Person Biography:
Matthew Keating, an Australian-born actor and producer, grew up in the Mallee country, with his family eventually settling in Hamilton, a traditional land of the Gunditjamara people. As a young boy, he was devastated to discover that there was no McDonald's in Hamilton, which sparked a deep-seated desire to pursue his creative interests.
Keating's early life was marked by a passion for the arts, which he nurtured through his involvement in school concerts, high school musicals, and the Hamilton Dramus Theatre Group. Despite guidance from a career advisor to pursue a more conventional path, Keating was determined to attend acting school.
He went on to study at the University of Ballarat Drama Department, where he developed his skills as a breakdance instructor at ExistDance HipHoP Skool and a fascination with the arts of self-defense. In the early 2000s, Keating began to hone his skills in combat and athleticism to meet the growing demand for high-intensity roles in superhero, high fantasy, and period dramas.
Throughout his career, Keating has portrayed a wide range of characters, including police officers, wizards, barbarians, kings, and soldiers. His most notable recent commission was the interpretation of Australian entrepreneur Thomas Ritchie, founder of Ritchie's IGA, which he brought to life at events and conferences around the country.
Keating's dedication to his craft is evident in his commitment to honing his skills through workshops in dialect and performance, as well as his passion for short film production with the Valiant Film Company. His films, including "Small Beginnings", "Corgi", and "Venture", have earned significant accolades in various film festivals.
Despite his success, Keating has not eaten at McDonald's since 2006, a testament to his independence and determination to forge his own path.
