(Part 1) Matt Pascua: Navigating the Emotional Acting Landscape, his work in Independent Film and Life in NYC

THIS IS PART ONE.  PART TWO WILL BE RELEASED IN A FEW DAYS.

:00
Introduction and Background
02:47
Journey into Acting
05:37
Navigating the Acting Industry
08:28
Life in New York vs. LA
11:25
Travel and Personal Life
14:07
Finding Love and Relationships
16:54
Coming Out and Identity
19:39
Family Dynamics and Support
20:33
Exploring Sexuality and Identity
23:21
The Making of 'Say Yes'
27:53
Character Reflections and Personal Connections

SUMMARY
In this conversation, Matt Pascua shares his journey from a Midwest upbringing to becoming an actor in New York City. He discusses the challenges and joys of navigating the acting world, the competitive nature of LA and New York, and his experiences with love and identity. Matt reflects on his coming out journey, the support from his family, and how he relates to his character in the independent film 'Say Yes.' The conversation highlights themes of self-discovery, emotional honesty, and the importance of community.

TAKEAWAYS
Matt Pascua grew up outside of Chicago and didn't pursue acting until later in life.
He found his passion for acting while studying at Ithaca College.
Matt emphasizes the importance of emotional honesty in acting.
He believes there is no correct trajectory in an acting career.
Self-assessment is crucial for artists to ensure they find joy in their work.
Matt's journey of coming out was supported by his younger brother, who is also gay.
He values the growth and learning that comes with family dynamics.
Matt identified as bisexual and acknowledged his late exploration of this part of his identity. He now simply identifies as Queer.
He shares a positive experience of finding love through Grindr during the pandemic.
Matt relates deeply to his character Caden in 'Say Yes,' infusing personal experiences into his performance.

BIO
MATT PASCUA is an actor based in New York City. After studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse, he began working in commercials and on stage, including an earlier, regional production of Matthew Spangler's "The Kite Runner," an adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's best-selling novel of the same name. His television work includes appearances on "Grey's Anatomy," "Castle," "Rosewood," "Insecure," "Dynasty," "Fantasy Island," "Mayor of Kingstown," and "FBI: Most Wanted." Through 2024, Matt recurred as Ben Perez on "Walker," The CW's family drama-reboot of "Walker, Texas Ranger." On film, he can be seen in Jean-Marc Vallée's "Wild" and in Stewart Wade's "Say Yes" and "Baby Steps," amongst several other independent releases. In 2019, two projects he headlined, Lise Johnson's "Other Loving" and Anthony Meindl's "Where We Go From Here," screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Matt is also an alum of the ABC Discovers Talent Showcase, which takes pride in Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, and Gina Rodriguez, among many others, as some of its previously selected artists.

Matt's IG/:  https://www.instagram.com/pattmascua/

Contact Wilkinson: BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com