Jody Matzer, Actor
'Act well your part for there all honor lies."
His Story
Jody Matzer is an award-winning American actor-writer-producer-artist. He is a versatile television and film actor with a background in theater and improvisational comedy.
In 2023, Matzer penned Sharks and Minnows, an original feature-length screenplay. In October 2023, Matzer was awarded the top prize in the Virginia Screenwriting Competition sponsored by The Virginia Film Office. Sharks and Minnows received praise and has been described as having a strong story, excellent dialogue and complex characters.
In 2016, Matzer played Tom in Betwixt Theater’s production of Lanford Wilson’s A Poster of the Cosmos. He received rave reviews for his portrayal of a man struggling with survivor’s remorse.
In 2018, Jody Matzer appeared in Lizzie, a biographical thriller film directed by Craig William Macneill, written by Bryce Kass, and starring Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart. Lizzie was listed as one of the ‘highly anticipated films’ at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.
Summer League, an award-winning short in which Matzer starred, was one of ten short films presented during a special showcase at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
He has appeared in several short films including 2016’s Ring Rust, which earned him a best acting award, and 2022’s Wildman which, having won several awards and critical praise, is just beginning its festivals run.
In 2001, Jody Matzer appeared as a contestant on ABC’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire during the amazing first season of the show. He would sit across from host Regis Philbin for two nights before walking away with $125,000. He would later recount his experience in a book he wrote titled Millionaire Boy: The Adventures of a Game Show Contestant.
Jody continues to explore his craft, challenge himself and celebrate that which makes him unique as an artist.
When not working in front of the camera, Matzer has been called on to participate in series table reads, off-camera reading and stand-in work. His passion for this industry knows no bounds and his vast and varied experiences have informed the actor-artist he is today.
With a BFA in Illustration from Virginia Commonwealth University, Matzer occupies his down time from film and television projects creating award-winning editorial illustration. A children’s book, which he will write and illustrate, is planned as a future project.
Acting is his first love but Jody Matzer is a true renaissance man and his interests are many. He will continue to write and create original art as his journey as an actor continues.
Jody Matzer and his wife currently call Richmond, Virginia home as he continues to pursue exciting new projects in front of and behind the camera.
The Vision
"To work at getting work. To work. To dive into the process head first with everything I've got. To explore my craft as a professional actor and celebrate my uniqueness as I discover what it is I bring to this industry. To challenge myself, to learn, to grow, and, if the day allows, laugh a little and experience a moment of pure joy."
THE WORK
Actor Jody Matzer has appeared in award-winning short films, feature films and television series.
His work has been seen at The Cannes Film Festival as well as The Sundance Film Festival.
Backstory - Trailers
Backstory - Trailers
WILDMAN (2022)
Dopesick Official Trailer | Hulu
WICKED GAMES Trailer (2022) Home Invasion Horror
