Matthew Payne is an American film, television, and stage actor and producer. He is best known for his roles in the award-winning horror film D-Railed, Reed’s Point, Gym Rat, In the Name of the Nameless, The Christmas Chain, Angie’s Cure, Scars, They Crawl Beneath, A Hundred Yards, Very Frightening Tales, and A Heart Full Of Hope.
A Bakersfield native, Payne pursued his love of performance at Pacific Union College, where he studied theater, later continuing his education with graduate work in Southern California.
In addition to his screen credits, Matthew has appeared in numerous stage and musical productions, showcasing his versatility across genres and formats. When not in front of the camera or on stage, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Aileen, and their two children, Sydney and Riley.
@dramapayne https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0241230
What inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, and how did your journey begin?
I started performing on stage back in elementary school and never really stopped. From school plays to college productions, I’ve always loved the feeling of bringing stories to life in front of an audience. There’s a kind of magic in stepping into a character and making people feel something, especially when that feeling is laughter. Comedy has always been close to my heart, seeing people light up in response to a joke or a funny moment is incredibly rewarding.
What techniques or methods do you use to create a believable character, and how do you prepare for a new role?
When I prepare for a new role, my first step is always to understand the character’s world — not just what they do, but why they do it. I start by breaking down the script, reading it multiple times to get a sense of their relationships, motivations, and emotional arc. Rehearsal is key for me, whether it’s with a director, scene partner, or even just running lines out loud alone. I also try to stay curious and flexible throughout the process. Sometimes the character really comes alive through improvisation or unexpected discoveries on set or in rehearsal.
At the heart of it, my goal is always authenticity — to bring truth to the role so the audience forgets they’re watching a performance and just sees a human being in a real moment.
Can you share an experience from a recent audition or role that challenged you, and how you overcame it?
In a recent role, I played the owner of a Christmas store in a holiday-themed project, and while it was a lot of fun, it was also surprisingly demanding, especially physically. This one scene involved a lot of action while I was helping customers at the cash register. All while remaining stationary, staying in character, and delivering lines naturally.
The biggest challenge was continuity. Every take had to match exactly — from where I placed an ornament to how I picked up a box or moved through the space. That required intense focus and muscle memory, especially during long shoot days where energy can dip.
Who are your role models or mentors in the industry, and what have you learned from their careers that you hope to apply to your own?
Some of my biggest role models in the film industry are actors who’ve mastered both comedy and drama—artists like Tom Hanks and Octavia Spencer. What I admire most is not just their range on screen, but the way they’ve used their voices and visibility to make a real difference both on and off screen. Through them, I’ve learned that versatility, empathy, and purpose can and should go hand in hand. In my own career, I hope to develop that same kind of range, telling meaningful stories across genre, while also staying grounded in community, kindness, and the idea that art can change lives.
How do you handle rejection or criticism, especially in such a competitive environment?
It’s not easy… I pray a lot and rely on my faith strongly. Over the years I’ve learned to repeat a prayer that my mom taught me a long time ago: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
I’m naturally a very competitive person, and this has been a struggle for me in the Industry. I do know that if I let it get to me personally, it will eat me alive, and my mental health will suffer. A good friend of mine has always told me to just let it go. If it’s meant to be, it’ll work out. Where one door closes, another one opens.
What kind of roles or stories are you most passionate about, and why do they resonate with you?
I’m naturally drawn to roles (and stories too) that are relatable and bring a “realness” to the screen. Playing relatable characters not only allows you to connect with the audience on an emotional level, but it also brings out the depth in your performance. These are the roles and stories that have such an incredible power to connect with audiences because they reflect the complexities of everyday life. Characters who feel like they could walk into your living room and have a conversation with you are the ones that stick with people long after the credits roll.
How do you approach building chemistry with scene partners, especially when you haven’t worked together before?
If time allows, I like to get together with my scene partners and get to know each other on a personal level, even if it’s meeting early on the first day we’re working together. On that first meeting day I like to bring either donuts or coffee for us all to sit down and enjoy while we talk. After that, I then like to run lines with each other and compare notes about the scene that we’re going to be working on that day. It makes it much more natural and fun once we get on set and start working.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the industry?
I say go for it. But just remember, no two careers are the same in this industry! Take one day at a time and don’t give up. Work is work. Continue to practice your craft between jobs. When you do get work, ride the wave, and enjoy each and every day while you’re on set. Be kind and work hard. Be yourself and have fun! You will go far. If there comes a day when you are no longer having fun, go find another job.
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