Matt Jacobs is a Active Reservist Armorer for the United State Marine Corps who has a passion for acting. DIBS talks to Matt about when it started, what happened along the way, and what has he learned.
DIBS: From my understanding, you want to be an actor? How far back does this passion go?
MATT: My passion for acting goes all the way back to my childhood days. I’ve always loved movies and did some high school plays. I’ve always imagined being in movies and becoming “BIG”, being able to have an impact and being role model to people around the world.
DIBS: Why did you do Plan B and not Plan A?
MATT: I was choosing a path for film in college when I was going for a film degree at the Art Institute of Philadelphia.
While I was there, I interned as a Camera’s Assistant on a 50 Cent music video, Philadelphia Flyers Commercial, and a USA Network Commercial. While I was on set of the USA Network Commercial, I ate lunch with Jeff Goldblum and Matt Bomer. We talked about their acting careers and it turned into talking about the military.
DIBS: How did that conversation go with you, Jeff Goldblum and Matt Bomer?
MATT: The conversation started with just wanting to know how they started in the acting business and where they got their foot in the door. From there, it turned into them saying that they wished they had joined the military to help give them a way to serve their country and they advised me to do the same. It would transform in how I see the world, help me become a better man and have a better respect towards authority.
It was a unique experience and an ironic situation. Never had any intentions or desire to every join the military but one day, after eating out with a Marine recruiter, God changed my mind and course and I decided to join the Marines then.
DIBS: What sort of acting debuts have you made so far?
MATT: I have debuted in the new upcoming M Night Shyamalan’s Glass (Coming January 18th 2019) starring Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and James McAvoy as the “Sniper.”
I also followed that up by appearing in the new Sylvester Stallone’s Creed 2 (Coming November 21st 2018) starring Michael B. Jordan as a Russian Officer.
DIBS: Has the service taught you anything about working in the "Film Industry”?
MATT: The service taught me how to listen to authority and have patience and maturity through all circumstances
Also, the longevity of days, adapting and overcoming situations as they come and to stay positive when things don’t go your way.
DIBS: Are there any similarities between being in the service and the film making world?
MATT: There are some similarities in the two businesses.
Speaking in front of an audience and being a leader type role in any situation are some major ones. Long days are another one and adapting to changes constantly.
DIBS: Were you able to do any acting singing or dancing in the service?
MATT: My two acting debuts were while I’ve been in the service. No major singing or dancing opportunities yet. However, that won’t stop me from keep pursuing them all.
DIBS: So you have been behind the camera and in front of the camera, is it safe to assume you prefer in front?
MATT: Oh most certainly in front of the screen. It’s been my life passion ever since I was little and being able to start my journey has become more than I expected.
DIBS: What do you like to do on your free time?
MATT: Hang out with my 3-year-old son, sing and record songs, watch movies, play sports and all around explore new places with my beautiful wife.
