Matt Visser is one of those extraordinary young men who unwaveringly proceeds to book diverse, entertaining, and dynamic work. I had the honor of interviewing him a couple of years ago, and since that time, I have monitored his steady rise within the film and television community of Vancouver with no sign of deceleration. Thankfully, Hallmark has continued to feature him in engaging roles from time to time, but his body of work encompasses more than this beloved network, for he is quickly becoming a highly sought-after artist. Recently, Matt took some time to update me on his current and upcoming works in anticipation of his appearance in the next Fall Harvest film on the Hallmark Channel (premiering October 6th), Falling For You.

RH: Since our last interview, your biggest project was Somewhere Between. What was your experience like on that show, and what did you enjoy about playing your character? Any behind-the-scenes stories or memories?

Somewhere Between

MV: That show was amazing to work on. The producers were incredible. It was my first recurring role, so I was endlessly grateful to both casting and the creators for giving me that opportunity. I was playing the governor’s son who essentially leaves a wake of destruction behind over the years after covering up a gruesome murder. So it was just a hair different from the Hallmark movie I was filming a month prior.

With Rebecca & Greyston
Somewhere Between

But I enjoyed it tremendously. I got to do a real deep dive into things very foreign to me. I was just really fortunate to have incredible cast mates in Rebecca Staab, Greyston Holt and of course Devon Sawa and Paula Patton.

Somewhere Between

I also had a five-year-old daughter on the show played by Lina Renna who deserves an Oscar for making me appear to be an apt father when I know she’s well aware I can barely load a dishwasher.

You also guest-starred on Supernatural. What was it like being on that iconic show? Any chance your character could return?

Supernatural

Yeah, I think every actor in Vancouver tends to share the same feelings about that show. Its been around here for thirteen odd seasons now, so loads of people have been on it in some capacity or another. The feelings and experiences actors share about that show are always mutual; it’s just incredibly enjoyable and I feel like a broken record saying this but it’s a well-oiled machine”. I think a lot of that stems from Jared {Padalecki} and Jenson {Ackles}. When you have leads and producers like those guys, that everyone wants to be around it tends to create an incredibly positive culture that trickles down through all the departments.

Chances of me returning? Again, every actor and their cat has responded to that question about Supernatural by saying “you never know with those kinds of shows; I’d love to be back!”

But I was very much shot. So it’s not looking good for me, Ruth. And that’s O.K.

What other upcoming roles can you mention?

This past year has been great. I did a couple of episodes of a really great show called The Order that will be coming out on Netflix sometime next year that featured some pretty incredible local talent.

Take Two

I did a guest star spot on ABC’s Take Two, with Rachel Bilson and Eddie Cibrian. I think I’m sweating profusely in every scene because I was trying so hard not to laugh. They legally had to make up a name for an Italian sports car and some poor soul had to repeat over and over again. It went from Bertalingo to Bellinelli to Bellini or God knows what! So if I’m periodically convulsing throughout the episode, just know I was doing my best.

Taylor Cole, Chris Shields, Matt Visser, Madison Smith Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

I filmed a Hallmark movie directed by the also hilarious Peter Deluise called Falling For You. It features Taylor Cole and Tyler Hynes. Myself and Madison Smith play the bickering Buckman brothers who are part of the Bachelor Bake-Off that’s aiming to raise money for the local radio station. It airs tomorrow(October 6th), and I’m really excited to see this one. Taylor and Tyler are awesome; I think they’ll bring a refreshing dynamic that hasn’t quite been seen yet. They’re both just incredibly charming and honest, so I think it should be a fun one.

But aside from that – Im filming The Detour right now on TBS!

What are the most important lessons you have learned thus far in the acting business?

Ah, just that it all comes down to doing the work. There’s no secret to it; treat it like a job. The harder you work the luckier you get.

With Cindy Busby
Somewhere Between

There’s also just no room for ego in the business; confidence yes, but ego no. You’re often telling someone else’s story, and it’s fundamental that you make it your own. Be creative and make choices, but at the end of the day, you’re the vehicle in which a story larger than you is being told. If you start making it about yourself, you’re toast.

Also, please don’t google that. I probably just regurgitated a bunch of things I’ve heard on Hollywood Reporter roundtables. That was plagiarism, no doubt. 😁

If you could choose any book to make into a movie and/or a movie to remake, what one would you choose, and who would you cast in the main roles?

The kid in me would re-make Space Jam, but nobody wants to see the version where they accidentally abduct Steve Kerr from the Bulls instead of Jordan. Lose constantly but “play as a team”. Maybe I’d remake A Place In The Sun and have it directed by Jordan Peele.

You’re gonna have to come back to me on this one. 😉

Who do you see as your mentors in the business and/or those who have been most instrumental in helping to shape your career?

Ah, man. This is a rabbit hole I could go down for a while.

My acting coach Deb Podowski deserves the top of this totem pole. Without a doubt. She’s given me a sense of calm and confidence that affects every aspect of my life. Between her and my amazing agent Deb Dillistone, I’m just incredibly fortunate.

Beyond that, I have some disgustingly talented peers that constantly inspire me. They know who they are.

Supernatural

Time for some Random favorites:

Favorite food: Sushi

Favorite dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Favorite Book: Just so many to choose from and to pick from…

Favorite TV show to binge watch: The Office

Favorite movie: Interstellar, Legends of the Fall, and as a late addition, A Star Is Born

Favorite summer vacation spot: Spain

Favorite color: I don’t think I have a favourite colour…

What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?

I was once upon a time a half decent basketball player, but those days are long gone!

Photo by Matt Bourne

One of the things I find truly enchanting about Matt is how confident and accomplished he has become over the past few years. No matter the role he is given, he is excelling at a consistent pace because he is eager to invest the necessary time and resources to refine his skills and abilities. He is quite comfortable with who he is both personally and professionally, and as he continues on his lifelong quest of self-discovery, it will continue to afford him more opportunities for authentic portrayals of an assortment of characters. While Hallmark fans thrill in seeing him in fun-loving supporting parts, his command of the screen in his more serious and sinister roles demonstrates that he is a force with whom to be reckoned! There is no doubt in my mind that once we Hallmarkies witness his prowess and comedic timing on screen in Falling For You, it will only be a matter of time before we can exult in viewing more of Matt’s fantastic talent on our screens. After all, in my humble opinion, Matt has just about earned his opportunity to be featured as a lead, and I long for the day when a studio ultimately casts him in a major role where the virtual depth of his on-camera proficiency will be actualized.

I do invite everyone to tune into the Hallmark Channel on October 6th to see the newest Hallmark Fall movie as the network premieres Falling For You.  In addition to the incredible leads (Taylor Cole and Tyler Hynes), many Hallmark favorites will be seen in a variety of supporting roles, including the wonderful Matt, so keep a sharp eye out for him. Additionally, if you are not following Matt and his amazing work, I would invite you to check out all the links below and consider following him on your preferred social media platform (I think Instagram is where he tends to share the most). While Matt may never have the name recognition that some actors in the business possess, Matt is thriving as he pursues his passions and performs the work that fuels his very essence. And if that’s not veritable success, I don’t know what is!

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