Biography

Jody Matzer is an award-winning American actor-writer-producer-artist. He is a versatile television and film actor with a background in theater and improvisational comedy.

In 2016, Matzer played Tom in Betwixt Theater's production of Lanford Wilson's A Poster of the Cosmos. He received rave reviews for his portrayal of a man struggling with survivor's remorse during the AIDS outbreak in New York City.

In 2018, Jody Matzer appeared in Lizzie, a biographical thriller film directed by Craig William Macneill, written by Bryce Kass, and starring Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart. Lizzie was listed as one of the 'highly anticipated films' at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.

Summer League, an award-winning short in which Matzer starred, was one of ten short films presented during a special showcase at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

Jody Matzer has appeared in several award-winning short films including 2016's Ring Rust, which earned him a best acting award, and 2022's Wildman which, having won several awards and critical praise, continues its festivals run.

When not working in front of the camera, Matzer has been called on to participate in series table reads, off-camera reading and stand-in work. His passion for this industry knows no bounds and his vast and varied experiences have informed the actor-artist he is today.

In 2023, Matzer penned his first feature-length screenplay. In October of the same year Sharks And Minnows received top honors in the Virginia Screenwriting Competition sponsored by The Virginia Film Office. The thriller was praised for its strong story, excellent dialogue and complex characters.

For his second feature screenplay, Jody Matzer ventured into a genre he loves so much: horror. Titch has been described as 'scary as Hell.'

Both of these screenplays have begun to receive recognition and accolades in national and international festivals and competitions. Matzer hopes to see both of these screenplays progress to the production stage.

Jody Matzer continues to explore his craft, challenge himself and celebrate that which makes him unique as an artist. Acting is his first love but he is a true renaissance man and his interests are many. He will continue to write and create original art, evolve, through his journey as an actor/artist.

With a BFA in Illustration from Virginia Commonwealth University, Matzer occupies his down time from film and television projects creating award-winning editorial illustration. A children's book, which he will write and illustrate, is planned as a future project.

In 2001, Jody Matzer appeared as a contestant on ABC's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire during the amazing first season of the show. He would sit across from host Regis Philbin for two nights before walking away with $125,000. He would later recount his experience in a book he penned titled Millionaire Boy: The Adventures of a Game Show Contestant.
- IMDb mini biography by: work monkey creative