First off I want to thank you for doing this.
Not a problem at all. I am happy to do it.
While doing research there wasn't a lot out there about you so it is nice to be the one to get this info to the fans.
No there isn't and I am happy to answer questions and let people know about my background.
When did you start acting/begin your acting career?
I had my first paying acting job in the Summer of 1995. I went to junior college in Glen Ellyn which is 40 minutes
west of Chicago, they had a 4-5 play season. I played there professionally first year with the residence theater.
Then a couple of plays with Shakespeare Rep, which has since become the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy
Pier. Then took part in the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada. In 1998 I got my first TV job and played at
Steppenwolf. That was a good year, I did the pilot of the show, then the play and then went back and did the 13
episodes for the show. That was the last play I did.
Do you think about going back and doing plays?
All the time. When you don't have work in L.A. you think about it all the time. When you aren't making money here
you want to do it, but you think to yourself, "I can't leave, this is where the money is." I would love to do a play and
go back to Chicago. The opportunity hasn't presented itself and the older I get the more difficult it is to do.
Was your family supportive? Were there arts in your family?
I actually grew up playing sports, that was the environment I grew up in, my dad was an athlete and that's I how I
grew up. I was playing sports up until senior year. My dad had dabbled in amateur theater as well. I had never acted
before but I had decided I wanted to do it. Needless to say my father wasn't too thrilled about that idea. He came
around but early on it was a little touch and go with him. My brother is an artist. My mother as well, she doesn't
practice as much, but when she sits down she is quite good.
Who were some of your heroes growing up?
Abraham Lincoln also Walter Payton. He did so much for the city and the
area. Grew up as a kid watching him every Sunday. He was a pretty special
guy and I personally did my best to emulate him growing up.
How was your experience on American Dreams, playing Pete Pryor, different from being on a bigger budget/bigger
show such as Heroes?
I did much more work on American Dreams up to this point. I did close to 40 episodes. Much different show. At the
time felt like a bigger show in terms of the cast and the musical sequences they did and everything else. But now
compared to HEROES, American Dreams feels like a much smaller show. More intimate, just smaller, not in a bad
way. HEROES is just so much more epic, following so many more characters. The effects, it’s a big epic show. That
is the one chief key difference. American Dreams had a fair amount of success in the first year. No where
compared to Heroes. It was always the question about whether it was gonna last. With Heroes we at least know
now it will be around next year.
The announcement last week by NBC green lighting season two, really excited a lot of fans including myself, it is
great news.
Its great news for a lot of people. Now we just have to see where it all leads.
Your role as Kalvin on House was really compelling. How did that part come along?
I went in and auditioned just like anyone else. Just in the right place at the right time. I think I just had a good day
that day. It was a great part to play, you don't get to play parts like that very often.
Was Crossing Jordan your first contact with Tim Kring?
That was my first time with him. I had worked with Dennis Hammer who was a producer on Crossing Jordan who is
also a producer on HEROES. I auditioned for Tim. It is funny because it was a similar part, must be something about
the crazy hair and crazy beard.
What is he like to work with/for?
It's interesting. The guy is insanely busy. I don't see a lot of Tim Kring. You know as an executive producer and
creator, he is crazy busy and the bigger a hit the show becomes the busier someone in his position will be. He
travels a lot and I am sure he is in the writer's room as well. All the ideas go though him. He did come out to see us
on Friday night while we were on location. I asked him "Why are you here? You should be home. Go rest." You don't
see a lot of him but is he is a nice guy just real low key.
Who was the first person you told about getting your role on HEROES?
My wife (Ashley Crow, who plays Sandra Bennet). She is the first to know everything.
Can you give me a breakdown of the collaboration on set. Are the scenes and characters set by the writers or do
you get to influence and craft that and how is that different from other shows in the past?
Everybody has their ideas going and you work with everybody else on how to best serve the story. The writers have
spent a lot of time writing this stuff, they all have. There isn't enough room to change things on the fly.
With all the deeper meaning and layers in the show I guess it would be hard to change...
Well if you have a good idea and it better serves the story, the writers are open to that. They are accepting of ideas
certainly.
