Thanks to the Hallmark Network, I am honored to have met and interacted with both Peter DeLuise and Ann Marie DeLuise, and it is their dedication and promotion of the actor who will be featured in the new Hallmark movie A Brush With Love that alerted me to the amazing Matthew James Dowden. Although I had seen him previously, without their assistance, I would not be aware of this young man and his phenomenal talent. Recently, he agreed to a quick interview with me, and in anticipation of tonight’s (March 30th) debut, I am delighted to share Matthew with his adoring fanbase and my supportive readers!
RH: Please tell us a little of your backstory and how you got involved in pursuing a career in entertainment.
MJD: My earliest memories of performing are singing in Durham Cathedral Choir, as seen in this photo taken by my very proud parents the day I was made a full chorister. I’m so grateful to them because they were always keen to involve me in music of all kinds, and alongside the singing training, I studied violin and piano from the age of five, playing in various orchestras over the years. So, I’ve been involved in entertainment in some shape or form my whole life.
You have a multi-faceted career that covers more than just acting. Please tell us a little bit about your writing, illustrating and music. (I have downloaded your Christmas Album–wow! I’m a vocal music major, and so music is a passion of mine too.)
Oh thank you, I’m glad you liked it. That’s especially flattering considering your musical background. It was a labour of love really as I got to record some of my favourite Christmas songs.
Magic of Movies
I’m definitely someone who enjoys variety. I feel very lucky to be living in a time where you don’t necessarily have to do just one thing in life. You can explore so many different careers and interests, and I see each of those as being another stitch in the tapestry of your life. I actually went to Law School, and it wasn’t until after graduating that I became interested in performing again, and until about three years ago, I traveled the world performing my one-man theatre show, Magic of the Movies, which was a musical variety show inspired by Hollywood. It included everything from singing and dancing to impersonations and sleight of hand, and I loved performing it because I was able to pay tribute to some of my heroes of the silver screen such as Gene Kelly. So for me, to be acting in TV and film now is a dream come true.
Matthew The Magnificent
Writing was something I’d always enjoyed, but it wasn’t until I came to Vancouver that the opportunity to write and illustrate my first children’s novel presented itself. Matthew The Magnificent is about a small boy who is bullied at school and becomes a magician after delivering a mysterious package to the scary house at the end of the street. It was such an enjoyable project as it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, although the idea of illustrating it myself only came up later. Again, I saw it as a fun challenge. For me, aside from making sure it was a fun read, I wanted it to deal with important issues such as bullying and understanding our gifts in life no matter what the circumstances. I’m currently working on the sequel, and my dream would be to have it made into a movie.
What was your first professional film/TV role that you booked and what are your memories of that job?
My first TV role was in CW’s The Flash and it was an incredible experience. I played Christoph Banks, an affluent, snobbish antiquities collector. The bonus was that I got to do my first stunt as well, being picked up and thrown by a suit of armour that had come to life. It was a great introduction to the world of TV, and the cast and crew couldn’t have been nicer.
Hallmark audiences first saw you in Hailey Dean Mystery: A Marriage Made For Murder. Please tell us about your role and your experience with this film. (If I am correct, you played the guy who got murdered.)
Yes, that’s right. It actually started a running joke with my friends and family because since that day, whenever I book a role, the first question is… “Do you die in this one?” despite the fact that technically I have only been murdered once. I played Victor Bridgestone, a sophisticated and demanding, owner of an art gallery, and he was a lot of fun to play. As my introduction to Hallmark, I found the cast and crew so warm and welcoming; it really is like a family.
You also made an appearance in Salvation (I saw that one too). What was your experience like with that show?
Filming Salvation was interesting as it was all done with green screen, and I always look forward to seeing the final result when effects are used. I was a salesman advertising “luxury survival condos” for the apocalypse to the very wealthy. It was quite different to my other roles at the time because, aside from the fact I was talking casually about the end of the world, I had to deliver a monologue directly to camera.
A Twist of Christmas
I saw you in A Twist of Christmas as well. What was it like being a part of that Christmas film, and what did you appreciate most about your role?
Filming a Christmas movie can be strange because, as you probably know, they are often filmed at the height of summer. So it’s quite funny to see actors wearing winter coats while the crew are in shorts and t-shirts. We all had a blast making this movie. The cast and crew were amazing and the scenes that we shot were so fun and relaxed. I played Dr. Kenneth, the new husband of the male lead’s ex-wife…I’ll give you a second to get your head around that :-). He’s a doctor with a skier’s tan who has a big house and a fancy car. When I read the script, I knew instantly that he was supposed to be the guy you wanted to hate, due to his being good at everything, but can’t because he’s also so nice. This made it a really fun role to play.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
I am a bit behind on the Netflix series A Series of Unfortunate Events, but I see you made an appearance in season three. What was it like being a part of that show?
