INTRO BY KAT VISTI
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
PHOTO BY BIRDIE THOMPSON
Matty Cardarople always wanted to be an entertainer and made the move from New Hampshire to Los Angeles. He started studying acting at the Beverly Hills Playhouse and was eventually discovered by Luke and Owen Wilson who gave him his career start in movies like Drillbit Taylor and Blonde Ambition. Matty recently joined the cast of Stranger Things season two and earned a starring role in Netflix's Series Of Unfortunate Events as a part of Count Olaf's Troupe. Matty also self-released a book of his poetry entitled Space Cadet. In an interview with Matty we sat down to learn more about his latest roles!
When did you first realize that you wanted to be an actor?
"I had a few sparks. When I saw Jim Carrey act in Ace Ventura he inspired me to make people laugh. I was a sad kid growing because of my parents’ divorce and I didn’t get into Little League baseball. Jim helped me forget about my worries and relax. Years later, my first big acting gig, the director said 'Welcome to the Big Leagues, kid!' So everything came full circle for me and my dream came true."
What do you remember from your first audition?
"During my first audition I was so nervous. It was for a student film for USC. My friend Peter was auditioning there too. We had been in a class together and were good friends. I went up to Peter and showed him my hands. I was so nervous that I was shaking. Peter looks at me dumbfounded and he slaps me across the face. I was shocked. He says, 'Snap out of it. You’re great!'
And to be honest that really helped. If I only could get Peter to do that for every audition. I’m kidding of course. I definitely have some nerves now before auditions but I’ve learned how to relax, let go, and have fun. That’s what it’s all about."
You currently star as Orlando on Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, which recently premiered its second season. What’s it like working on the set?
"Besides being really unfortunate, the set is beautiful. It’s like going back in time. I had a blast. The cast and crew are really fun to work with."
Do you have a favorite episode that you filmed of the show?
"My favorite episode to film was 203. I loved the dancing for The Secretary’s Day song. I got to use a pot as a drum and a fly swatter as a drum stick. That to me was hilarious. I also love my jumping and swaying to the music as I ate a sandwich."
You also can be seen as Keith in Stranger Things – what has that experience been like since the show has gained so much recognition?
"The fans are incredible. I’m very grateful for their response. Everywhere I go I get a fan telling me how much they love the show and an how funny my character is. That means the world to me. It’s why I started acting."
What do you love most about being an actor?
"I love bringing people laughter and joy especially in the complex world we live in today. It’s why I get up every day. It’s the best feeling to know that people are seeing my work and it’s making a difference in their lives. I love when fans reach out to me to let me know that my work helped them get through a hard day. That to me is what it’s all about. A connection of joy is the best kind of connection you can have with people."
Is there a certain type of role that you haven’t gotten to portray yet that you would love to in the future?
"Yes, I’d love to portray a lamp…an actual lamp. Haha! Just kidding. I’d love to play a superhero or a role that inspires people to laugh and love each other more."
Are there any other projects we can expect from you soon?
"Yes. Season 3 of ASOUE and a few top secret projects. If I mentioned them the Hawkins lab will come after me."