You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes
Episode: Harvey Guillén
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Pete Holmes welcomes comedian and actor Harvey Guillén to his podcast, praising him as "one of the funniest people" he's ever met. Known for his roles in What We Do in the Shadows and Blue Beetle, Harvey shares personal stories, insights into his career, and deep reflections on life, community, and identity.
1. Harvey Guillén’s House Fire Experience [00:00 - 06:08]
Harvey opens up about a harrowing experience involving a house fire that narrowly spared his home. He recounts how the lack of timely evacuation notices led to the fire reaching his neighborhood unexpectedly while he was at a musical rehearsal.
Notable Quote:
"I looked out through my kitchen, and I saw this, like, red ball just, like, glowing in the distance. Like, what is that?" ([04:43])
Despite his initial disbelief, Harvey took swift action to protect his house by activating sprinklers, which successfully contained part of the blaze. His neighbor, Ronald, an 80-year-old, fought the fire fiercely, but Harvey made the critical decision to flee, ultimately saving his home from total destruction.
2. Community Resilience and Altadena Pride [06:08 - 08:13]
Harvey expresses immense pride in the Altadena community's resilience following the fire. He highlights the ongoing efforts to rebuild and maintain vibrant community events like Altadena Pride, emphasizing that such initiatives help preserve the artistic and cultural fabric of the area.
Notable Quote:
"We're going to rebuild and we're not going to let something stop us from continuing to be a community." ([07:54])
Harvey invites listeners to join in supporting Altadena Pride, showcasing the community’s dedication to unity and celebration despite adversity.
3. Childhood Experiences and Early Aspirations [08:13 - 23:44]
The conversation shifts to Harvey’s childhood, revealing his imaginative nature and early love for acting. Growing up in Orange County, he was the outgoing kid who talked to everyone and everything, including animals. Harvey describes how watching musicals like Annie inspired him to pursue acting, leading him to create elaborate pretend scenarios with costumes and props.
He discusses the challenges of revealing his legal name, Javier, and adopting his stage name, Harvey, to avoid typecasting in Hollywood. His supportive stepdad played a crucial role in nurturing his acting ambitions, often driving him to auditions without raising suspicion with his busy single mother.
Notable Quote:
"I fell in love with acting when I watched Annie as a kid. I was like, what are they doing? Singing and dancing." ([21:15])
Harvey also touches on his responsibilities growing up, especially after discovering he had a sibling he never met until age eight. Balancing his passion for acting with caretaking his younger brothers and sister showcased his early maturity and commitment.
4. Auditioning for What We Do in the Shadows [30:00 - 45:01]
Harvey shares an engaging and humorous account of his audition process for the popular series What We Do in the Shadows. Invited by a new acquaintance, Yvonne, Harvey seized the opportunity to audition for the role of Guillermo.
During the audition, Harvey fully embodied the character by altering his appearance with a sweater vest, Harry Potter glasses, and styling his hair to match Guillermo del Toro’s vision. The process was seamless, but initially, the casting team felt he was too young for the role of Guillermo.
However, after persisting and demonstrating his compatibility with the show's dynamic, Harvey was eventually cast. This story underscores the importance of preparation, adaptability, and perseverance in the acting industry.
Notable Quote:
"You have to be present. Just give it everything you have in that moment." ([50:34])
5. Acting Philosophy and Improvisation [45:01 - 53:41]
Harvey delves into his approach to acting, emphasizing being present and avoiding over-rehearsal to maintain authenticity in performances. On What We Do in the Shadows, the show heavily incorporates improvisation, allowing actors to bring spontaneity and genuine reactions to their roles.
He highlights the camaraderie on set, particularly his friendship with co-star Kayvan Novak, and how this bond enhances their on-screen chemistry. Harvey credits the show's creators, Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, for fostering an environment that encourages fun and creativity, making the acting experience both enjoyable and enriching.
