Inside Matty Cardarople’s Journey: How a Small-Town Kid Became Hollywood’s Favorite Funny Guy

Matty Cardarople is an American actor and comedian widely recognized for his unique humor and memorable characters in popular TV shows and films. Known for portraying funny, quirky roles, Matty gained popularity with audiences through his performances as Keith, the laid-back arcade attendant in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things, and the amusingly odd Henchperson of Indeterminate Gender in A Series of Unfortunate Events. His natural comedic timing and ability to turn small roles into fan favorites have earned him a special place in Hollywood, making him instantly recognizable to viewers.

Aside from television, Matty has also appeared in several blockbuster movies, including Jurassic World, Logan Lucky, and Free Guy, consistently bringing humor and personality to each character he portrays. Off-screen, Matty connects easily with fans through social media, where he openly shares behind-the-scenes moments, relatable stories, and genuine interactions. His approachable nature, combined with his talent for comedy, makes Matty Cardarople one of the entertainment industry’s most endearing and enjoyable personalities today.

Early Life and Home

Matty Cardarople was born on February 9, 1983, in Exeter, New Hampshire, but spent his early years in Nottingham, where his parents built a log cabin by hand. He liked to joke,

“Robin Hood lived in my town,” referring to Nottingham’s famous name.

With 40 acres of land to explore, his childhood was filled with outdoor adventures. He loved the beauty of the fall season and the fun of jumping into piles of leaves, calling it “a blast to grow up in New Hampshire.”

Talking about his childhood, he said,

“I grew up in the forest with a bunch of deer and roots.” He often compared himself to character from The Jungle Book because he felt so connected to nature.

Later, his family moved to Exeter, where he attended middle and high school. Even now, he makes it a point to visit his hometown a couple of times a year because he still feels a strong connection to the East Coast.

“I love it out there. I love the East Coast. It’s just so much more chill,” he said. However, he doesn’t miss the cold winters. Now living in California, he admitted, “I just prefer not to be cold.”

Family and Upbringing

Matty comes from a diverse ethnic background, being of Italian (from his paternal grandfather), French-Canadian, Scottish, Irish, English, and German descent. He grew up in a supportive family environment, with his parents encouraging his creative aspirations. However, his parents divorced when he was young, a life event that shaped aspects of his upbringing. Despite the challenges, he maintained strong relationships with both parents.

He has credited his mother and stepfather for their humor, saying,

“They’ve always been very supportive of my dreams.”

His mother, an art teacher, fostered his artistic side, and he appreciated growing up in an environment that nurtured creativity.

“That was really cool to have that growing up because I had that creative side, and so my parents are the best.”

His grandfather, Philip Cardarople, also played a significant role in shaping his values. Philip had a storied past—coaching a Depression-era baseball team, witnessing Babe Ruth play for Boston, and serving in World War II. Matty honored him in his documentary short The Old Boy, highlighting his grandfather’s dedication to family and community.

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While Matty has shared many cherished family memories, he has also opened up about personal losses. On November 20, 2024, he posted a heartfelt tribute to his father, marking two years since his passing:

“Missing my Daddyo today. He passed 2 years ago today. Here’s a memory of us at the top of MT Washington after climbing it.”

The memory of climbing Mount Washington with his father remains a special moment in his life, symbolizing their shared experiences and the deep bond they had. Despite the loss, Matty continues to honor his father’s memory while carrying forward the values and love instilled in him by his family.

Childhood, Bullying, and Creative Interests

From an early age, Matty was drawn to creative expression. He explored various artistic pursuits, including drawing and painting, with a particular admiration for Van Gogh and abstract art. He also had an interest in woodworking and once considered furniture-making as a career. His fascination with food led him to dream of opening a café in high school. His love for food extended to pizza, a lifelong passion, and he still enjoys reviewing different pizza places.

Matty was also passionate about baseball and dreamed of becoming a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. However, he was not accepted into Little League, humorously speculating,

“I guess I was too tall or something. No, I think they were afraid of how fast I could pitch, honestly.”

After his rejection, his parents took him to see Ace Ventura in theaters to cheer him up. Watching Jim Carrey’s performance was a transformative moment for him.