You have only had a few scenes so far and those were mostly with Greg Grundberg and Clea Duvall. What is it like
to work with such an ensemble cast?
I don't know to be honest because I haven't had the opportunity to work with a lot of people. I haven't even seen a lot
of the others yet. I did meet Masi (Oka), but he was doing another scene, we weren't even working together. I
haven't crossed paths with most of the others. I know some from other jobs but I have yet to see them on set. Going
back to my experience on American Dreams where it was a true ensemble. On HEROES it is a separate feeling with
so many stories, even though they are coming together. American Dreams you had at least 10 people on that cast
come together on each show for scenes around the dinner table.
So American Dreams felt more like a 'family' because you as the cast were together more than on HEROES?
Yes, but I am sure that is going to change as time goes on. The heroes will cross paths more, it is already
happening with Adrian (Pasdar) and Masi and Milo (Ventimiglia) and Hayden (Panettiere). We had the whole save
the cheerleader thing and so I know it will happening more. But to answer the original question. Greg is great to
work with and he is a really good guy.
Greg seems like he would be a cool guy in person.
He is a very down to earth guy, very funny. He brings good presence. He is great to work with and he is great to be
around.
Have you had the opportunity to film any other scenes with any of the other cast members? If so can you tell us
who?
I'm sure the opportunity will come up. I know they are building toward that. I am sure if there is potential for a big
explosion I will certainly be involved in some way. Either because its me or whether someone else eats my brains
and assumed my power or whatever it may be. But when you have that power and a potential for a big boom... I will
be involved in someway or somehow whether it is me or my spirit. I will be involved.
Working with the writers and directors do you have any aspirations of writing or directing yourself someday?
I have done some writing of my own but it will never see the light of day. If I feel like there isn't enough happening
work wise I bring it out, but it is more for me than anyone else really. I never get to finishing it. I don't know if I could
ever be a writer, I can get a first draft but its when you go back and start picking it apart, once you fix one thing then
you have to start fixing a lot of things. As far as directing, I have worked with a lot of director's I respect but after
seeing what they go through day to day. The amount of responsibility is something I wouldn't want. People come to
you all day with a thousand questions that need quick answers. Plus the hours don't interest me. Being an actor
you get to work fairly nice hours. I don't want to give that up. I would rather keep things they way they are, I will keep
acting as long as I can. That may change someday, maybe when I am older.
Now that the show is a huge success with the People's Choice Award and being nominated for the Golden Globes,
are there other opportunities opening for you? Do you have a desire to move from the small screen to the movies?
It would be nice if a little more work came out of this show absolutely. Anytime an actor can work a little bit. There
are always long stretches where we don’t work. Between movies and television I don't really have a preference
either way. A job is a job is a job. As long I wouldn't have to go away for a long period of time or anything like that. I
don't want to have to go to a different country for a few months at a time. But then again I would work anywhere.
Last time we saw Ted he had escaped homeland security/ FBI. Where has Ted gone and when will we see him
again?
He is in hiding, he has been trying to get to bottom of what happened to him. Who is that Haitian guy? Why am I like
this? What happened. He found a hiding spot from the FBI. You are going to see him tonight actually (Jan 22nd), see
him briefly, find out where he is. Also during the preview you will see him with the new hero Hana Gitelman.
I think some people are worried Hana is going to turn into just a 'wireless' marketing ploy.
I don't know, who knows, I'm sure advertisers are looking for anyway shape or form to get their products out. With
the TiVo and those types of things people just aren't watching commercials anymore. She is going to be a cool
character and she is going to give me the low down on things. I don't know what they have planned with her but I
am sure we will be seeing plenty of her as well.
I enjoy your story line because other heroes on the show celebrate/ enjoy their abilities where as Ted’s ability has
brought them nothing but grief by killing the one he loves. How does Ted deal with that mentally?
Yes it is not a good power to have. His ability is one that you would not choose. He is upset he doesn't know what is
happening. Upset that his wife is dead because of it. He just wants to know why he is like this.
How do you as an actor prepare for that role? Being that you are married did you use that for a background?
