IN CONVERSATION WITH PERRY MATTFELD
interview by JANA LETONJA
Perry Mattfeld has proven herself to be one of today’s most versatile actresses, seamlessly moving between drama, romance, and comedy. She stars opposite Glen Powell in Hulu’s highly anticipated half-hour comedy Chad Powers, premiering on 30th September. Best known for leading The CW’s In The Dark, which found a global following on Netflix, Perry has also been seen in Amazon’s The Idea of You and Peacock’s Long Bright River. A USC BFA graduate and former ballet dancer mentored by Debbie Allen, Perry brings both discipline and charisma to her craft, continuing to carve out a career that defies expectations.
photography by KENDRA FRANKLE
What excites you most about Season 2 of Chad Powers?
Season 2 of Chad Powers is so different than Season 1. We’ve established this crazy scenario in the first season, and now we’re really able to dive into these characters and their relationships. This season moves fast, it gets dark, and ends on another jolting cliff hanger.
Ricky is such a complex character. How would you describe her role in the season ahead?
Ricky is a complex character, but I think that’s what makes her really relatable. In Season 2, Ricky is now carrying the weight of this lie on her back with Chad. She’s like the liaison between the Danny/Russ/Chad world, and the coaches, who need to remain clueless for the scheme to work. Navigating both worlds is extremely stressful, not to mention starting to develop unexpected romantic feelings for Russ.
What was it like working opposite Glen Powell, especially in a comedy setting?
I couldn’t draw up a better co-star if I tried. Glen is an incredible leader and such a hard worker. He’s on set first and leaves last. He is a comedic genius. So much of what you get on screen is improvised. That’s what makes working with him so fun. We are just playing as we go, feeding off of each other, trusting that the other is completely open to whatever comes up. I love him.
Comedy requires a lot of timing. How do you approach comedic acting compared to drama?
With brilliant writing like what Michael Waldron has given us in Chad Powers, I often feel like less is more. The comedy is in the words and in the circumstance. It’s hilarious without me needing to do much. My job is to ground our show and bring believability, not to try to be funny. On the set of Chad Powers, I’m surrounded by incredible, veteran actors. I do my best to be present, listen, and respond in the moment, whether I’m in a dramatic scene or a comedic one.
How different was stepping into Ricky compared to leading a series like In The Dark?
When I got cast as Ricky, I was excited to jump into a comedy and get a break from the heavy stuff, and then felt like I ended up carrying a lot of the dramatic scenes in Chad Powers, but it’s the best of both worlds. I spend all day laughing with a bunch of dudes on the field, and then get to spend weeks rehearsing dramatic climactic scenes like the one on the bus in Season 1 finale. That scene with Glen was a career high.
What’s been your most challenging role so far, and why?
Playing Murphy on In The Dark might be my most challenging role so far. Adding a major physical attribute like visual impairment made me think of everything differently. That role required a lot of homework. I’m always drawn to characters that become a research project for me. In an upcoming film for Netflix, I play Michelle Akers, US Soccer superstar and world champion. That required full mental, emotional, and physical immersion into the world of soccer. Ricky required the same immersion into football.
You trained in ballet under Debbie Allen before shifting into acting. How has that background influenced your discipline and artistry?
Debbie Allen exposed me to diversity of experience and art. I went from an exclusive ballet academy to Debbie Allen’s dance academy where I was exposed to hip hop, tap, flamenco, African dance, modern dance, and more. I think diversity is so important as an actor. The more you are exposed to, the more you familiarize yourself with people from different walks of life, the more you observe, the more you have to offer to these characters.
As an actress of Mexican descent, how important is representation in the stories you choose to tell?
I am very proud to be of Mexican descent and half Latina. I’m happy to see lots of representation not only on screen, but behind the scenes as well. Lots and lots of up-and-coming Hispanic directors, cinematographers, writers, and filmmakers are getting their projects made.
Outside of acting, what grounds you or sparks your creativity?
Cooking. During the actor’s strike, I took a solo trip to cooking school in France. Cooking is creative. When I’m home, I usually get a monthly box of surprise produce, whatever is local in my area. Sometimes I get variations of vegetables I’ve never even seen before. I’m able to learn and create and be inspired.
With Chad Powers Season 2 out in the world, what’s next on your horizon that you’re most excited about?
I’m so glad audiences are loving Season 2 of Chad Powers as much as we love it. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m excited for the story of the 1999 Women’s US National Soccer Team to be told next summer. It’s an extremely empowering movie I got to make for Netflix with a really special group of girls. So that, and hopefully a Season 3 of Chad Powers.
