Entertainment Spotlight: Griffin Matthews, Dear White People
Actor (on screen and on stage) and writer Griffin Matthews wears many hats (both real and metaphorical). If you’re a fan of Netflix’s Dear White People, you probably recognize Griffin as D’Unte from Season 3. Along with his breakout performance in Dear White People, you can catch him in Season 5 of HBO’s Ballers, which premieres on August 25th. In addition to his acting chops, Griffin co-wrote, with his husband Matt Gould, and starred in Invisible Thread (aka Witness Uganda) which details the journey of their experience and the complexities of founding the nonprofit organization, UgandaProject, that sponsors the education of orphans living in Uganda. He also co-wrote The Family Project alongside Gould, a documentary musical about the ever-changing face of the American family. Griffin was kind enough to answer some questions about Dear White People, Ballers, and his desire for Michelle Obama to narrate his life.
Is there a line or scene that you feel defines D’Unte on Dear White People?
“This is the deep end of the gay pool, and you still got your little floaties on.”
If you were in college right now, what would you major in and which clubs would you join and/or create?
I’d major in Psychology to become a Therapist because a lot of people are going to need a lot of therapy after surviving four years of this political madness. I’d join every LGBTQ club because when I was in school they didn’t really exist…and if they did, I was too afraid to attend. I mean, the gay club existed on Thursday nights (which I frequently attended)…but that was a very different kind of club (wink wink).
What’s your favorite storyline or character arc from season 3 of Dear White People?
I love that Lionel is being pushed by D'Unte to explore the nuances (and responsibilities) of his sexuality. He educates him about all things HIV (prevention & myths), trans culture, and takes him to an underground sex party…when the costume designer first showed me my glitter thong for that scene, I blacked out.
What’s an invention from TV or movies that you wish existed?
If everything that you did was narrated, whose voice would you want narrating your life?
Please God, Michelle Obama! I beg for Michelle Obama…or Vanessa Vanjie Mateo because…obviously.
Do you have any fun facts about the making of Ballers season 5?
First day on set they informed us newbies, “You will never see or meet Dwayne Johnson.” Apparently he’s the busiest man in show business. He comes in at the very end of the shooting season to shoot all of his scenes in one week…by himself.
What’s the funniest photo that you have on your phone right now?
I have a photo of myself at 2 years old dressed in a Mr. Rogers t-shirt with belts galore, socks, gloves, vest and beads. My Christian parents should’ve known what was coming.
Really want to work with some more of Hollywood’s black creators: Lena Waithe, Issa Rae, Kenya Barris, Lee Daniels, Jordan Peele, and of course, Justin Simien for Season 4 of “Dear White People.” Fingers crossed for Season 4!!! I think D'Unte needs a boyfriend or a husband or a wedding. Too far?
Thanks for taking the time, Griffin! Season 3 of Dear White People is now streaming on Netflix, and Season 5 of Ballers premieres on August 25th on HBO.
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