No, I didn't actually. I don't work that way. I don't pull things from my life. These writers are amazing and they give
you so much information. Ted's story is about having something thrust upon you that you don't want. It is good stuff
to work with.
The show's theme is ordinary people with extraordinary abilities and I think that is why people relate to is so well.
Absolutely, its not like we get introduced in the first episode and then in episode two we are flying around in
spandex and capes. There is a lot of humanity there and I think it serves the story and you are right that is why it is
so popular.
If Ted could of chosen his ability what would it have been?
I think if he had any power now it would be to bring back the dead or change the Earth's rotation like Superman and
go back and time and change the past. He would like to have Hiro's power or give his wife Claire's power.
All the other character abilities seem to mirror their emotional states whereas Hiro is a clock watcher, Peter an
empathetic character. How does Ted’s ability reflect his personality?
I talked to the writer's about that. I think it is interesting that it centers around Ted not being able to control himself
emotionally. I think it is more interesting that way. I'm sure Ted picked his wife because she could help balance him
and keep him in control.
Do you ever think Ted will be able to control his ability?
He is working on it. You should see that tonight.
Hiro's vision of the future was NYC being destroyed by what seems to be a nuclear attack. Ted had a veiled threat of
the same thing at the hospital. With the great writing on the show, and a lot of mis-direction, is Ted really a part of
the explosion or is that too easy of an answer?
Ted in someway will be a part of that..too what extent I can't tell you, mostly because I myself don't know yet... as I
said earlier in some shape or form, Ted's abilities will be involved.
Okay Matthew one last question...Obviously you are taking the Bears in the Super Bowl.
Yah of course. I like their chances a little better against the Colts. If it would have been New England, you never
know.
Well there you go fans...the first big interview for the OWI with Matthew John Armstrong. I would like to thank Mr.
Armstrong for his time, David Ginsberg his manager for coordinating the call and everyone else that may have had
a part to play in making this interview happen. Thank you all very much!
Not a problem at all. I am happy to do it.
While doing research there wasn't a lot out there about you so it is nice to be the one to get this info to the fans.
No there isn't and I am happy to answer questions and let people know about my background.
When did you start acting/begin your acting career?
I had my first paying acting job in the Summer of 1995. I went to junior college in Glen Ellyn which is 40 minutes
west of Chicago, they had a 4-5 play season. I played there professionally first year with the residence theater.
Then a couple of plays with Shakespeare Rep, which has since become the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy
Pier. Then took part in the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada. In 1998 I got my first TV job and played at
Steppenwolf. That was a good year, I did the pilot of the show, then the play and then went back and did the 13
episodes for the show. That was the last play I did.
Do you think about going back and doing plays?
All the time. When you don't have work in L.A. you think about it all the time. When you aren't making money here
you want to do it, but you think to yourself, "I can't leave, this is where the money is." I would love to do a play and
go back to Chicago. The opportunity hasn't presented itself and the older I get the more difficult it is to do.
Was your family supportive? Were there arts in your family?
I actually grew up playing sports, that was the environment I grew up in, my dad was an athlete and that's I how I
grew up. I was playing sports up until senior year. My dad had dabbled in amateur theater as well. I had never acted
before but I had decided I wanted to do it. Needless to say my father wasn't too thrilled about that idea. He came
around but early on it was a little touch and go with him. My brother is an artist. My mother as well, she doesn't
practice as much, but when she sits down she is quite good.
Who were some of your heroes growing up?
Abraham Lincoln also Walter Payton. He did so much for the city and the
area. Grew up as a kid watching him every Sunday. He was a pretty special
guy and I personally did my best to emulate him growing up.
How was your experience on American Dreams, playing Pete Pryor, different from being on a bigger budget/bigger
show such as Heroes?
I did much more work on American Dreams up to this point. I did close to 40 episodes. Much different show. At the
time felt like a bigger show in terms of the cast and the musical sequences they did and everything else. But now
compared to HEROES, American Dreams feels like a much smaller show. More intimate, just smaller, not in a bad
way. HEROES is just so much more epic, following so many more characters. The effects, it’s a big epic show. That
is the one chief key difference. American Dreams had a fair amount of success in the first year. No where
compared to Heroes. It was always the question about whether it was gonna last. With Heroes we at least know
now it will be around next year.
