Check out our interview with FOX crime anthology series “Accused‘ talented actor and social media star August Maturo who will be playing the role of Matthew Whittier opposite Rachel Bilson, Jack Davenport, and Reid Miller.
August may be best known nationally and internationally for his starring role on the hit Disney Channel Original Series “Girl Meets World.” He was a scene-stealer as ‘Auggie,’ the precocious son of Cory [Ben Savage] and Topanga [Danielle Fishel] Matthews. “Girl Meets World” was an instant hit and premiered to 5.2 million viewers and Maturo filmed over 70 episodes. The show was nominated for three Emmy Awards including one for “Outstanding Children’s Program” as well as three Teen Choice Award nominations, and a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award.
Additional credits for Maturo include: “Teachers,” “The Odd Couple,” “Weeds,” “Dads,” “Bones,” “Raising Hope,” “See Dad Run,” “Suburgatory,” “The Connors”, “S.W.A.T., and “How I Met Your Mother”.
Follow August on IG @augustmaturo
How did you get started into acting?
When I was 3 years old I was in a church play. I loved it so much and I told my parents I wanted to be on a stage. So they found me an agent and I started working right away. By age 4 I had already booked a series regular on a pilot and filmed a guest star role on WEEDS. By age 5 I had booked my series regular role on Girl Meets World.
How has this changed your life?
Sometimes being an actor can be a little isolating, but I know that I’m experiencing things that most people my age don’t get to do. I’m very appreciative of that. Since this is the only life I’ve known it’s difficult for me to imagine it any other way. Although my parents have kept things pretty normal for me. I always attended a regular school.
What is the best and worst part of being an actor?
The best part is when you book the job, the worst part is when you don’t, ha ha!
How do you prepare for a role?
It really depends on the role. For my film Shepherd, which was Holocaust film, I read books about the Holocaust like the Diary of Anne Frank, Number the Stars, and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. For other projects I will study the director that I’ll be working with by watching their other films.
Tell us about the new FOX’s anthology series “Accused,” and about your role as Matthew Whittier?
This is an exciting new FOX/Hulu show from producer Howard Gordon, the creator of “Homeland” and ’24’. It’s a crime anthology series, so each episode is like a mini movie. I’m in the 3rd episode called “Danny’s Story”. I play Matthew Whittier, Danny’s brother. Each story begins in a courtroom, with someone being accused of a crime, then the show unfolds to show the viewers how the defendant ended up in that circumstance.
How was working alongside such a talented cast like Rachel Bilson, Jack Davenport and Reid Miller?
Rachel Jack and Reid are such incredible actors. They were so inspiring to work with and learn from as scene partners. I know everyone says this, but our cast really bonded and felt like family by the end of shooting. Not only did I get very close with my cast mates, but with our director Jonathan Mostow as well. Jonathan has directed some incredible projects like Terminator 3 and Surrogates. It really was an honor to be directed by him. Even though it was just an episode of television, Rachel, Jack, Reid and Jonathan came over to my AirBnB where we were filming in Toronto and we had a little wrap party. That was really special and I’ll never forget that. They are all so wonderful.
What fans can expect of “Accused?”
I know crime shows are really popular these days, and fans are really going to love this one too! FOX is known for having great drama and ACCUSED is very dramatic. It shows how an ordinary person can find themselves in extraordinary circumstances, and wind up being accused of a crime.
Now tell us about your work on the popular horror film “SLAPFACE?”
Slapface was my first lead role in a horror film. I had a supporting role in “The Nun” before that, and really fell in love with the genre. When I got the offer for Slapface I was so excited. I’m really proud of my work in that film, and luckily the critics liked it to. It has a 91% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is really difficult to achieve with horror.
And about your character Lucas?
Lucas is a troubled boy who is getting physically and mentally abused by everyone around him. He’s an orphan too, so when he befriends a witch that lives in the Woods near his house, he finds a friend in her. The problem is, if you become friends with a witch, trouble is going to happen, and it does.
How was working with Mirabelle Lee on this project?
Mirabelle was awesome and really fun to work with. We had great chemistry on screen and in real life. We are still good friends. I just attended her sweet 16 birthday party for her and her twin sister Anais. Mirabelle and I went to England together to attended Grimmmfest horror film festival to help support Slapface. We had a great time.
What other projects have you been part of?
I mentioned the holocaust film Shepherd, which I’m happy to announce will finally be released on DVD and VOD in the US on February 14th. I also just filmed another dramatic guest star role for television which will be out in the spring, but hasn’t been announced yet. And just started a new production company MATURO ENTERTAINMENT and will be producing projects in the near future.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I really love filming dramatic roles, but would love to do some comedy again soon. I would also love to be in an action film, because I haven’t done that yet. What I really think would be fun would be to be in a horror-comedy project similar to Shaun of the Dead or Santa Clarita Diet.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part is getting to see the final project with an audience to see their reactions. When I was in The Nun about 30 friends and family joined me at the movie theater and we watched it together. That was great.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
My advice is to always be working at your craft. If you are between jobs or auditions get slow, enroll in a class or make your own content. You don’t need fancy equipment. You can just use your iPhone. I just shot a short film with my iPhone last weekend with a friend of mine. No one will probably ever see it, but it was fun to make and it’s great to keep being creative.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
My greatest lesson is probably learning resilience. You have to really stay positive in order to be an actor. You have to hear a lot of no’s before you hear a yes. There are a lot of disappointments. So learning to stay positive in life is a great lesson.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friend is Mckenna Grace, and she says I’m a monk. She also says I’m a real life stuffed animal. Haha
Now talking about Instagram, can you share some tips for keeping your account interesting?
I’m not sure my account is all that interesting, ha ha. I just post things that are meaningful to me or funny.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I recently read a book called “Small Talk” and it teaches you how to make conversation with new people. It actually has some great advise.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love cucumbers and lettuce, with ranch of course.
And your favorite cheat food?
Lofthouse cookies
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Scott Cawthon, the creator of Five Nights at Freddy’s. It’s my favorite video game and I love his books.
Do you support any charity?
I have food allergies, so I am the ambassador for F.A.A.C.T. (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team) a non-profit organization that raises awareness about food allergies.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I hope to be producing films with my production company.
What do you think of Social Media?
I’m not a huge fan of social media. I really think it’s bad for kids and teens and even adults, so I’m not on it much. I do like to use it to promote my charity work around food allergies or other projects I’m working on.
Where can we follow you?
@augustmaturo on all platforms.
Shot By: Matt Kallish @matt_kallish
Hair/Make Up: Kristine Lisman @makeup_by_kristine_
Styled by: blackbear @bear
