Harvey Guillén
An actor whose breakout role as a longsuffering vampire familiar brought heart, humor, and groundbreaking Latinx representation to cult television.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American actor·Birthday: May 3·Millennials
Biography
Harvey Guillén's path to acting was one of self-invention, moving from Orange County to Los Angeles with a determination to build a career on his own terms. After years of guest spots and voice work, he found the role of a lifetime in Guillermo de la Cruz, the put-upon human familiar on the FX comedy 'What We Do in the Shadows.' Guillén transformed what could have been a simple comic foil into the emotional core of the show, balancing deadpan exasperation with a hidden, fierce competence. His performance, which earned him a Critics Choice Award, resonated deeply for its nuanced portrayal of a gay, Latino character yearning for purpose and power. Guillén has since become a vocal advocate for diverse storytelling, using his platform to champion inclusion both in front of and behind the camera.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Harvey was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Harvey Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Harvey's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received a Critics Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in 'What We Do in the Shadows'.
- Portrayed a series regular role that is one of the most prominent Latinx characters on a mainstream cable comedy series.
- Has performed extensive voice acting in major animated projects like 'The Owl House' and 'Harley Quinn'.
- Served as a producer on later seasons of 'What We Do in the Shadows', influencing the show's creative direction.
Did You Know?
He is a first-generation American, the son of immigrants from Mexico.
He taught himself how to do stage combat and stunt work for his role on 'What We Do in the Shadows'.
He is an avid collector of action figures and pop culture memorabilia.
He originally auditioned for the role of the energy vampire, Colin Robinson, on 'What We Do in the Shadows'.
“Representation is not a trend. It's a necessity. When you see someone like you on screen, it tells you that your story is worth telling.”
