Kayvan
Novak

The first time audiences heard the voice of Terry Tibbs, they had no idea who was behind the telephone. This anonymity defined the early career of Kayvan Novak, a performer who has spent two decades moving between heavy prosthetics and intricate vocal masks. He does not simply play a character; he inhabits a specific frequency of absurdity. Whether he is a car salesman on a prank call or an ancient vampire in Staten Island, he maintains a level of technical discipline that makes the ridiculous feel real. This ability to ground the bizarre is what has allowed him to transition from niche British comedy to international television stardom.

Kayvan Novak is an Iranian-British actor best known for playing Nandor the Relentless in What We Do in the Shadows. The show ran from 2019 to 2024 on the FX network and became a global phenomenon. In this role, Kayvan Novak played a former Ottoman conqueror who is frequently baffled by modern technology and social etiquette. His performance anchored the ensemble, providing a balance of physical strength and comedic vulnerability. Fans who follow the show often ask why the character resonated so deeply. The answer lies in the specific warmth he brings to a character that could have been a one-dimensional villain. Instead, he made Nandor a figure of immense pathos and humor.

The wider career of Kayvan Novak reveals a range that many casual fans might miss. Before he was an immortal vampire, he was a master of the prank call. In 2006, he co-created Fonejacker, where he played characters like the overbearing Terry Tibbs and the tech-confused Brian Badonde. He won a BAFTA Award for this work, proving that his vocal range was a formidable tool. He also appeared as Waj in the 2010 film Four Lions, a role that required him to find comedy in a very dark subject. His filmography includes appearances in Doctor Who as the voice of Handles and a role in the 2021 Disney film Cruella. These credits show a professional who is comfortable in both small-scale improv and massive studio productions.

When it comes to the convention circuit, the What We Do in the Shadows community is one of the most dedicated groups in modern fandom. This audience does not just watch the show; they participate in it through elaborate cosplay and fan art. At events like GalaxyCon or Dublin Comic Con, fans wait hours to meet Kayvan Novak. They are often looking for a specific interaction—a quote in the Nandor voice or a photo with someone who understands the 'Relentless' lifestyle. Promoters find that he draws a diverse crowd. He appeals to older fans of British cult comedy and a younger, internet-savvy audience that discovered him through streaming. His panels are known for being high-energy sessions where he often demonstrates the vocal techniques used throughout his career.

The current relevance of Kayvan Novak is driven by the conclusion of his major television series. As What We Do in the Shadows finished its run in late 2024, the demand for the cast at fan events has reached a new height. This is the period of 'legacy discovery' where new viewers are binge-watching the complete series on platforms like Hulu and Disney+. This streaming presence ensures that the audience for Kayvan Novak is constantly refreshing itself. He is also active in high-profile voice roles, including work on Archer and the upcoming series StuGo. This variety of work means he is never tied to just one era of entertainment.

His personal journey as an actor of Iranian heritage in the British industry is a thread that many fans connect with. He has often spoken about the importance of character over casting labels. He avoids the typical traps of character acting by focusing on the specific logic of each person he plays. This craft-first philosophy is why he has been able to maintain a career for over twenty years. He treats a five-minute prank call with the same level of preparation as a multi-million dollar film. This dedication to the work is evident in every role, making him a respected figure among his peers and a favorite for audience members who value genuine skill.

Meeting Kayvan Novak at a convention is a factual encounter with the man behind the masks. For promoters, he represents a reliable booking because his work spans multiple genres and formats. He is equally at home discussing the history of British comedy as he is talking about the mechanics of vampire prosthetics. He provides a bridge between the technical side of acting and the fan-facing side of a major franchise. As the 2026 convention season approaches, his status as a franchise anchor makes him a central figure for any event focused on modern television. Fans leave his table with more than an autograph; they leave with a sense of the precision and humor that defines his entire career.