Matty Matheson, a successful chef, restaurateur, and YouTube personality, never planned to pursue acting. However, at 42, he has become a business mogul with multiple successful ventures, including restaurants, fashion brands, a farm, and cookware. He has a popular YouTube channel and bestselling cookbooks. When approached to consult on a TV show about restaurant life, Matheson agreed and eventually took on a role as the beloved character Neil Fak. Despite his busy schedule and frequent travel, Matheson remains grounded, surrounded by a close-knit team of friends and colleagues. He credits his working-class upbringing and supportive family for his success. Matheson’s journey from a troublemaking teen in a rural town to a thriving entrepreneur and family man is a testament to his resilience and determination. Even when facing trouble with the principal, I would negotiate: you don’t like me, I don’t like you. If I fail, I have to stay longer. I’m not going to be a doctor or a scientist. I’m not going to be anything. So get me out.“ – Matty Matheson on his YouTube channel.
College wasn’t part of the plan for Matty. He was content with staying in Erie, working in a factory, getting a truck, and cruising around. But at 18, he wanted to experience city life. Cooking school was the only option with his grades. His grandfather, a chef, inspired him. He loved the idea of going to Toronto to watch punk shows.
At Humber Polytechnic, he found a passion for cooking and education. He excelled, gaining confidence in the kitchen. He learned to cook various dishes and techniques but dropped out before graduating to tour with a death metal band.
In Toronto, he worked in top restaurants, building a reputation without a diploma. He believes you either cook a restaurant’s food or you don’t. He worked hard, partied harder, and expanded his horizons by meeting people from different backgrounds.
After opening his first restaurant at 26 and receiving critical acclaim, he experienced a heart attack at 29. This event made him slow down briefly before diving back into the party scene. Eventually, he hit rock bottom, leading to an intervention and his decision to get clean and sober.
He made a list of his debts, determined to repay everyone. He found success with Vice’s food content, starting with a video about making a cheeseburger and earning $500. In a day, I earned what used to take me a week as a chef before transitioning to doing videos every two to three weeks. After clearing all debts within a year, I saved enough to cover a year’s worth of bills and rent. I then left the restaurant industry to build my own world. On set in Chicago, I helped bring The Bear to life by streamlining the operation and advising on kitchen movement and precision. Despite my fears and anxieties, I found success in acting with the support of my castmates. I am grateful for the opportunities and relationships that have developed through my work on The Bear. I am proud of my progress and thankful for the chance to provide for my family. Liefergebühren können anfallen.
Styling von Chloe Badawy; Pflege von Bryan Ramirez mit Shiseido und By Terry; Fotografenassistent Michael Preman; aufgenommen vor Ort im Helms Daylight Studio, LA