Doug Jones, the celebrated actor known for his transformative performances and otherworldly characters, has left an indelible mark on the hit TV series What We Do in the Shadows. As the vampiric Baron Afanas, Jones has embodied a character as grotesque as he is endearing, delivering a performance that seamlessly balances horror and comedy. In an exclusive interview, Jones opened up about his favorite memories from the six seasons he spent playing the Baron, offering fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the cult-favorite mockumentary.
Becoming the Baron: A Transformation in Prosthetics
Doug Jones’ ability to disappear into roles has become his trademark, but even for a seasoned actor, embodying Baron Afanas was no small feat. The character’s skeletal, decayed visage required hours in the makeup chair, a process Jones described as both grueling and rewarding.
“One of my favorite memories is the very first time I looked in the mirror after the prosthetics were applied,” Jones recalls. “I remember thinking, ‘This is not just a vampire; this is a creature that has lived for centuries and seen everything.’ The makeup team absolutely nailed it, and that transformation gave me the confidence to step into the Baron’s shoes—or lack thereof, since he mostly floats!”
Jones credits the prosthetics team for helping him bring the Baron to life, noting that their attention to detail made his job easier. “Every wrinkle, every shadow—it was all there. All I had to do was move and speak, and the character was already present.”
The Comedy of Horror
What We Do in the Shadows has been praised for its unique blend of horror and humor, and Jones’ Baron Afanas is a perfect example of this balance. As a vampire from the Old World, the Baron’s archaic ways and melodramatic tendencies often clash hilariously with the more modern sensibilities of the show’s main characters.
“One of the funniest moments for me was the dinner party scene in Season 1,” Jones says, referring to the episode The Trial. “The Baron is supposed to be this terrifying figure, and here he is, awkwardly trying to bond with the Staten Island vampires over blood cocktails. The absurdity of it all just cracked me up.”
Jones also shared how much he enjoyed the improvisational nature of the show. “The cast is so quick-witted, and the writers encourage us to play around with the script. Sometimes, the funniest moments come from a little ad-lib here or a reaction there.”
Flying Through the Scenes
One of the Baron’s most iconic traits is his ability to float rather than walk, a detail that adds an eerie elegance to the character. However, filming those scenes was anything but graceful.
“The harness work was… let’s just say it was memorable,” Jones laughs. “There’s a scene where the Baron is floating through a narrow hallway, and it took about ten takes to get it right. Between the wires, the prosthetics, and the cape, it was like trying to maneuver a fully loaded shopping cart down a crowded aisle.”
Despite the challenges, Jones says those scenes were among his favorites to film. “There’s something magical about being lifted off the ground and gliding through a set. It really makes you feel like this otherworldly being.”
Unexpected Bonds
Over six seasons, Jones developed close relationships with the cast and crew, describing the set as a second home. “Everyone on this show is so warm and welcoming, which is ironic given the dark, macabre subject matter,” he says. “I’ve worked on a lot of projects, but this one stands out for the camaraderie and the sheer joy of coming to work every day.”
Jones shared a particularly fond memory involving co-star Matt Berry, who plays Laszlo Cravensworth. “There’s a scene where the Baron and Laszlo are having a heart-to-heart, and Matt kept slipping in these little jokes under his breath. It was all I could do to keep a straight face. That’s the kind of energy we had on set—everyone was always trying to make each other laugh.”
Baron’s Big Moments
Over the course of the show, Baron Afanas has had some unforgettable moments, from his fiery demise in Season 1 to his shocking resurrection in later seasons. For Jones, one of the standout episodes was the Baron’s return in Season 3.
“Coming back after the Baron was presumed dead was such a treat,” Jones says. “The reveal was so dramatic—emerging from the coffin, half-burned but still as pompous as ever. It was a great moment, and the fans’ reaction made it even better.”
Jones also highlighted the Season 6 episode where the Baron takes center stage in a subplot involving a vampire council meeting. “It was such a rich episode for the character, and it gave me a chance to explore the Baron’s history and motivations. Plus, the set design for the council chamber was just incredible.”
The Fans: A Community of Shadows
What We Do in the Shadows has cultivated a devoted fanbase, and Jones says he’s been overwhelmed by their enthusiasm and creativity. “The fan art, the memes, the cosplay—it’s all so amazing,” he says. “Seeing how much people love the Baron and the show is incredibly humbling.”
Jones shared a touching story about a fan who approached him at a convention. “She told me that the Baron’s quirks and imperfections made her feel more comfortable embracing her own unique traits. That’s the power of storytelling—it connects us in ways we don’t always expect.”
Lessons from the Baron
After six seasons, Jones says playing Baron Afanas has taught him a lot about resilience and humor. “The Baron is this ancient, decayed figure, but he still has a zest for life—or unlife, as it were. He reminds me to find joy and laughter, even in the most unlikely places.”
Jones also appreciates how the show uses humor to tackle deeper themes. “At its core, What We Do in the Shadows is about community and belonging. Even these undead misfits, who seem so different on the surface, are just trying to find their place in the world.”
What’s Next for Doug Jones?
As What We Do in the Shadows continues to delight audiences, Jones hints that he’s far from done exploring the supernatural. While he remains tight-lipped about future projects, he says fans can expect to see him in more roles that push the boundaries of imagination.
“I’ve always been drawn to characters that are a little outside the norm,” Jones says. “Whether it’s a vampire, an alien, or something else entirely, I’m excited to keep bringing these stories to life.”
Conclusion
Doug Jones’ portrayal of Baron Afanas has been a highlight of What We Do in the Shadows, and his reflections on six seasons of the show offer a heartfelt look at the magic behind the scenes. From the prosthetics to the camaraderie of the cast, Jones’ journey as the Baron is a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration. As fans eagerly await what’s next for both the Baron and Jones himself, one thing is certain: the legacy of What We Do in the Shadows will continue to cast a long, hilarious shadow.