Peaky Blinders actor Matthew Postlewaite discuss art school, music and more
Growing up overseas and away from the acting capital of Hollywood may seem like a disadvantage to some. However, for British actor Matthew Postlethwaite, it is very much an advantage. Rival got the opportunity to chat with the actor about art school, overcoming setbacks and his love for music.
“Being English is an advantage,” explains Postlethwaite. “Americans seem to really love the training that we have over in the UK. The hardest part when you land (in Los Angeles) is establishing your relationships in the industry. You just need a good team behind you to make the Casting Director aware of what you can do.”
Matthew Postlethwaite was born in Whitehaven, England and grew up in the Lake District. In his younger years, rather than absorbing TV and film, the actor spent his time as a ‘hyperactive child’ playing rugby and different sports.
Passionate about art, the budding actor attended art school, but was later kicked out for “not being talented enough.”
“It's funny because anyone would imagine that I would have some remorse because of it,” said Postlethwaite. “I actually didn't choose to use it as a source of motivation or to prove a point; I just chose to rise above it.”
“For some reason, in my head, It didn't really matter to me. I thought they just didn't understand my work, and their judgment was very closed but based upon their social construction. At the time, I called the school out to explain that there is more to art than fine lines and architectural drawings, their colour, and abundance in everything, and they were thinking in black and white.
“I realized that wasn't going to be my place or time where I made my impact. So I very quickly moved on. It helped me realize that not everyone will understand your 'art.' But really, that was the beauty of the whole experience. Fundamentally the reason I have always created art has been for my own enjoyment and to help inspire others. When I had my first show in New York, my agent really had to convince me to allow my work to be purchased because it's such a personal medium for me.”
Having risen above this setback, the British actor later proved he was still a lover of art when he debuted his art collection in New York.
“It was definitely a moment that I will remember,” he added. “My mother had flown in for it too. It reminded me that no matter what happens, if you stay true to yourself, you will eventually find your way. My style is abstract. I may do a collection in the future - I would never say never. But for now, once again I am happy to just paint for myself and for films.”
Art isn’t Postlethwaite’s only passion besides acting, though. The actor is also very into music, saying it ‘lives in his core’. The Great Artist (2020), a recent short film that he was in, included the song Brave which he wrote. The actor said: “I had written the chorus in 2019. When I first spoke with Jon Althan, our Music supervisor on The Great Artist, I shared that I would love Pia Toscano to sing the film's title track.”
“I introduced them, and Jon was really the man who pulled it all together. We started with a couple of different songs, and then I remembered the chorus I had scribbled down in my songwriting book. Pia, Jon, and I sat over zoom [During Covid-19] and wrote the song together.”
Songwriting is something that the British actor can see himself doing more of in the future, telling Rival that he is currently writing a Musical. Postlethwaite is also well known for working alongside award winning producer Sunny Vachher, ‘one of the kindest producers in Hollywood’.
Telling us about Vachher, Postlethwaite said: “He is so calm and collected. We work very well together.”
“I was introduced to him (Vachher) by Dj Lampett, one of the Exec Producers on The Great Artist (Though he wasn't an Exec at the time of the introduction). Since then, we have formed our production company 'Purpose Co.' and have three new films in development.”
Alongside his passion for music and art, acting is what Postlethwaite is most notable for. More specifically, his role in Peaky Blinders.
Talking about his time on the show, the actor said: “Honestly, every one of the stars I worked with have been exactly what I hoped for and more.”
“I enter sets with the intent to deliver a performance to the best of my ability, having done the majority of the hard work before. There has always been this common understanding and respect for each other's craft. It really is a gift. I've devoted my whole life to being an actor, and when you meet someone with the same energy for the craft that you have, that is a really special thing.”
In Peaky Blinders, Postlethwaite and his twin brother Jeffrey have both worked alongside the likes of Cillian Murphy as members of the Birmingham-based gang, well known for their iconic peaky caps and trench coats. Matthew Postlethwaite’s character ‘Nipper’ fits right in with the aesthetic.
Whether it’s music, art, acting or writing musicals, we can’t wait to see what Postlethwaite gets up to in the future.
Make sure to follow Matthew Postlethwaite on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/matthewpostlethwaite/?hl=en
Meet the Author
“Hannah Youds is an aspiring music journalist currently studying at The University of Sheffield. She is an Entertainment Editor for Liberty Belle Magazine and has experience writing for various publications. She is also the co-founder of a podcast that focuses on relevant issues in today’s society.”