“It blew my mind how funny Jim Carrey was, and I was like, ‘I want to do what that guy does.'”

That moment solidified his dream of becoming an actor.

In high school, Matty also faced bullying related to his last name, which was often mispronounced. He humorously recalled, “Bullies would call me ‘Farter-opal.'” Rather than letting these experiences discourage him, he embraced the humor, which likely contributed to his comedic style later in life.

During high school, Matty developed a passion for poetry and performance. A supportive teacher recognized his talent and gave him five minutes at the start of class to perform.

“I had a really cool teacher that kind of recognized and noticed that I had a kind of a quirky talent, and he would give me five minutes at the beginning of class to just kind of do whatever I wanted, which was really cool.”

One of his most memorable performances involved a comedic bit where he pretended to lose his poem, then dramatically pulled a crumpled-up piece of paper out of his shoe before reading it aloud.

“I had this classic bit where I would go up and pretend like I was going to read poetry and be like, ‘Oh, where’s my poem? I can’t find my poem!’ And I’d pull it out of my shoe, crumpled up on paper, and start reading the poem. It’s pretty silly… yeah, it’s something, you know, a 14-year-old would do.”

Poetry became his “first love of performing” because of the creative freedom it allowed. “You can do whatever you want… there’s no rules,” he said. This early passion for words and performance eventually led him to publish Happy Birthday, a collection of poems that showcases his humor and playful personality.

Health Struggles and Resilience

One of the most defining moments of Matty’s early life was a serious heart condition diagnosed shortly after high school. A doctor gave him a grim prognosis, telling him, “You’re not gonna live past 27.” The devastating news cast doubt over his future. However, after seeking a second opinion, a different doctor reassured him, “You’re totally fine, you’re gonna live.”

When he turned 27, the fears resurfaced—with real consequences. He was correctly diagnosed with a heart condition that required surgery. Looking back, he recalled how surreal and terrifying the experience was:

“Still, you know, living in this cloud of ‘Am I gonna die?’ … and then when I was 27, I actually ended up having heart surgery.”

Early Interest in Filmmaking and Comedy

Matty’s love for filmmaking began at a young age. He worked at Dunkin’ Donuts to save money for a VHS camera, which he used to make sketches with friends. Inspired by SNL and Mr. Show, he started creating comedic videos. This passion for filmmaking led him to attend the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, where he filmed on the Universal Studios lot. While acting in student films, he realized, “

That spark for acting was rekindled, and I was like, ‘Oh, I can actually do this.'”

At 19, he formally studied both acting and production at NYFA. Immersing himself in filmmaking, directing, and production work, he embraced the creative process. Reflecting on his time there, he emphasized collaboration: “Just work with your friends and have a good time and never lose that because it’s so important.”

First Audition and Early Challenges

Matty’s first audition was a nerve-wracking experience. It was for a USC student film, and his friend Peter was auditioning as well. Matty was so nervous that his hands were visibly shaking. When he showed them to Peter, his friend looked at him in shock before suddenly slapping him across the face. “Snap out of it. You’re great!” Peter told him. The unexpected moment helped shake off some of Matty’s nerves, marking a memorable start to his journey in acting.

A Journey Through Hollywood

Early Career

Matty Cardarople pursued his passion for acting by attending the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, where he initially focused on filmmaking. During his studies, he had the opportunity to film on the Universal Studios backlot, including the iconic Jurassic Park set. Although he originally envisioned himself as a filmmaker, acting in student films reignited his love for performance, leading him to take acting seriously.

First Industry Job & Early Roles

To gain experience in the entertainment industry, Matty worked as a personal assistant for actor Luke Wilson. This role allowed him to be on film sets, observe the filmmaking process, and understand the inner workings of Hollywood. Wilson eventually gave him his first acting role in Blonde Ambition (2007), marking Matty’s official entry into the industry.

Through his connection with Owen Wilson, Matty secured an audition for Drillbit Taylor (2008), landing a role as a 7-Eleven Clerk. While this was an exciting opportunity, he quickly realized that one role wasn’t enough to establish a stable acting career. The following years were challenging, with occasional commercials and minor TV appearances, including a small role in Scrubs. He learned that success in Hollywood required persistence, as “one role isn’t going to change everything.”

