Matthew Willig is a rare breed, having successfully pursued not one, but two of his passions in life. With a career spanning over a decade as a professional football player and an equally impressive acting resume, Matthew has proven that he’s more than just a towering presence on screen. As he gears up to portray Andre the Giant in the upcoming TV series Young Rock, let’s delve into 10 lesser-known facts about this versatile talent.
1. College Days: Where Acting Began
Although Matthew didn’t always envision a career in acting, the allure of performing was undeniable. It wasn’t until his senior year at the University of Southern California that he took the plunge, landing a role in a friend’s film project.
2. Undrafted but Unstoppable
Matthew’s journey to the NFL is a testament to the power of perseverance. Despite not being drafted after college, he managed to join a team and enjoyed a 14-year-long career in professional football.
3. A Devoted Father
While Matthew takes pride in his professional accomplishments, nothing compares to the joy of fatherhood. He cherishes every moment spent with his two daughters and appears to be happily married to a woman named Christine.
4. Navigating Faith and Beliefs
Raised in the Catholic church, Matthew has grappled with the institution’s conservative stance on issues like gay marriage. In an interview with Out Sports, he expressed his struggle with the church’s hypocrisy and his own beliefs.
5. A Voice Behind the Scenes
Matthew’s acting prowess extends beyond live-action roles. He has lent his voice to various projects, including the 2010 video game Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions.
6. Embracing Diverse Roles
While often typecast as imposing characters, Matthew relishes the opportunity to explore different roles and challenge audience expectations. He’s eager to showcase his versatility as an actor.
7. A Surprising iCarly Cameo
Matthew’s appearance on the popular kids’ show iCarly in 2008 may come as a surprise to many. He played a character named Sledgehammer, proving that he’s not afraid to venture into unexpected territory.
8. Confronting Concussions
Matthew experienced a few concussions during his football career but was fortunate to avoid lasting damage. In 2015, he appeared in the film Concussion, which highlighted the dangers of these injuries and the groundbreaking work of Dr. Bennet Omalu.
9. A Passion for Travel
When he’s not working, Matthew loves to explore new destinations. His careers in both sports and acting have afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively, both within the United States and abroad.
10. A Modest Social Media Presence
Despite his considerable fan base, Matthew maintains a relatively low profile on social media. With less than 3,000 followers on Twitter and just over 3,200 on Instagram, he’s a prime example of talent that speaks for itself.
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