Keep an eye out for Kyle Matthew! With multiple talents up his sleeves - actor, writer, and producer - Kyle is definitely making his name known. Why do I say that? Because he starred in two films which were premiered successfully in Burbank International Film Festival and SXSW Film Festival straight after finishing USC’s B.A. Acting Program. Now, more opportunities are on the horizon for him such as landing a guest star role in Disney's Bunk'd and taking the comedy world by storm. Let’s dive into our exclusive interview with Kyle on the footprints he is imprinting in the entertainment industry and working with Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Where are you based?
Los Angeles.

What sparked your interest in acting? When did you know you wanted to be involved in the film industry?
Growing up, I actually was pretty set on being a professional basketball player. I wore NBA sweatbands every day to school, was obsessed with the Lakers, and even had my bar mitzvah theme centered around basketball. It wasn’t until the 8th grade that I decided to officially jump from the court to the screen/stage. This was around the time when I won best actor on “Shakespeare Day” at my school (shoutout Greenhill) and also realized my chances of being over 6 foot were slim to none.

Fresh out from USC’s B.A. Acting Program and starring in short films like ‘Uninvited’ and ‘Charlie Hughes’ straight away to landing Guest Starring role in Disney’s Bunk’d, have your education background in acting helped you in these roles? If so, how?
It has helped tremendously. Just like any other craft, the more time you spend learning about it, the more possible it becomes.

How has your experience been like taking on these roles? How do you prepare yourself to get into character?
It’s been incredible. Anytime I’m fortunate enough to be on set, telling stories, is truly a blessing. My preparation has certainly evolved over time and my tools have definitely been enhanced over the past year as a result of my time at Lesly Kahn & Company. One of the main principles from LK, that I now use whenever I’m working on a role, is that, in every scene I ask, “what are my thoughts on whatever was just said/done or not said/or done?” After all, as the cliché goes, “acting is reacting.”

Both the short films were premiered at Burbank International Film Festival and SXSW Film Festival, which were received incredibly well on the festival circuit --Congrats! How was the experience? What went through your head when you received this amazing news?
Amazing. All I ever want to do is tell great stories with great people that hopefully make people laugh and/or offer them permission to feel. To have been a part of projects that have resonated with even a few people to the point where they decided to program them in their respective festivals is humbling.

Jejune learned that you are a supporting role in an upcoming feature film that will be announced later in the year. Can you share with us a little bit about what this film is about and your role in it? Were there any challenges in playing the character?
Unfortunately, I can’t share much at the moment. What I can say, is that I got to work with a lot of really gifted artists both in front of and behind the camera. I look forward to when I can share more!

What advice can you share with individuals that want a career in the film industry?
As the G.O.A.T., Denzel Washington, once said, “ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship.”

Besides acting in films, you also have a knack for Comedy where you produced and acted in hilarious sketches such as “Leaked: iPhone 9 Commercial” and “Lip-Sync Break Up”, which have over 100K views on YouTube. What is the inspiration behind producing these comedic sketches? How does it feel to share what you created with people?
The school I went to growing up in Dallas, Greenhill School, has a video production program that I got very involved in during high school (shout out to Mr. Doyle). Though my primary passion was always acting, my time in that program gave me the courage to be proactive about writing stories/roles that I wanted to tell/play. That idea was further emboldened when I became a part of a sketch comedy troupe at USC, The Suspenders. The YouTube videos that I’ve released, Lip-Sync Break-Up and LEAKED iPhone 9 Commercial, were both originally sketches I wrote and performed while in the troupe, and then I decided to film them. They were both a blast to make and I’m grateful that they both made some people laugh.

What made you dive into Comedy and what has it been like working on your own creative endeavors during a pandemic?
Comedy will always be something that I especially love because there is no better feeling than making someone laugh and being able to instantly see the joy that you’re able to bring to another person. Being on the receiving end of something funny is such a magical experience too.

Jejune admires that you are an active volunteer as a “big brother” for Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles (JBBSLA). How did you get involved? Can you tell us more about their work and their mission?
My involvement with JBBSLA has been nothing short of amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone. As their website states, “the mission of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles is to assist youth in achieving their full potential through innovative, impactful programs.”

What does your role as a “big brother” in JBBSLA entail?
I have a superstar “little brother,” who just turned 13, who I hang with a few times a month. He loves RC Cars, which I know nothing about, so it’s always super fun watching him show me something he’s so passionate about.

What drew you to JBBSLA and why is it important to you? How can we raise awareness for organizations such as these and their causes?
I decided to become involved with Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA) for a few reasons. First, because I wanted to connect more with my Jewish roots. Second, I’m, selfishly, my happiest when I’m doing something for someone else. Thirdly, I’m the baby of my family so being able to be a “big brother” to someone else sounded like fun. We can raise awareness through action and through respected publications, such as yours, being kind enough to highlight it.

Besides volunteering and acting, you are also an active person and loves fitness. What activities do you do to stay healthy and fit? How do you balance it with a busy schedule?
My focus these days isn’t as much as being “fit” or “healthy,” but on trying to move my body in ways that are fun and/or challenging. Some of my favorites include running outside, any at-home workouts from Shaun T (call me Jane Fonda), and boxing (shoutout @Gloveworx).

Due to the pandemic and movement restrictions, it must be quite hard to go out and exercise. How have you been staying positive and active during the shelter in place?
Honestly, one of the best tools I have for genuinely being positive is by also allowing myself to NOT be positive at times when I’m feeling that way. I truly believe, as the axiom goes, “that which we resist, persists.”

Lastly, what is your motto in life?
“The effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is.” -Jim Carrey

To learn more about Kyle Matthew, please follow him via the below platforms:
IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4528361/
Instagram - thekylematthew

Kyle Matthew: Progress with Impact