I was really excited to be a part of this very unique show starring Neil Patrick Harris. I was Bertrand Baudelaire, husband of Beatrice, played by the beautiful Morena Baccarin. She’s an incredibly accomplished actor and such a lovely person to work with. What made this series so special was partly the sheer scale of the show, but also the attention to detail. Having been to the studio the day before, I was blown away on arriving the next day for filming to see that the set designers had turned a huge warehouse into a real beach, complete with sand, palm trees and a sailboat. Not only does it look real on screen, but it also looked and felt real when I was there which, as any actor will tell you, is very helpful.
You are about to come back to our Hallmark screens in A Brush With Love. Please tell us a little about your character and how that fits into the overall story.
A Brush With Love
A Brush With Love was an AMAZING experience from start to finish. Once again it’s the people who make it. The lovely Arielle Kebbel plays artist Jamie Spellman and was an absolute joy to work with. Another highlight for me was getting to work with Peter DeLuise, who aside from being a wonderful director, is one of the nicest and most genuine people you’ll meet.
With Arielle and Peter
I play Michael Herman, the head of an arts foundation and one of Jamie’s possible love interests. The story is very well-written because myself and Nick Bateman, who plays the other possible love interest, represent different metaphorical paths she can take in her life, but you never feel she is reliant on finding the right man to complete her. Anyway, if you would like to find out who she chooses, you’ll have to tune into the Hallmark Channel on March 30th.
What do you enjoy about being a part of the Hallmark network? Why do you believe this network is continuing to experience such unprecedented growth?
I mentioned being introduced to the Hallmark family earlier and I’d say that’s what I enjoy most about it. You get a real sense of family, not only when you find yourself working with some of the same crew on different projects, but among the fans as well. When you read the comments and interviews online, you can tell that people really care about the shows, movies, characters and actors, which is wonderful. I’d say that is also why the Hallmark network has experienced such growth because in a world that is becoming increasingly negative, you know that Hallmark will leave you feeling uplifted.
Aurora Teagarden with Miranda Frigon and Candace Cameron Bure
Any other upcoming works that you can mention?
Adding to my Hallmark resume I am excited to be working with the fantastic Candice Cameron Bure and director Martin Wood in one of the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries filming this month. I can’t say too much about my role as I’m always nervous about giving anything away, but I play a true crime author and it’s another really fun role.
What is your favorite thing about the season of spring?
For me, it’s the feeling of rebirth. You get a real sense of new opportunities and being able to start afresh whatever is going on in your life. The days get longer and brighter and you start to notice the flowers blooming. It’s a wonderful time of year that, just like a Hallmark movie, tends to leave you with a smile on your face.
The thing about Matthew is that he is absolutely everything you could ever want in a Hallmark (or any network, for that matter) actor. He is benevolent, gifted, humble, and pragmatic, not to mention impeccably handsome and extraordinarily charming. Every interaction I have experienced with him has been seasoned with grace and eloquence and just the right touch of humor. I adore the fact that Hallmark is beginning to feature this young man more and more, and I tend to think that a leading role is not too far away for this multi-dimensional entertainer. And who knows? Maybe they’ll even let him sing in one of the network’s upcoming films or shows! After all, we fans are constantly requesting more music in our Hallmark films, and Matthew could be the very person who contributes profoundly to this possibility.
I hope that everyone in the U.S. tunes into the Hallmark Channel tonight (March 30th) for one of the most highly anticipated Spring Fever offerings (after all, Arielle Kebbel and Nick Bateman alone are reason enough to tune in, right?), A Brush With Love. (I sincerely hope a Canadian network picks up this film very soon!) Additionally, while you are feasting your eyes upon the debonair and accomplished Matthew, be sure that you click on all his links below, and I implore you to follow him on your preferred social media platform(s) so that you never miss an opportunity to see him on-screen or elsewhere. I am extremely optimistic about this young man’s prospects in the near and distant future, and I tend to think that the Hallmark network has found one of their new heart-throbs whose undeniable brilliance, roguish good looks, and sweet persona are going to catapult him to instant Hallmark favorite status for many more years to come!
FOLLOW MATTHEW
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