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Matty Cardarople

14th August 2024

Interview & Digital Editor: Pankhuri Bhutani

Photography: Jenna Jimenez

Matty Cardarople is a truly sensational and trailblazing force paving his way and marking his legacy within the landscape of entertainment.

You might know him as 'Keith' in Netflix's mega-blockbuster series "Stranger Things" or perhaps as the 'Henchperson of Indeterminate Gender' in the beloved TV adaptation of Lemony Snicket's best-selling novels "A Series of Unfortunate Events".

Branching out to the field of literature, Cardarople stuns his fandom by crafting and publishing several poetry books; some of them including- "Happy Birthday Everyday" and "Space Cadet".

Scouted and discovered by Luke and Owen Wilson who further offered Matty his first film appearance in feature films "Blonde Ambition", and "Drillbit Taylor" respectively, Cardarople went on to be a part of a plethora of blockbuster hits like "Jurassic World" and "Dumb and Dumber To" where he had the opportunity to share screens and portray his character alongside his childhood idol, Jim Carrey.

Cardarople can also been seen on many such notable television shows such as "NCIS: LA", "New Girl", "NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service", "Angie Tribeca", "Scrubs", "Ray Donovan", "You're The Worst", "Comedy Bang! Bang!", "Selfie", and "Chasing Life".

When not on set, Cardarople indulges into his humanitarian aspects as he contributes his efforts into several notable organizations and worthy causes; some of them including the 'Make-A-Wish Foundation', Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way Foundation' and devouts his immense love for animals by volunteering at many local animal shelters.

Cardarople is back with his recent offering as he joins ReVamp to talk to us all about his involvement in the highly-anticipated and currently trending Netflix's SpongeBob spin-off project "Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie" where he portrays the live action character of 'Kyle'. 

Hello there Matty. So lovely to have you on ReVamp! How are you doing?

Howdy, Lovely to be here. Feeling great thanks! 

Beginning this interview, I would love for you to walk me through those initial stages of your life where you realized acting and comedy was something you wanted to pursue as a profession.

For sure. My original plan as a kid was to be a pitcher for the boston red sox. Even though I was a really good fast pitcher from the advantage of having long arms I didn't make tryouts. I was crushed. So to cheer me up my parents took me to see Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura. I laughed so much at how funny he was and how much joy he brought people. At that moment I knew I wanted to be an actor because joy is the biggest gift you can give someone. 

What can you tell us about your involvement as 'Kyle' in the highly-anticipated upcoming Netflix movie "Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie" which will be premiering very soon on August 2nd. 

Yes, I'm so very excited for it. I can tell you that my character is a land dweller. My role isn't animated and it's a lead role, It's live action. And Kyle works for Sue Nahmee. And It's an incredible movie and I can't wait for everyone to see it.

How did the entire audition and casting process go upon pertaining to this SpongeBob spin-off project? 

I had worked with the incredible director Liza Johnson on A Series Of Unfortunate Events. She called me in for a directors session on Zoom during the pandemic. I was so excited because I'm such a huge fan of Spongebob. I felt like the audition went well and I heard that I had booked it and was over the moon. I think I got a bit teary eyed. I was extremely grateful. 

Were you also a fan of SpongeBob growing up? 

I was a huge fan as a kid. I've always loved Spongebob. I was a bit obsessed. The show is so funny and clever. 

I think I will be disappointing myself and the fans of the phenomenal Lemony Snicket's 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' if I don't ask you a few questions about your portrayal of "Henchperson of Indeterminate Gender" in the series. It is one of my absolute favourite series!

In terms of your character, he's definitely quite a unique and contrasting individual who people assume to be dim-witted because of his suspicious company and cadence only for him to occasionally drop those rare gems of wisdom and astonish everyone. 

What was it like portraying such a fascinating character as well as your experience working with the outstanding cast and crew of the project?