The announcement last week by NBC green lighting season two, really excited a lot of fans including myself, it is
great news.
Its great news for a lot of people. Now we just have to see where it all leads.
Your role as Kalvin on House was really compelling. How did that part come along?
I went in and auditioned just like anyone else. Just in the right place at the right time. I think I just had a good day
that day. It was a great part to play, you don't get to play parts like that very often.
Was Crossing Jordan your first contact with Tim Kring?
That was my first time with him. I had worked with Dennis Hammer who was a producer on Crossing Jordan who is
also a producer on HEROES. I auditioned for Tim. It is funny because it was a similar part, must be something about
the crazy hair and crazy beard.
What is he like to work with/for?
It's interesting. The guy is insanely busy. I don't see a lot of Tim Kring. You know as an executive producer and
creator, he is crazy busy and the bigger a hit the show becomes the busier someone in his position will be. He
travels a lot and I am sure he is in the writer's room as well. All the ideas go though him. He did come out to see us
on Friday night while we were on location. I asked him "Why are you here? You should be home. Go rest." You don't
see a lot of him but is he is a nice guy just real low key.
Who was the first person you told about getting your role on HEROES?
My wife (Ashley Crow, who plays Sandra Bennet). She is the first to know everything.
Can you give me a breakdown of the collaboration on set. Are the scenes and characters set by the writers or do
you get to influence and craft that and how is that different from other shows in the past?
Everybody has their ideas going and you work with everybody else on how to best serve the story. The writers have
spent a lot of time writing this stuff, they all have. There isn't enough room to change things on the fly.
With all the deeper meaning and layers in the show I guess it would be hard to change...
Well if you have a good idea and it better serves the story, the writers are open to that. They are accepting of ideas
certainly.
You have only had a few scenes so far and those were mostly with Greg Grundberg and Clea Duvall. What is it like
to work with such an ensemble cast?
I don't know to be honest because I haven't had the opportunity to work with a lot of people. I haven't even seen a lot
of the others yet. I did meet Masi (Oka), but he was doing another scene, we weren't even working together. I
haven't crossed paths with most of the others. I know some from other jobs but I have yet to see them on set. Going
back to my experience on American Dreams where it was a true ensemble. On HEROES it is a separate feeling with
so many stories, even though they are coming together. American Dreams you had at least 10 people on that cast
come together on each show for scenes around the dinner table.
So American Dreams felt more like a 'family' because you as the cast were together more than on HEROES?
Yes, but I am sure that is going to change as time goes on. The heroes will cross paths more, it is already
happening with Adrian (Pasdar) and Masi and Milo (Ventimiglia) and Hayden (Panettiere). We had the whole save
the cheerleader thing and so I know it will happening more. But to answer the original question. Greg is great to
work with and he is a really good guy.
Greg seems like he would be a cool guy in person.
He is a very down to earth guy, very funny. He brings good presence. He is great to work with and he is great to be
around.
Have you had the opportunity to film any other scenes with any of the other cast members? If so can you tell us
who?
I'm sure the opportunity will come up. I know they are building toward that. I am sure if there is potential for a big
explosion I will certainly be involved in some way. Either because its me or whether someone else eats my brains
and assumed my power or whatever it may be. But when you have that power and a potential for a big boom... I will
be involved in someway or somehow whether it is me or my spirit. I will be involved.
Working with the writers and directors do you have any aspirations of writing or directing yourself someday?
I have done some writing of my own but it will never see the light of day. If I feel like there isn't enough happening
work wise I bring it out, but it is more for me than anyone else really. I never get to finishing it. I don't know if I could
ever be a writer, I can get a first draft but its when you go back and start picking it apart, once you fix one thing then
you have to start fixing a lot of things. As far as directing, I have worked with a lot of director's I respect but after
seeing what they go through day to day. The amount of responsibility is something I wouldn't want. People come to
you all day with a thousand questions that need quick answers. Plus the hours don't interest me. Being an actor
you get to work fairly nice hours. I don't want to give that up. I would rather keep things they way they are, I will keep
acting as long as I can. That may change someday, maybe when I am older.
