Andrew Matarazzo – Teen Wolf

By starrymag | August 20, 2017

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) How was Gabe on “Teen Wolf” originally described to you? 

A) It was more his actions that introduced me to his personality early on. The very first scene I read and filmed was Gabe beating up Liam (Dylan Sprayberry) so that was my jumping point to mold who he was from that point forward.

 

Q) Was there anything you personally added to him that wasn’t in that breakdown?

A) Gabe’s arc was only going to be a few episodes when I first got cast. I had to add a lot of my own backstory that fit within the “Teen Wolf” world and fill in the blanks of how he came to be. I had a few talks with the creator, Jeff, about where I was heading with Gabe and he and I saw eye-to-eye so I kept on that path.

 

Q) What did you do to get into the mindset to portray this character?

A) I had a music playlist that helped me sink into him and there were characters in shows I watched that I drew from so I’d watch clips in my trailer before heading to set – things that would bring me back to Beacon Hills world.

 

Q) What can you tease is in store for Gabe in these final episodes? 

A) Things get dark and chaotic.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming “Teen Wolf?

A) Last day of shooting was pretty significant. I sat with Froy [Gutierrez] and Sibo [Mlambo] outside our trailers after wrapping our final scene and just reflected on our experiences. It was a really special moment for me.

 

Q) Did you keep any momentos or souvenirs from set after filming was completed?

A) I kept A LOT of Gabe’s clothes. I wear the boots I wore on set almost daily now. They say “Gabe” on the inside. It’s kinda cool.

 

Q) What was it like on set filming the finale episode?

A) The final episode demanded a lot of me that I had never done before so it was epic to film. I’m really proud of the last episode too because I made sure not to hold anything back. It was my last shot.

 

Q) Did you do anything special or personal to say goodbye to this character?

A) I have a box of scripts from projects I’ve worked in and I added the “Teen Wolf” scripts to it after my last day. So, to me, that’s my personal way of saying “goodbye.”

 

Q) What have you personally taken away from your time on “Teen Wolf?”

A) A concrete confirmation that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life and I hope to be lucky enough to do so.

 

Q) What made you want to become an actor? 

A) I started in theater, but after I watched the movie Stand By Me I saw River Phoenix’s performance and something just clicked. I started to get serious and transition into working in film.

 

Q) What advice would you give to others looking to enter the industry?

A) There is no one road to succeeding in this industry so I’d say not to compare yourself to anyone else and where they’re at. I also think there’s no true shortcuts, things happen when they need to and its generally a one-step-at-a-time career path. Put in the work.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) I care so much about what I do so having anyone who supports it in any way just makes me so grateful and happy. I always want to make sure that if someone is taking the time and energy to send me any love I want them to know it’s been graciously received, even in the smallest way.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I see everything they write and send me! They are seen and heard. I hope to grow with them and hope they’re with me for all my future endeavors.