Matt Shevin is winning raves for his starring role as the complex ‘Roger’ in the new thriller Her Secret Family Killer – currently airing on Lifetime and Hulu. The New York born actor, who also starred in the award-winning film The Beneficiary, plays a delicate sheriff in the chilling telemovie.
Here’s the story synopsis: On Sarah’s birthday, her best friend Victoria gives her a genetic testing kit as a gift, so she can learn more about her family’s lineage. But that night, Victoria is tragically killed. Weeks later, Sarah gets on knock on her door, and it’s the police. As their homicide case ran cold, they decided to run the killer’s DNA through the genetic testing site’s database and there was a match: Sarah. It turns out that someone related to Sarah killed her best friend… but who?
We spoke with Matt about the part and the film. Here’s what he had to say.
Hey Matt, so tell us – where do you hail from?
Matt Shevin: I was born in the Bronx, but raised in a suburb of NYC called Rye, NY.
And did you study?
MS: I was a voracious acting student. I loved taking classes and spent days and nights working my craft.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
MS: I was helping cast a commercial, and had so much fun and a surprising talent for reading lines opposite actors. I then tried an acting class and was hooked.
Did you cut your teeth in New York, on stage or on independent film, before tackling Hollywood?
MS: I didn’t really get serious about working until I moved to LA. There’s an energy here – so positive, with so many smart, happy people working toward their dreams.
You’ve been trying to develop your own projects for a while, we hear?
MS: Yes, a featurette I wrote, produced and starred in was accepted into 45 film festivals. I’ve recently created and star in a workplace sitcom called “Hucksters,” and I’m thrilled with what we’ve shot.
What genre do you normally gravitate towards?
MS: Normally comedy. It’s so much fun to play and make people laugh. It’s why my latest project is a sitcom.
Where do your strengths lie as an actor, in your opinion?
MS: I think I have a great deal of range. As much as I love comedy, I can access dramatic emotions as well. And I show up to set fully prepared – role researched and lines memorized. I never want to hold up a production.
How did you get cast in Her Secret Family Killer?
MS: I auditioned for a smaller role in another Lifetime movie, didn’t get the part, but really bonded with the producers and casting director. They offered me the role in Her Secret Family Killer soon afterward.
Because of the nature of the role, did you have to sign an NDA?
MS: Yes I did. And I had to be very careful on social media or even discussing the movie with friends. Lifetime was so good about keeping the surprise ending secret.
Was it fun playing this mutli-faceted character?
MS: So much fun! I essentially had a chance to play two roles. I could be playful yet tough, determined yet devastated.
What do you think makes a guy like that tick?
MS: His low self-esteem. He’s constantly trying to prove others wrong, and it’s wearing him down. When his trust is betrayed, he snaps.
Needless to say, you couldn’t relate to him?
MS: You’re so funny. Couldn’t relate at all! Okay yes, I understood him and loved portraying him, but in real life I do not snap!