It was a blast we filmed in Vancouver Canada. The sets were so realistic it felt like you were transported in a time machine. It was fun to play a character with so much intelligence and humor. The Canadian crew was incredible and they worked so hard. I made some lifetime friends from the crew and cast. I love how in Canada they call basecamp Circus. 

You have been seen in a plethora of sensational projects but I'm very curious to know what according to you was the highlight and the most memorable moment of your professional journey?  

For me it was working with Sterlin Harjo on Reservation Dogs, the whole cast and crew. The way the cast and crew operated there was so much grace and respect for everyone and everyone had a blast. 

Besides your impeccable acting and comedic talents, you are currently also a published author, having written several wonderful poetry books such as "Happy Birthday Everyday" and "Space Cadet". 

Thank you. Yes. I love to write poetry, It's so freeing and helps me express my emotions freely. I love it cause like in painting there are no real rules. And I hope it's an extension of bringing others some joy and peace. 

What lured you towards the sphere of literature and how was it like immersing yourself into the field of writing? Did you face any challenges during the writing process? 

My mom is an amazing painter and my step father Bruce is a poet. They always inspired me to express myself. As well I had an amazing english teacher in high school Mr. Ferguson. Who really believed in me and encouraged me to write. He's the first teacher that I can think of that was all about actually teaching and treating students with respect. He really helped me not to be afraid to write and to immerse myself in the process. The challenges I find with writing are starting to write. You have to have discipline and say you're going to get so much done each day. When I have a goal to write a book I'll tell myself I have to write a poem a day. I actually have another poetry book that I hope to publish in October or November so def be on the lookout for that. 

For the people who are keen on reading your work, is there anything you can tell us about your recent work including "Space Cadet"? 

Yes, It offers my experience of being human and what I have learned being a human in this universe. I hope it inspires people to write their own poetry and to follow there dreams without fear. I hope it's encouraging, brings them joy and peace. 

Where do you generally garner your professional inspirations from whether be it acting, comedy, or literature?

I know Jim Carrey has been one of your biggest inspirations who you also had the pleasure to work with but is there anyone else on your radar that you would absolutely love to work and collaborate with if given an opportunity?

For sure one of my favorite comedians and she's actually a close friend of mine Melissa Villaseñor. She's really one of a kind, her humor, her voice. She's just amazing. I admire her and she inspires me everyday. And we've actually started collaborating on a project that were are excited about. So be on the lookout for that. 

Having been involved in such diverse projects, is there still any other genre of project you'd like to work in or perhaps any other creative field you'd like to explore? 

Yes, I'd love to do a sci-fi movie and I'd love to do a drama-edy. 

(Thank you for joining us for this wonderful interview, Matty! Wishing you lots of luck on the premiere of your new film!) 

Thank you! All the best to you on your journey.

Lastly, I would love to ask what's next for you, Matty? And is there any message that you'd like to convey to your fans and supporters currently reading this interview? 

Yes, I have a few projects on the horizon I'm working on and a movie that I acted in called Carved should be coming out later this year. and yes I'd like the readers to read this poem that I wrote. I read it to the crew when we wrapped Sandy Cheeks. 

WE ARE THE ANGELS OF JOY, BOB.

Somewhere there is a child who is scared.
Or that is going through a hard time at home.
Or doesn’t feel like they fit in at school.
Then there's us.
We wake at sunrise. Put on our wings.
We bring something those kids need more
then ever. Especially now.
And that’s Joy.
Smiles and Laughter.
Everyday. Every set up.
Every take with the long hours we put in.
We build Joy, manufacture it, live it.
Take a moment and remember that.
We are the Angels of joy.
Say it Again.
Feel it.
Angels of Joy.
That’s us.
We are here to protect it, to cherish it, to save it.
To bring into homes across the world.
And to the pineapples under the sea.
Cause that’s what we do BOB.
That’s our JOB.
Joy Angels.

-- Matty Cardarople

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