Notable Quote:
"The character lives in today in this moment. So you can only give that." ([50:34])
6. Beliefs About Afterlife and Energy [58:05 - 93:02]
Harvey shares his contemplative views on life, energy, and the afterlife. He believes that energy is a tangible essence that persists beyond physical existence, influencing and coexisting with the living. This perspective shapes his interactions and his understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings.
He recounts his move into a new house and the subsequent eerie experiences that led him to believe in lingering energies from past inhabitants. Through rituals like burning sage and installing stained glass with peacock motifs—symbolic of a past bachelor who perhaps struggled with his identity—Harvey sought to harmonize the house’s energy, making it a positive and welcoming space.
Notable Quote:
"Energy is just, you know, in essence is tangible. Your intentions are gonna go forward with positivity or negativity." ([90:20])
7. Near-Death Experience at the Beach [83:51 - 90:28]
Harvey narrates a terrifying near-death experience from his high school years. While celebrating his birthday at Corona del Mar beach with friends, an unexpected summer storm unleashed powerful waves that endangered their lives.
During the ordeal, Harvey demonstrated remarkable bravery by saving his friend Romy, whom he and others nearly lost to the relentless waves. This incident not only solidified his bond with his friends but also profoundly impacted his outlook on life and the importance of loyalty and courage.
Notable Quote:
"We didn't go back in the water for six years." ([87:40])
8. Coming Out and Embracing Queer Identity [93:02 - 76:15]
The discussion shifts to Harvey’s personal journey of embracing his queer identity. He differentiates between identifying as gay and using the broader term "queer," which encompasses a diverse range of sexual orientations and identities within the LGBTQ+ community.
Harvey explains that "queer" allows him to acknowledge his attraction to various identities without limiting himself to a single label. He emphasizes the importance of unity and inclusivity within the community, critiquing the internal divisions that sometimes arise based on superficial attributes like body type.
Notable Quote:
"When I say queer, it's like, I'm queer because I'm part of this community with primarily, you know, identifying as gay." ([76:15])
Harvey also shares his experience of coming out to his parents during high school, highlighting their supportive and accepting reactions. This acceptance from both his biological mother and his stepdad played a crucial role in his ability to live authentically.
Notable Quote:
"When you let your parents in, it's what you do with that information that determines how they continue to share that information." ([71:19])
9. Advice for Aspiring Actors [100:45 - 106:17]
Towards the end of the episode, Harvey offers heartfelt advice to those aspiring to enter the entertainment industry. He stresses the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and being present. Harvey encourages future actors to immerse themselves in the environment—such as spending time on sets, taking improv classes, and understanding the intricacies of acting beyond just the performance aspects.
He also advises against comparing oneself to others, emphasizing that each person’s talent is unique and invaluable. According to Harvey, success in the arts requires tenacity and a willingness to embrace opportunities, even when they seem unconventional or challenging.
Notable Quote:
"This business is about tenacity. The other two, not about talent necessarily." ([101:19])
10. Light-Hearted Moments and Nickname Discussions [110:00 - 111:13]
The episode concludes with playful banter about nicknames and personal anecdotes, showcasing the camaraderie and genuine friendship between Pete, Harvey, and co-host Milana Vayntrub. They joke about creating affectionate nicknames and share amusing interactions from their professional collaborations, highlighting the joy and laughter that define their relationship.
Conclusion
The episode of You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes featuring Harvey Guillén is a rich tapestry of personal stories, professional insights, and profound reflections. From overcoming personal trauma and embracing community resilience to navigating the complexities of identity and the entertainment industry, Harvey's candid conversation offers listeners both inspiration and relatability. His emphasis on presence, authenticity, and tenacity serves as valuable guidance for aspiring artists and anyone seeking to live authentically.
Notable Closing Quote:
"It's a very fun show. We just couldn't handle how fun." ([00:00])
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Harvey Guillén's engaging discussion on the podcast, providing valuable takeaways and memorable moments for those who haven't yet listened.