Breakthrough with Dumb and Dumber To and Jurassic World

After several years of sporadic opportunities, Matty’s career took a turn when he landed a role as Inventor #1 in Dumb and Dumber To (2014). This film gave him the visibility he needed, ultimately leading to his role as a Gyrosphere Operator in Jurassic World (2015).

For Matty, working on Jurassic World was surreal, as Jurassic Park had been one of his favorite childhood films. The production took him to Hawaii, where he filmed in breathtaking natural landscapes. With over a thousand extras on set, it was one of the biggest projects he had worked on, making the experience both exciting and intimidating. Despite initial nerves, he confidently delivered his performance, proving he was ready for larger roles.

Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events

Matty originally auditioned for the role of the Hook-Handed Man in A Series of Unfortunate Events, but the producers were so impressed with his performance that they offered him the role of Orlando (P.O.I.G.) instead. This became one of his most notable roles, spanning 18 episodes from 2017 to 2019.

The series was filmed over two and a half years in Vancouver, and Matty considered it one of the most rewarding experiences of his career. His unique approach to the character resonated with the show’s creators, who loved what he brought to the role.

Netflix’s Stranger Things

Matty played Keith, the quirky arcade worker, in Stranger Things. His character, known for his deadpan humor and constant snacking, added a unique flavor to the show. He appeared in three episodes across two seasons:

• Season 2 (2017):
  • Episode 1: “Chapter One: MADMAX”
  • Episode 5: “Chapter Five: Dig Dug”
• Season 3 (2019):
  • Episode 8: “Chapter Eight: The Battle of Starcourt”

He was initially set to return for Stranger Things Season 4, but due to COVID-related script changes, his character was written out. He has expressed hope that he might get the chance to return in the future.

Free Guy (2021) and Mainstream Recognition

Matty’s role in Free Guy (2021) as a video game streamer was small but impactful. His reaction to Ryan Reynolds’ character evolving within the game became one of the most memorable moments in the film. He shared that fans frequently recognize him for this scene, making it one of his most talked-about roles.

He has a unique approach to acting, often incorporating natural elements like eating into his performances. He believes it adds depth and realism to scenes, making them feel more authentic and comedic.

Hulu’s Reservation Dogs

In 2021, Matty played Ansel in Reservation Dogs, a groundbreaking series produced by Taika Waititi and directed by Sterling Harjo. The show was notable for its Native American cast and crew, which Matty found incredibly special. He appeared in eight episodes.

SpongeBob Movie: Saving Bikini Bottom – The Sandy Cheeks Movie (2024, Netflix)

Matty plays Kyle, a live-action character in SpongeBob Movie: Saving Bikini Bottom – The Sandy Cheeks Movie. He described working on a hybrid live-action/animated film as a unique challenge, as he had to interact with characters who weren’t physically present on set. The movie, featuring Wanda Sykes and other notable actors, released on August 2, 2024, on Netflix.

Additional Film & TV Roles

• Selfie (2014) – Played Charlie in eight episodes.
• The Big Sick (2017) – Played Stu.
• Logan Lucky (2017) – Played CMS Police Officer #2.
• Love, Death & Robots (2022, Netflix) – Voice role in an animated episode.
• American Horror Story: Delicate (2023) – Appeared in multiple episodes.
• Unfrosted (2024, Netflix) – Played a supporting role in this Jerry Seinfeld-directed comedy.

Awards & Recognition

Matty has steadily gained recognition as a reliable character actor, known for his comedic timing and unique screen presence. While he has yet to receive major industry awards, his work in Stranger Things, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Free Guy has been widely praised by audiences and critics alike.

Writing Career & Personal Projects

Beyond acting, Matty is a passionate writer and poet. He has published multiple poetry books, including:

• Happy Birthday Every Day – Inspired by his personal journey, including recovering from a minor stroke.
• Space Cadet – A collection of poetry available on Amazon.

His third poetry book, “This Book is Basically Poems That Hug You” was independently published on December 12, 2024. He enjoys poetry for its creative freedom, stating,

“There’s no real rules. You can just let words flow.”

