Matt Drago is making waves in the entertainment industry, best known for his role as Fabian in “Somewhere in Montana”.
Matt Drago is forging his own path in the industry with his production company, which is currently developing its first feature film.
Based in Los Angeles, Matt Drago is making a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Best known for his compelling portrayal of Fabian in the acclaimed film “Somewhere in Montana”, Matt has demonstrated his versatility across a variety of projects. His impressive body of work includes roles in Disney’s viral sensation “Counting Scars”, the thought-provoking film “What Would Jesus Do: The Journey Continues”, and Ridley Scott’s innovative series “Prophets of Science Fiction”. In addition, he engages audiences with his performances in the popular audio drama podcast “No Other Way”.
Beyond his impressive acting career, Matt is forging his unique path within the entertainment industry through his production company. Currently in development on its highly anticipated inaugural feature film, this venture showcases his deep-seated passion for storytelling and his commitment to producing compelling content. With a vision to create narratives that genuinely connect with audiences, Matt is dedicated to bringing fresh and engaging stories to the screen, reflecting both creativity and a keen understanding of what engages viewers.
Matt Drago – Martial Artist
Matt’s talents extend beyond his on-screen abilities. He is a dedicated martial artist, proudly holding a 4th-degree black belt in Karate, which reflects his discipline and commitment. Additionally, he has a strong passion for sports, skillfully balancing his artistic pursuits with a love for athletic competition.
Represented by HRI Talent and Ignite Talent Management, Matt is a proud member of both SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity. Networking Magazine talks to Matt Drago about his personal and professional journey.
Questions
From Stage to Screen
You’ve showcased your talents in various projects, including film, television, and audio drama. How do you approach acting differently in each format?
Storytelling
Such a phenomenal first question! Nothing has inspired me more in life than the craft of acting and storytelling. It’s something that grounds me, connects me to my humanity, nurtures me through the highs & lows, and inspires me to connect others to this thing we all call life. As it pertains to different projects & genres, it’s simple. I get curious.
Curious about all things. From the collaborators & their previous works. To the production companies and studios they’ve partnered with, which can influence the worlds they seek to create. From the material itself & what it’s trying to say, do. And from the medium it lives in: whether it be on the stage, TV (and the many genres within), or film (with a whole world of possibilities).
Toolbox
Next, I get out my toolbox. One thing I did in NYC was earn a substantial amount of money in the bars/restaurants, and then invested most of it in training with the best. From studying scene work with Terry Schreiber in his 12-person class, or studying voice with Ron Shetler, or audition technique with Michael Lavine, I always believed that to be the best, train with the best. Oh, I did all that while I was getting my acting degree with a musical theatre minor, all while doing that.
I don’t say any of that to gloat at all, this journey has & will forever continue to humble me, because it has challenged me, broken my heart more times than I care to count, and seemingly put me back together again when I needed it most.
So, for that, I say, I absolutely love to do the work. Because I LOVE the work.
Character Connection
Your role as Fabian in “Somewhere in Montana” has captured much attention. What drew you to this character, and how did you prepare for the role?
Everything, to be honest. This was a role I’ve dreamed of playing my whole life. A role—and more importantly, a story — that I felt really said something. Did something. And this one meets the moment in every way.
In preparation, I won’t lie, I became obsessive. I felt like Brandon Smith (Writer/Director) & Eden Matson (Producer) had given me such a profound gift that I was going to give them everything I had to bring life into a very complex character.
Inspirational Teachers
Because I go back to my inspirational teachers I’ve learned & grown from, I went back to all of the types of training techniques I’ve learned along the way…And I simply picked one that I felt met the needs of how to breathe all of my life into this layered role.
I decided to go a full method approach which was taught to me by Terry as he had been a colleague of its founder Lee Strasburg in NYC. Because I felt so much of this character aligning with me & I was given the gift of workshopping it with Brandon who created it, I found myself letting myself fall into Fabian’s psyche & understanding the inner workings on what made him tick.
Matt Drago – Method Acting
The truth about method acting is that it can be very gratifying, especially if you tailor it to a character that will also help you grow as a person. Fabian taught me a lot about forgiveness, compassion, strength, and resilience.
And because of that, I know I will always consider it a momentous role in my life. Because of the gift it was, is, and continues to be.
Behind the Scenes
You have your own production company in development. What inspired you to take on the role of producer, and what can you tell us about your upcoming feature film project?
I think I learned from Fabian that I not only love acting, I love collaborating.
I love seeing the many masters of craft on a set, and this experience for “Somewhere In Montana” was special. The cast & crew were & are so close: we’d go on hikes together, share our meals together, go on the lake together, and really couldn’t get enough of each other. It really became a family.
So, because of that, I wanted to take that experience of creating new families with like-minded souls that love the art of storytelling, and like Fabian, share stories in little pockets of our country that feel like they don’t have a voice.
We are currently on script for a feature film, which will be set in the town I’m originally from.
