Matt Berry: A comedic genius and musical maestro
A journey through British comedy
Matt Berry has been a cornerstone of British comedy for over two decades, captivating audiences with his unforgettable roles in shows like The IT Crowd, Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, Snuff Box, and Toast of London. His unique comedic style and distinctive voice have made him a beloved figure in the world of television.
Crossing the Atlantic with ‘What We Do in the Shadows’
While Berry has participated in various American productions, it is his portrayal of Laszlo Cravensworth in the FX comedy What We Do in the Shadows that has garnered him significant acclaim in the United States. This role has even earned him his first Emmy nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy Series.
What We Do in the Shadows is based on the 2014 New Zealand mockumentary film of the same name. The series follows four vampires and their human familiar living together in a house on Staten Island. The show aired its fifth season in 2023, with the sixth and final season set to begin airing in October. Despite a slow start, the series has become a critical darling and a fan favorite.
The Emmy nomination: A moment in the studio
Berry’s reaction to his Emmy nomination was as unique as his comedic style. He was in the studio, working on his latest musical project, when he received the news. “I was playing drums, and I could see that something was going on with the phone because it was leaping around the table,” Berry recalls. Unaware that the nominations were being announced that day, he was surprised to learn that he was up for the award alongside comedy legends like Larry David, Martin Short, Steve Martin, Jeremy Allen White, and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.
The magic of ‘What We Do in the Shadows’
Berry credits FX boss John Landgraf and his team for their unwavering support of What We Do in the Shadows. “They have great taste and the guts to believe in the series, giving it the time it needed to grow,” Berry says. He knew from the first shot that he would enjoy his time working on the show. “It feels like home, being with the other cast and being on that set. It just all felt totally natural.”
One of the show’s defining running gags is Laszlo’s tendency to pronounce routine words in outlandish ways. Berry reveals that this quirk is not scripted but something he does to amuse himself. “I don’t know when it’s going to happen; I never know which word is going to get attacked. It’ll just kind of come out completely naturally. But the thing is, it will sound completely unnatural.”
Character evolution in a timeless setting
Typically, characters in long-running shows evolve over time. However, Berry notes that What We Do in the Shadows is unique because the vampire characters, having lived for hundreds of years, are past the point of changing. “It’s one of the rare shows where you join these characters fully formed, and they don’t need to develop other than, say, Gizmo’s character,” he says, referring to Harvey Guillén’s human familiar Guillermo. “The actual vampires are completely stuck in their ways.”
In Season 5, Laszlo often boasts about his abilities as a scientist, despite having a very outdated understanding of science. Berry explains that Laszlo’s pomposity thrives because no one in the house is willing to call him out on his nonsense. “There isn’t anyone there to kind of tell him to shut up, which is fantastic for him.”
Looking ahead: Life beyond ‘What We Do in the Shadows’
With the filming of the final season of What We Do in the Shadows behind him, Berry is looking forward to new opportunities. Whether in the U.S. or back in England, his focus is on finding work that he finds funny and enjoyable. “I love working abroad. I love working in the U.S., and there’s still a whole load of U.S. comics that I haven’t worked with yet that I sort of need to work with.”
One performer Berry is particularly keen to work with is Bill Hader. Hader made a cameo in Berry’s series Toast of Tinseltown, but since Hader’s character appeared only on a Zoom call, they did not work in the same room. “I like those kinds of performers that make smart comedy, but at the same time, make ridiculous comedy. That’s what I’ve always been interested in,” Berry says.
Reflections on the Emmy nomination
When asked whom he would like to see win in his Emmy category aside from himself, Berry expresses admiration for Larry David. Berry worked with David on the final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and David also made a cameo appearance on Toast of Tinseltown. Despite his own nomination, Berry admits to feeling a bit of impostor syndrome. “Hearing my name listed along with my fellow nominees makes me sort of dizzy and sick almost. But they’re fantastic, fantastic performers and legendary performers. So being even in the same long list as them is too much. To get whittled down into this final list really is too much.”
A multifaceted talent
Beyond his acting career, Berry is also an accomplished musician with nearly a dozen albums to his name. His passion for music is evident, and it seems fitting that he learned about his Emmy nomination while in the studio. Berry’s ability to balance his dual careers in comedy and music is a testament to his versatility and talent.
For those interested in exploring Berry’s musical work, you can find his albums on Spotify.
Final thoughts
Matt Berry’s journey from British comedy stalwart to Emmy-nominated actor in an American hit series is a testament to his talent and versatility. Whether he’s making audiences laugh with his outlandish characters or creating music in the studio, Berry continues to captivate and entertain. As he looks ahead to new opportunities, fans can only anticipate more brilliant performances and musical creations from this multifaceted artist.