Meet Matthew Orlando Miller | Actor, Creative Director, and Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Orlando Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, how do you think about risk?

I think risk taking creates character. In order to find success you have to thrive in situations that are considered uncomfortable.

Anyone who’s ever been considered an innovator shared their ideas with the world and was told they were either improbable or “risky.”

I wouldn’t have even discovered my identity as person or artists without going against what is to be perceived as the norm; leaving behind the things society teaches everyone you’re supposed to do and doing things my way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’m an Actor so I try to invest in my skill set. Although, I feel like the term Actor at times is a bit cliché, we bring so much to the table as artist. I believe acting intersects with so many different mediums of art. whether it be nostalgic memories, or contributing as inspiration for cultural movements, the list is long but one thing that is for sure is that our storytelling is powerful.

I’m just humbled by the fact that this is what I get to do everyday and that I’m in a field of work that requires me to just live my life. I truly believe acting is about experiences, and pulling from your life’s album of greatest hits helps you at work. I guess that’s how I got to this point of my career. I just discovered a passion, never made a plan B and pulled from my life’s greatest hits!

Was my journey easy? No. I never had it figured out, I still don’t. I’m just having fun and telling the stories that make sense.

I’ve found myself uninspired as an artist and person in the recent past and rightfully so we’ve all had to navigate through challenging times lately, but the most rewarding thing for me has been focusing on the things that are important to me like social and justice initiatives and then being able to use my platform to portray characters who contribute to increasing that awareness.

So I guess I’d say I feel good about who I am, and these days that’s half the battle.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My friends always come visit so I take them to Randy’s by LAX. Either go to Quarters in K-Town to get Korean BBQ or Ackee-bamboo in Leimert park. I’m a simple guy that likes food. I’d take them to Malibu to enjoy the beach and later that night probably finish with EP LP for drinks and nice views.

We usually all enjoy each other’s company so if we’ve got each other and food we’re good!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I always thank my mother. I watched her raise me as a single parent on the south side of Chicago.

She helped me understand that anything that wasn’t success wasn’t an option.

I watched her lead by example. She gave back to her community, she treated people as humans, she approached opportunities with vision, and she never settled.

Thank you Kimberly! With you in my life I cannot lose.

Website: imdb.me/mattheworlandomiller

Instagram: @mattmillerofficial

Linkedin: Matthew Miller

Other: Founder of COLOUR LLC.

Image Credits
Kristina Allen Billy Thurman