Viral Success
Your appearance in Disney’s “Counting Scars” became a viral sensation. What was that experience like, and how has it impacted your career?
Disney is too much fun & the production was an absolute blast! So much joy going to Disney Studios & figuring out the costuming, the makeup, the eyes, the recording sessions, the music video sessions – all of it.
We had such a talented cast & crew & the video was a huge success, to the point where they started playing it at Disneyland! Such a cool project to be a part of!
Influences and Inspirations
Who are some of your biggest influences in the acting world, and how have they shaped your own acting style?
I used to live right across the street from the actor that I’ve most idolised in my life, Al Pacino. We’d go to the same diner on the Upper West Side, and occasionally I was brave enough to wave to him or say a quick hello to him.
History
I think your history plays a part in your ability to see a place for yourself in this industry. Because there is no concrete path. And, as Al says, in many ways, have a vision.
I think it’s because of his depth & mastery of craft, and because we both share many of the same roots, that he was someone I was instantly & effortlessly inspired by early on. Then, to see him around my neighbourhood on the Upper West Side…Pretty cool.
Martial Arts Mastery
As a 4th-degree black belt in Karate, how does your training influence your approach to acting and physicality in your roles?
What many people don’t know about me is that I was born into a Dojo. My father is my Sensei. And I’ve been practising Karate since I can remember.
What I’ve always loved most about my practice is, like acting, it is an art. -A Martial Art.
Okinawa
And it is a self-practice. One that was developed in my case from some of the longest living people in the world. On the island of Okinawa.
Okinawan Shorin Ryu was created by farmers & gentle souls merely to protect themselves with what they had. We have weapons like the tonfa, used to mash grain, the sai, used to till the land, and the eiku (my favourite), which is an oar to row.
I love getting physical with my roles. Carrying the body of the character within my own, in the best way possible, to feel the connection to who he is.
Matt Drago – Storytelling
I know that might sound weird, but for me it’s part of the work. For Fabian, I lost 25 pounds & leaned out significantly because I felt him as someone who forgot to eat meals, someone who was driven, on the verge of hyper, sometimes with the passion that he has for storytelling.
I have trained in Japanese acting styles, including Suzuki work, which really connects you to the deepest parts of your body language within the character.
Balancing Act
With so many projects on your plate, how do you manage to balance your acting career with your personal interests, like sports?
Sports are the ultimate escape for me. I grew up playing most sports: baseball, tennis, football & basketball; as well as scuba diving, which I’m not sure is a sport, but it should be, & wow, is it an exhilarating escape to another world.
From following an NFL season intently or escaping to playoffs in NBA, NHL, MLB, sports feel like stories told in real time & ever growing, and because of that, they are a new balance that brings me a lot of joy in life.
Matt Drago – Future Endeavours
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Are there any specific goals or projects you’re particularly excited about?
Honestly, my specific goal right now is to continue to search for collaborators, whether it be acting, producing or otherwise.
I am so grateful to my reps who constantly & consistently push for me to get into doors, and I want to keep delivering the best work I can, and see where it will take me.
Like I said, this journey has humbled me greatly, so I am always joyous when I get to do what I love around like-minded souls who love it just as much.
Community and Collaboration
Being a member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity, how important do you think it is for actors to support one another in the industry?
It’s crucial that support is provided. However, the union also needs to offer its assistance. This is a particularly challenging time, given the rise of AI, the complexity of contracts, changes in how TV shows are produced and distributed, and the evolving methods of film releases, among many other issues.
The one thing I’ve always believed in first & foremost is that people in all industries need to be compensated fairly for their work. And I mean everyone. In the film & tv world, we had not just one but four simultaneous strikes because these days are long, and the work is hard. Our crews are incredible, and the labour is arduous. The producer’s day never really ends with the many plates they have to spin. The directors have so much responsibility that pertains to every single soul on their sets. And I could go on & on.
Matt Drago – Passion
And even though we might love what we do, it does not mean we should be compensated less for it? Remember, many profit from our work. Like in sports, if the players weren’t on the fields of play, the arenas & stadiums would be empty.
I hope, most importantly, for a fairer approach to endure; unfortunately, I know that our industry faces many challenges in modern times.
Personal Touch
What do you enjoy doing outside of acting and martial arts? How do you unwind and recharge in the fast-paced entertainment world?
My greatest passion outside of acting & martial arts is travelling. Exploring the vastness of this great big world we live in is the ultimate reset for me. It makes me feel connected, grounded, refreshed, inspired, and joyous.
I went to Sicily with my cousin a couple of years ago, and that journey had a profound impact on my life. From the moment I got off the plane, I felt at home somehow. We journeyed all over the island, but ended the trip in the Sicilian hills of Calascibetta, where my Drago family is originally from.
The trip brought a wealth of family connection, tears of joy, and most importantly, made me feel connected to my own story, as a storyteller. There’s nothing better than that.
Matt Drago – Credits
Website Cover Photography by Kelly Balch © – @Kellybalch
Matt Drago – Instagram
Join us on Spotify.
