With roles alongside names like Woody Harrelson and Marcia Gay Harden, young actor Matthew Von Der Ahe has been standing out not only for his on-screen talent but also for his commitment to representation and inclusion. Set to star in the upcoming film Wish Watch, expected in 2025, he has already achieved success in film, screenwriting, and social campaigns that challenge the stigma surrounding disability. In this exclusive interview, Matthew shares his inspirations, lessons learned on set, the power of art as a tool for transformation, and his future dreams — including the desire to direct and further amplify his voice in favor of diversity.
You’ve already participated in major productions alongside names like Woody Harrelson and Marcia Gay Harden. What was the experience of acting in Champions like and what was the biggest lesson learned from this project?
My experiences on different sets have been incredible- It’s like learning from the best acting teachers. I’ve picked up some good lessons, like the importance of showing up on time, knowing your lines and being able to adjust how you deliver your lines so that the director has different options to work with. That’s probably the biggest lesson I’ve learned! When a project takes a long time to film, the cast and crew become like family. We live and work so closely together, and I love that sense of connection.
In addition to acting, you also co-wrote the short film “The Odd Taste”. What inspires you to write screenplays and how has this experience influenced your view of filmmaking?
I love telling stories, and writing lets me bring my own ideas to life. I get inspired by movies, people I meet and even things that happen in my own life. Co-writing “The Odd Taste” was so much fun, but I also learned how much goes into making a film, beyond acting. Writing the dialogue, developing characters, and figuring out how everything comes together on screen gave me a whole new appreciation for the filmmaking process. It also made me want to keep creating my own projects in the future.
Your next big role will be as Charlie in “Wish Watch”, which starts filming in 2025. What can you tell us about this character and how you are preparing to bring him to life?
Charlie is such a fun character to play. At first, he seems like a super happy-go-lucky guy, but as the story unfolds, you realize there’s a lot more to him. He has depth, and I love that about him. To prepare, I’m working on my lines, thinking about how Charlie sees the world, and really getting into his mindset. I want to make sure I bring honesty and heart to the role while still having a great time with it.
Your involvement with campaigns like “Disability is not a dirty word” and your work with Google’s GRID program show the positive impact you have. What does it mean to you to use your visibility to drive change?
It means the world to me. I want to show the world that people with disabilities are capable, talented and deserve to be included in every space- and that includes film and Television. Being part of these campaigns is a way for me to help change perceptions and inspire others. My hope is that being visible, I can help create more opportunities for people like me- not just in entertainment, but in all areas of the workforce.
In addition to acting, you dance with Supa Dance Team and play drums with Spec Band. How do these passions connect with your artistic career?
Music and dance are a really big part of who I am. Dancing helps me with movement, rhythm, and expression- all things that are important for acting. Drumming helps me with timing, focus, and how to lock into a rhythm, which really helps with everything, even memorizing lines. Plus, both of these things bring me so much joy, and when I’m doing what I love, it makes me a better performer all around.
With so many incredible projects under your belt, what are your next dreams and goals? Any roles or challenges you still want to face in the entertainment world?
I want to keep growing as an actor and take on new challenges. One of my biggest dreams is to play a series regular on a TV show, where I can develop my character over time and really connect with audiences. I dream of storytelling behind the camera, as a director one day. Beyond acting, I want to keep advocating for inclusion- not just in Hollywood, but in every industry and in every part of life. Representation matters, and I want to help create opportunities for lots of people to shine.
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