Meet Matt Chamberlain
Matt Chamberlain joins the cast as dad of the Cooper
clan - Murray Cooper. We thought you'd like to get to know him a
little better.
How long have you been acting and how did you get your first big
break?
I first started acting in high school and knew then that acting is what I wanted to do.
Name three similarities between you and your onscreen
character.
- Neither of us have a lot of patience.
- We both have three children.
- We both have to figure out how to be a parent as we go.
What has been your best experience/scene on the show to
date?
Having an anniversary dinner with my onscreen wife Wendy, while
being serenaded by Brodie.
It reminded me of a special dinner I had with my wife, and how
important those moments are in the hustle and bustle of family
life.
Which other character would you like to be and
why?
To be honest, I really like my character.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of Shorty Street?
I love surfing and have done that since I was seventeen. It's kind of addictive.
What do you do in your down time during the day when
you're not shooting?
At the moment I'm mainly learning lines, but I'm also enjoying
meeting the rest of the cast, who are all really easy-going and
friendly.
What is your favourite destination in NZ and
overseas?
In New Zealand I have lots, but I think Kaikoura might be up
there.
There's something special about sitting in the water surfing, and
being able to look over your shoulder to see snow capped
mountains.
What is your date of birth and what star sign are you?
The 6th of June, I'm a Gemini.
Do you have any pets?
My children have three chooks.
Who is the actor or actress that you look up to or admire the most?
There are lots - John Travolta springs to mind. Also Robert Duvall, Johnny Depp, Cate Blanchett.
What is the thing you enjoy most about going to work everyday?
The other actors you get to work with and the crew who make it all happen.
What is your favourite television programme and/or film of all time?
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Casablanca are both pretty cool movies.
Are you from Auckland or did you move here to film
Shortland Street? Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Leeston and Canterbury, but I've lived in Wellington since 1991.
Which other actors/actresses do you like working with the
most and why?
I enjoy working with my onscreen family.
They're all great actors and the issues we deal with in the scenes
are pretty familiar to me.
I also enjoy working with Ari (Brodie), because he has such a
great energy.
Have you made any good friends amongst the cast and crew?
Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming to me. I do also enjoy a good laugh with Peter Mochrie (Callum).
Catch Matt as Murray Cooper Weeknights 7pm, TV2 and remember episodes are FREE to watch at TVNZ Ondemand.
