From Business Analyst to Vampire Roommate: The Story of Stu Rutherford
What We Do In The Shadows is a hilarious mockumentary about vampire roommates navigating modern life.
An interesting fact about the film is that the actor who plays Stu, one of the vampire housemates, is not a professional actor at all. His name is Stu Rutherford, and he actually works as a part-time business analyst for a Wellington-based company called LanWorx. Rutherford was cast in the film under the impression that he would be working on computers and playing a minor role.
He was told his part would be small and mainly involved some simple scenes, so he agreed to participate without expecting much. To everyone’s surprise, his role turned out to be much more prominent and memorable than initially anticipated. Rutherford’s natural, relatable performance added an authentic touch to the character of Stu, making him one of the most beloved parts of the film.
His involvement highlights how sometimes non-professional actors can bring genuine charm and realism to a project, especially in a mockumentary style that thrives on authenticity. This behind-the-scenes detail shows how casting surprises can lead to unexpectedly great performances, contributing to the film’s unique humor and appeal.
