Matthew Kevin Anderson has made his mark in the film and TV industry, appearing in numerous television productions including TV Land’s ‘Impastor’, Fox’s ‘Almost Human’, The CW’s ‘iZombie’, ‘Supernatural’, and ‘The Flash’. We caught up with the Vancouver-based actor to discuss his roles and latest project Skymed, the medical rescue drama.
Matthew, thank you for agreeing to catch up with Occhi Magazine. Congratulations on your career to date. How did you get into the industry?
Hello Occhi Magazine!
My first experience with acting and why I ended up in the industry was because I loved doing musicals in elementary school. I was in the Wizard of Oz in grade 3. I played one of the members of The Lollipop Guild and I loved the excitement of being on stage. I took drama throughout high school and when I graduated, I went to film school and began learning about the business of acting. This industry is so much more than just being on a stage or on set…the obstacle course you have to go through to establish a career is long and challenging, so there was a lot to learn before I became a busy working actor. I didn’t really have a mentor in the film industry growing up and I think it’s really important for young actors to find one. Having someone with experience and years of success in your field can make all the difference and help you maneuver through the business and avoid many pitfalls.
You had a big break in 2001 when you landed the coveted job of hosting “Select”, a 90-minute daily music video request and interview program airing on MTV Canada. What were your expectations when you started working on the show and did its success automatically provide further opportunities?
MTV Canada was amazing. It all happened so fast and it was so early on in my career that I had no expectations. I was just riding the wave and having a blast. Again, I wish I had a mentor at that time because I probably would have ridden that wave a little differently with some guidance but I learned a lot of lessons through that experience. I got to meet a lot of amazing artists and saw a ton of live music. The success from that show definitely got me some great opportunities and moved my career forward but ultimately, I wanted to be an actor, not a host so when I had an opportunity to move to Los Angeles for the first time I stepped away from hosting and refocused on acting.
Things back then were a bit different than they are now as talent can come from many different platforms – film/TV/hosting/voice/social media. When I started, you were either a film actor, a TV actor, or a host. There was a strong distinction. Now, I think it’s exciting how you can do it all which adds to your career as a whole…lines have become more blurred together.
You’ve worked on numerous projects such as Big Eyes with Christoph Waltz and Amy Adams, and Tomorrowland with George Clooney. To date, what would you say is your proudest achievement?
I have been lucky to work with some amazing people on some awesome projects. I would say my proudest achievement so far is simply being successful in my field and being able to make a career out of doing what I truly love. Every day I wake up and would still rather act than do anything else.
Who are your biggest industry influences, and why?
I’m really impressed with John Krasinski and what he has done with his career, from nerdy comedy guy to action star to director. I think he’s done really great work and a career like his would be amazing. Personally, I’m very interested in directing. George Clooney for similar reasons. Ryan Reynolds. They are all extremely talented, but above that, they have taken control of their careers and used the business as a platform to do amazing things.
After working on many projects from ‘Travelers’ to ‘Supernatural’, and ‘The Flash’ can you recall any particular situations that have significantly shaped your appreciation of film and TV?
I think my appreciation for film and TV came before I actually got into the industry. I always loved movies; Star Wars, Dazed and Confused, The Princess Bride, Kramer vs. Kramer. I remember my mom was out one night and my dad rented Robo Cop for us to watch. I was definitely up for it but it blew my mind. I thought it was so cool. That moment is so vivid in my memory…I wanted to be a part of that world. But my appreciation for the industry from being on set is all about community. The film world in Vancouver, where I’m currently based, is actually pretty small and full of really great people. You can’t do this job alone and the relationships you make and the connections on set are what I appreciate most.
You star as the character ‘Brad’ in Paramount Plus medical rescue drama Skymed, which premiered on July 10th. Please tell us more about the series and what audiences can expect?
Skymed was pitched to me like Top Gun meets Grey’s Anatomy. It’s a show about Bush Pilots in the north who fly supplies into small communities and assist with any emergency situations that come up in these remote areas. The show’s creator Julie Puckrin comes from a family of Bush Pilots and a lot of the show is inspired by their stories and experiences. It’s a wild world full of comradery and the intense reality of the dangers that can arise up there at any time. I play Brad, and I would say he makes life a little more challenging for everyone on the show.
What other projects are you currently working on?
I wrapped another show called Ellen starring Lin Shaye. It has this really fun 80s action throwback vibe and was a wild shoot. Not sure when it’s coming out yet but it will be a great watch.
Where can our readers find out more about you and your projects?
The best place to find me is on Instagram at @mattkevanderson.
Thank you so much for the great questions, Occhi Magazine. You guys are awesome.
Photos by David Tenniswood
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