“Above all, I just continue to love the game”

Matthew Kevin Anderson is an actor, host, and writer, known for “Corrective Measures”, “Two Sentence Horror Stories” (2017), “Turner & Hooch” (2021) “Travelers” (2016), and many other productions.

From network television to hosting gigs to big-screen blockbusters, with almost fifty acting credits to his name, Matthew knows all about the hard work and dedication it takes to become a working actor in today’s industry.

Anderson has earned himself an impressive resume, and in this interview, he tells us about his beginnings, plans, and the growth that is in such a competitive and demanding industry for so long has meant to him.

Matthew, how were your beginnings in acting?

My beginnings in acting were exciting. Shortly after I finished film school and began auditioning, I booked my first gig as a host for MTV Canada. I was brand new to the industry and had no hosting experience. I had never even thought about hosting as a job and from that job I learned there are so many facets to the industry; acting, hosting, voice-over work and more. I was interviewing amazing musicians, working with a live studio audience, and having a great time. After that, I was open to whatever came my way. I eventually had an opportunity to move to Los Angeles, so I left hosting to really focus on acting for film and TV. Living in Los Angeles was another big eye-opening experience as well. I was very lucky to have these opportunities early on in my career and I believe they helped shape the career path I made for myself.

Has there been a moment that has been especially hard for you within the industry?

The industry itself can be hard. I love acting and performing, but especially when you are first starting out, so much of the job is auditioning and learning to navigate the business side of things. These elements of the job can be challenging. Finding a good mentor can be extremely helpful to people who are new to the industry. I have had many ups and downs in my career but I was always self-motivated. If things got slow, I would produce a sketch comedy show, or short film or focus on hosting. Being dynamic and a self-starter is helpful to get you through the valleys and up to the next peak.

You are currently doing many things and also have a long career in film and television. But let's start with your role in “Corrective Measures”, where you play Danny Breeze. Tell those who haven't seen it yet, what it’s about and what is your character like?

Corrective Measures is a fun action film based on a comic by the same name put out by Arcana Studio. It all takes place in a jail for super villains called San Tiburon and focuses on the relationships between the inmates and the prison guards who oversee the operations of said jail. There is lots of conflict and drama there, which makes for a wild and entertaining movie. Danny Breeze is one of head security guards who has a chip on his shoulder and mind of his own.

Are there any personality traits that you share with Danny?

Why I loved playing Danny is that he is not like me at all. Danny loves violence and mischief. After years of working in the system he has become desensitized and has no empathy for the inmates in San Tiburon. Playing guys like this is so fun because you can let the darker side of your personality run wild in a safe space with no consequences. I don’t get in fights every day, Danny Breeze does.

You are used to working with established actresses and actors, but we imagine that there is always an opportunity to learn new things. In the case of “Corrective Measures”, what lessons have you learned from the experience of working with Bruce Willis, Michael Rooker and the rest of the cast?

Michael Rooker is a veteran actor and a wild man. Watching his joy for life and how he carries that into his love of acting is awesome. He is intelligent, funny and bold. What I learned from him is to keep loving the game. It always shows up on screen. He’s very exciting to watch. Same with Bruce Willis. Bruce is a legend and has made some of my favorite films. He is a powder keg; you never know what he will do next and is electric on screen. I’m thrilled to be in a film with them both. Corrective Measures is out now and you can watch it now on Tubi.

What tools have acting given you that have served you for life in general?

So much of life and acting are interchangeable. I love psychology and learning about the human psyche. The more you learn about those things the more you can understand why a character would do what they do, make the choices they make and also empathize with other characters and their actions. I think the more interesting and varied your life is as a person, the better you are as a performer. Life is art, so be curious and always open to new experiences and learning. That’s what I have learned.

What part of the television industry do you not enjoy so much?

My focus in life is generally on joy and finding wonder even in the most challenging circumstances. Over the years I have learned a lot about this industry and I turn any challenges I come across into lessons. I have been lucky enough to have many positive experiences but I know many people have dealt with racism, sexism and discrimination in this industry. That is what distresses me most - that these issues arise and upset so many people. Unfortunately, that’s a human problem not just an industry problem. Those things upset me for sure. Personally, I educate myself as much as possible and endeavor to be an ally promoting awareness and change in those spaces.

We also know that you will have a role in Paramount Plus's Skymed. Is there anything you can tell us about this? What is it about? What will your character be like? Who else will be in it?

As per the internet… Skymed follows intense characters' journeys and high stakes medical rescues, heartbreaks and tribulations of budding bush pilots in northern Canada. I believe that is all I can say about it but it will be out soon on Paramount Plus which is exciting… and I had fun playing my character Brad, who is not the nicest guy, and working with the cast and crew.

What sort of projects excite and interest you the most?

What draws me to projects right now is more “the who” … don’t get me wrong, I love doing new things I’ve never done before and currently that’s playing characters who are a little unsavory. It’s different and dangerous and I enjoy exploring that right now. But now I look for directors or actors that I want to work with. “The who” is attracting me more and more, because at the end of the day it’s about who you’re connecting with.

What things do you enjoy besides acting?

I love being active outdoors. Living in Vancouver in the summer is amazing for this - mountains, ocean, lakes and forest. There are so many great activity options and beautiful locations. I also love to travel, going places I’ve never been before and getting lost, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures.

You are currently writing a script, what is it about? Can you give us a teaser or an appetizer of what it will be?

Over the past few years, I have gotten more serious about my writing. I have been working with a couple production companies here in Vancouver and writing scripts for them. I am currently writing a thriller inspired by true events. It’s very early on so I can’t say much, other than that I am enjoying the process and look forward to doing more.

If you had to choose between acting and writing, which would you choose right now?

I enjoy writing as it’s fun to use my brain in a different way and have new types of problems to solve. I also think learning more about other aspects of the industry helps you as an actor. It's cool to learn about what goes into a script before it lands on your desk as an actor. But acting is my first love so I would definitely choose that for now. Stepping onto a set to make a movie or tv show is still what gets me up in the mornings.

How has the Matthew you were at the beginning of your career changed from the Matthew you are today?

Well, hopefully he has grown a lot! It’s been a while since I started on this journey and I have learned a ton! I love giving back and helping others who are just starting out - I find a lot of joy in that. Maybe that is a shift, that I’ve found more and more ways to not just make it about me but those around me as well. The types of roles I take on have certainly changed and what I focus on as an actor has shifted from trying to give people what they want to just doing what I find is most interesting. But above all I just continue to love the game.

Thank you so much for the chat; It’s been a pleasure.

Photo Credits: Richie Lubaton

Chatting with Matthew Kevin Anderson

©WAV RECORDS • POWERED BY SQUARESPACE