A Chicano actor born and based in California’s Central Valley, he gravitates toward bold storytelling and characters defined by stylized movement and striking physical presence.
Matthew has been performing since childhood, first appearing in passion plays at his Adventist school’s annual Christmas productions. Homeschooled for much of elementary school, he was enrolled in dance classes as a way to socialize and get out of the house. In high school, he took choir as an elective and was moved quickly into the Advanced Chamber Singers class. The combination of dance and vocal performance eventually led him to his first theater production. An experience that solidified the stage as a place where he truly felt at home.
Matthew has had the pleasure of performing throughout California’s Central Valley, beginning with his hometown company, the Los Banos Community Theater. The experience gave him early opportunities to grow as both an artist and performer. While attending Merced College, he participated in a production that reignited his passion for theater, leading him to change majors and dive deeper into the craft. During his time in the area, he worked and volunteered with organizations including the Merced Playhouse, Merced Shakespeare Festival, The Homecoming Troupe, and the Multicultural Arts Center.
In 2024, Matthew moved away from home to attend UC Davis and join the Theater and Dance program. Originally planning to emphasize scenic design, his experience working on productions and learning from mentors in the department led him to shift his focus toward performance. He is now dedicated to developing his craft and pursuing a professional career as an actor.