘No, no, no, no. He’s got to sound like you.’” This direction led Berry to reimagine Laszlo as a “fallen lord,” infusing his natural cadence with exaggerated grandeur. The result is a voice that commands attention, reflecting Laszlo’s aristocratic roots and self-assured arrogance.

Laszlo’s speech pattern is a cornerstone of his identity – more than just a pleasant voice, it is very revealing. Berry explanied, “Well, he’s an aristocrat. So like all aristocrats, especially, you know, sort of males of a certain age, when they talk, it’s not to be ignored. You know, they talk to be listened to. And that comes with bombast and a certain arrogance”. This delivery, where Laszlo speaks as if addressing a distant crowd, underscores his authoritarian presence. But, when speaking with his wife, Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) Berry softens this tone for a more loving dynamic. “There has to be like a soft side for his wife and he doesn’t talk to her like she’s working for him.” This contrast highlights Laszlo’s devotion, setting him apart from many modern sitcom husbands whose relationships are less mutually balanced.

Berry credits Demetriou’s talent for elevating their scenes. “She’s the best. I was so lucky because that’s not up to you – who gets to be cast. So, I really kind of lucked out because she’s got an amazing sense of humor and she is very good at what she does,” shared Berry. Their chemistry, likened to a vampiric Gomez and Morticia Addams, thrives on mutual affection and playful banter. Berry notes the refreshing rarity of this dynamic: “It was sort of refreshing to see a couple in a sitcom, you know, who actually kind of get on and who love each other.” This choice grounds Laszlo’s sexual hunger in genuine emotion, making him more than a caricature.

Berry’s backstory for Laszlo further adds depth to the character, “This guy is an aristocrat who fell for this Greek villager who bit him and then turned him into a vampire. Thus, loosening him up.” Berry seized this, portraying Laszlo as a once-stiff nobleman transformed by Nadja’s influence into a pleasure-seeking rogue. Her transformation of him informs Laszlo’s every action across six seasons, from his lewd humor to his loyalty to Nadja.

The instantly iconic “On the Run” episode of season two, is based on a silly premise, but Berry’s work cemented it as one of the best in TV history. A toothpick as a disguise. Without a toothpick, he’s Laszlo Cravensworth. With the toothpick in his mouth he’s Jackie Daytona, regular human bartender.  A stroke of comedic genius by writer Stephanie Robinson that epitomizes Laszlo’s absurd confidence. Barry was asked about his favorite character moment. “I think it’s possibly the toothpick,” he shared. “Mainly because that’s such a dumb joke and the arrogance in which that was the attempt to sell that to anybody that would sort of listen to him that sums him up.”

Beyond what Berry brings to the role, the attention to detail seen in its exquisite production design, also inspires his performance. “The sets in particular for me because that’s what motivates the performance if you sort of believe that you’re 360 in an old mansion house that hasn’t changed in hundreds of years then it’s gonna show on your face.” It is an immersive environment allowed Berry to fully inhabit Laszlo, enhancing his authenticity. (Read my interview with production designer, Shayne Fox for more detail.)

The conversation on TV Topics extends way beyond Shadows, delving heavily into Berry’s passion for music television. Growing up with Top of the Pops, he was captivated by performances like Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights” and David Bowie’s “Starman.” While he admittedly does not watch a lot of television – an unfortunate confession for a TV centric podcast, we found plenty of television to talk about from Don Draper to Benny Hill. That’s quite the range. Be sure to dive deeper into his influences, listen to his TV Topics episode. When you’re done give Kayvan Novak‘s episode a listen too.

What We Do In the Shadows is now streaming in its entirety on Hulu.