Charity Work & Giving Back

• Matty is involved with charitable organizations, particularly:
  • Make-A-Wish Foundation, which he supports because he lost a close friend to cancer at age 17.
  • Toby’s Small Dog Rescue, an adoption service where he rescued his own dog and helps promote pet adoptions.

Matty Cardarople’s Marriage and Love Story with Lauren Dove

Matty Cardarople, the beloved actor known for his quirky roles in Stranger Things and Jurassic World, shares a deep and affectionate bond with his wife, Lauren Dove. The couple tied the knot on January 29, 2017, and since then, Matty has been vocal about his love and admiration for Lauren, frequently sharing heartfelt messages about her on social media.

Their Journey Together

Their love story dates back to December 12, 2014, when they first met. On their 8th anniversary of meeting, Matty took to Instagram to express his overwhelming love for Lauren:

“Happy 8 years of meeting my queen, my lifeline. Lauren Dove. I love you with all my heart. I love your laugh, your heart, your essence, your mind, your feelings, everything about you. I’m the luckiest. You complete me.”

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This unwavering love has only grown stronger over the years.

Wedding Anniversaries and Heartfelt Tributes

Matty never misses a chance to celebrate his wife, especially on their wedding anniversaries.

On their third anniversary in January 2019, he wrote:

“Happy 3 year wedding anniversary to my gorgeous, sweetest, kindest, smartest wife Lauren. I’m the luckiest man in the world. And yep, that’s an owl 🦉. The owl’s name is Zeus.”

A year later, on their fourth anniversary, his words reflected even deeper admiration:

“Happy 4 year wedding anniversary to my gorgeous, smart, kind, thoughtful, fierce, humble, and funny wife Lauren. I love you to the moon 🌙 and way further than the moon and back. You’re my bub dove. My Queen. Thank you for all the ways you teach me to be a better husband and man.” (January 2021)

Lauren’s Accomplishments

Beyond being a loving partner, Lauren has achieved remarkable milestones in her own career. On May 22, 2022, Matty proudly shared that she graduated and walked with the Class of 2022 for acupuncture school:

“Today my beautiful wife walked with the class of 2022 for acupuncture school. She’s finishing her internship for the rest of the year. To see her shine is such an honor and a gift. In fact, she’s a gift to the world with a heart of gold and blessed with her intuition as a healer. Let’s all wish her a big congrats. Huge Congrats, Lauren. I love you with all my heart and more.”

Special Memories

Matty often reminisces about special moments with Lauren. One particularly unforgettable memory was when they attended an Elton John party together. Sharing a throwback on May 6, 2020, he recalled:

“#tbt on a Wednesday. Wow. I’m lucky. My wife @lbubdove is amazing and gorgeous. This was at an Elton John party and it blew our minds. Elton sang—first time seeing him live—and in the middle of the song Saturday, a fella named Todd really wanted to meet me. I love meeting fans, but the timing was funny.”

Their Life Together

Matty and Lauren continue to build a life filled with love, laughter, and mutual admiration. While they do not have children, their bond remains unshakable, with Matty frequently expressing just how much Lauren means to him. From celebrating anniversaries to cheering her on in her career, he never misses an opportunity to show the world how much he adores his wife.

Legacy and Personality

Matty Cardarople’s early years shaped him into the versatile and beloved actor he is today. His ability to embrace his quirks, coupled with his resilience in the face of adversity, has contributed to his distinctive presence in Hollywood. Whether through poetry, acting, or comedy, he continues to share his unique perspective with audiences, proving that embracing individuality is a strength.

Looking back on his journey, Matty encourages aspiring actors:

“If you’re scared right now, it’s gonna be okay. Everything’s gonna work out. Just keep moving forward, do what you love, and anything can happen.”

His story stands as a testament to resilience, humor, and the power of unwavering support from loved ones.

References:

https://youtu.be/TaEQlIjO1jE https://www.unclearmag.com/tv-movies-posts/2018/6/8/matty-cardarople-interview https://youtu.be/joRb683f9ng https://youtu.be/XxTmjzhHTpE https://youtu.be/GOU1OoWdbeg https://youtu.be/Lqo0ZWQKA90