Now that the show is a huge success with the People's Choice Award and being nominated for the Golden Globes,
are there other opportunities opening for you? Do you have a desire to move from the small screen to the movies?
It would be nice if a little more work came out of this show absolutely. Anytime an actor can work a little bit. There
are always long stretches where we don’t work. Between movies and television I don't really have a preference
either way. A job is a job is a job. As long I wouldn't have to go away for a long period of time or anything like that. I
don't want to have to go to a different country for a few months at a time. But then again I would work anywhere.
Last time we saw Ted he had escaped homeland security/ FBI. Where has Ted gone and when will we see him
again?
He is in hiding, he has been trying to get to bottom of what happened to him. Who is that Haitian guy? Why am I like
this? What happened. He found a hiding spot from the FBI. You are going to see him tonight actually (Jan 22nd), see
him briefly, find out where he is. Also during the preview you will see him with the new hero Hana Gitelman.
I think some people are worried Hana is going to turn into just a 'wireless' marketing ploy.
I don't know, who knows, I'm sure advertisers are looking for anyway shape or form to get their products out. With
the TiVo and those types of things people just aren't watching commercials anymore. She is going to be a cool
character and she is going to give me the low down on things. I don't know what they have planned with her but I
am sure we will be seeing plenty of her as well.
I enjoy your story line because other heroes on the show celebrate/ enjoy their abilities where as Ted’s ability has
brought them nothing but grief by killing the one he loves. How does Ted deal with that mentally?
Yes it is not a good power to have. His ability is one that you would not choose. He is upset he doesn't know what is
happening. Upset that his wife is dead because of it. He just wants to know why he is like this.
How do you as an actor prepare for that role? Being that you are married did you use that for a background?
No, I didn't actually. I don't work that way. I don't pull things from my life. These writers are amazing and they give
you so much information. Ted's story is about having something thrust upon you that you don't want. It is good stuff
to work with.
The show's theme is ordinary people with extraordinary abilities and I think that is why people relate to is so well.
Absolutely, its not like we get introduced in the first episode and then in episode two we are flying around in
spandex and capes. There is a lot of humanity there and I think it serves the story and you are right that is why it is
so popular.
If Ted could of chosen his ability what would it have been?
I think if he had any power now it would be to bring back the dead or change the Earth's rotation like Superman and
go back and time and change the past. He would like to have Hiro's power or give his wife Claire's power.
All the other character abilities seem to mirror their emotional states whereas Hiro is a clock watcher, Peter an
empathetic character. How does Ted’s ability reflect his personality?
I talked to the writer's about that. I think it is interesting that it centers around Ted not being able to control himself
emotionally. I think it is more interesting that way. I'm sure Ted picked his wife because she could help balance him
and keep him in control.
Do you ever think Ted will be able to control his ability?
He is working on it. You should see that tonight.
Hiro's vision of the future was NYC being destroyed by what seems to be a nuclear attack. Ted had a veiled threat of
the same thing at the hospital. With the great writing on the show, and a lot of mis-direction, is Ted really a part of
the explosion or is that too easy of an answer?
Ted in someway will be a part of that..too what extent I can't tell you, mostly because I myself don't know yet... as I
said earlier in some shape or form, Ted's abilities will be involved.
Okay Matthew one last question...Obviously you are taking the Bears in the Super Bowl.
Yah of course. I like their chances a little better against the Colts. If it would have been New England, you never
know.
Well there you go fans...the first big interview for the OWI with Matthew John Armstrong. I would like to thank Mr.
Armstrong for his time, David Ginsberg his manager for coordinating the call and everyone else that may have had
a part to play in making this interview happen. Thank you all very much!
THE OWI EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MATTHEW JOHN ARMSTRONG
BOILING POINT
An exclusive interview with Matthew John Armstrong 1/28/07
© By: David Deas, www.the-owi.com
Just two mid-western guys sit down and chat about acting,
childhood heroes and football.
An exclusive interview with Matthew John Armstrong 1/28/07
© By: David Deas, www.the-owi.com
Just two mid-western guys sit down and chat about acting,
childhood heroes and football.
