Matthew's early life was shaped by his upbringing in a small country town in the state of Illinois, where he developed a strong sense of foundation and character.
As a young adult, Matthew made the bold decision to join the United States Navy, embarking on a journey that would take him to various parts of the world. His time in the Navy was marked by a sense of adventure, as he served in the Gulf War, earning the distinction of being a veteran of Desert Storm. With 20 years of dedicated service, Matthew rose through the ranks, ultimately retiring as a Chief Petty Officer.
Throughout his Navy career, Matthew had the opportunity to visit or live in 20 different countries, broadening his cultural perspective and developing a unique appreciation for the diversity of human experience.
After completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting from the University of Michigan in 2001 with Highest Honors, Matthew took a job at the US Embassy in London to finance his move to New York City. However, his time in Europe ultimately lasted for 12 years, during which he pursued his passion for acting, worked at the US Embassy, and started a family.
In 2013, Matthew returned to the Chicago area, marking the beginning of his US acting career.