Doug Jones, a seasoned actor, has found considerable joy in portraying Baron Afanas on the hit FX comedy series “What We Do in the Shadows.” With a career that spans various characters, Jones finds the Baron particularly memorable as it allows him the freedom to explore a more exaggerated, comedic performance. In an exclusive interview leading up to the show’s December 2 episode, he expressed his admiration for the character, emphasizing the rarity of being encouraged to “go big” in acting rather than being restrained. This freedom adds a unique charm to his role, which stands out in a series known for its quirky humor and supernatural elements.
In the episode titled “Come Out and Play,” the New York City vampire community gathers to honor the Baron with an Eternal Lifetime Achievement Award. A mishap occurs when Laszlo’s monster inadvertently kills someone, leading to conflicts among various vampire factions across the five boroughs. Although the Baron predominantly observes the chaos, Jones characterizes this episode as one of his favorites, highlighting the newfound exploration of the show’s universe. He appreciates how the episode showcases the extensive and diverse world of vampires beyond the primary characters, underlining the narrative’s creativeness and depth.
Adding to the episode’s excitement is a cameo from actor Alexander Skarsgård, known for his role as Eric Northman in “True Blood.” Skarsgård humorously remarked about his experience filming the episode, claiming to have no memory of it due to being hypnotized by Dr. Laszlo Cravensworth at the wrap party. His jest emphasizes the comedic atmosphere of the show and the playful interactions between characters, which resonate with long-time fans and newcomers alike. The inclusion of Skarsgård speaks to the series’ ability to attract notable talent while also creating a sense of camaraderie among the actors, adding layers of fun to the storyline.
Jones is particularly thrilled that, as the series progresses, he’s able to portray a more youthful version of the Baron. Initially appearing as a warped figure covered in extensive prosthetics, the character has transitioned to displaying Jones’ own features more prominently. This change reflects not just a narrative evolution but also parallels Jones’s own career trajectory, as he finds himself gravitating toward roles that showcase his natural appearance. For Jones, this marks a personal and artistic growth, illustrating how “What We Do in the Shadows” has provided a platform for him to redefine his identity in the industry.
As the show nears its conclusion, Jones notes that his character’s journey has been fulfilling. The Baron’s transformation has relieved him from the cumbersome constraints of heavy makeup and prosthetics that defined his previous monster roles. Reflecting on his age and industry experiences, Jones perceives this evolution as a natural progression in his career, allowing him to embrace more human-like portrayals. He considers it a remarkable opportunity to show audiences a different facet of his acting capabilities, one that champions authenticity over elaborate disguises.
The affectionate connection fans have with the Baron is apparent in their enthusiastic attempts to imitate his distinct vampire accent, a contrast to Jones’s actual Indianapolis roots. At conventions and fan events, Jones has found that the Baron has become one of the most discussed characters in his expansive career. Hearing fans quote his lines, especially the signature greeting “Oh, hello, wampire,” brings him immense joy and demonstrates the character’s resonance within the series’ fandom. “What We Do in the Shadows” airs every Monday on FX, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day, sustaining high viewer engagement and anticipation for future developments in the storyline.
