ENJOYING
the JOURNEY
M
atthew Knowles is the prime
example of what it means
to be multifaceted in every
aspect of his craft. Knowles,
also known as MaTai, is an actor, model, and
singer set to star as Rawa in one of the most
expensive Chinese film production to date,
Asura. He will also be seen playing Jet in the
upcoming action-thriller, Bond of Justice.
Both films are expected to hit cinemas later
this year.
Prior to his acting career, Knowles lived
in South Carolina where he was a star player
for the Clemson Tigers. Suffering from a
knee injury prevented him from chasing his
aspirations to join the NFL; however, his
passion in volunteering led him to the town
of Duyun, within the impoverished Guizhou
province of China. In China, he went on to
be the first non-Asian ever to study acting at
the Beijing Film Academy, where he received
a full Chinese Government scholarship. He
has been in numerous primetime sitcoms,
including Love Me If You Dare and Red
Sorghum. Cliché caught up with Knowles to
discuss his daily life, acting career, and more!
BY T’KEYAH HAYES
Cliché: What inspired you to start acting?
Matthew Knowles: I used to act and sing
when I was little, but it wasn’t until I was in
China that I really became serious about it. I
started doing acting in my spare time after I
was signed by my agent because they never
expected to meet a tall white former football
player speaking and singing in Chinese.
Acting was a big change from the
humanitarian work that originally brought
me to China. I immediately knew that I
loved acting and my passion for it only has
grown. I guess you can say China inspired a
lifelong passion.
How would you describe your experience
being an American actor in the Chinese
film industry?
It’s been a roller coaster ride. One of those
fun ones with flips and twists. I’ve really
enjoyed the success I’ve had working in
China. I’ve seen so many different and
beautiful sides to the country and been a part
of the industry’s tremendous growth over
the last few years. I’ve had a variety of roles
and have generally been able to steer clear
of purely stereotypical roles or productions.
And I’ve been able to be a part of some of
the most beloved projects in Chinese history
that have been seen all over the world such
as Red Sorghum and Deng Xiaoping. It’s not
always easy to be in another culture,
especially China, but I have loved the
process of learning how to do things in a
new way, at a new speed, in a very different
but fascinating part of the world.
Currently, you are studying at the Royal
Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.
How has studying overseas impacted your
life and career?
My studies in the MA Acting program at
RADA have allowed me to grow immensely
as an actor and an artist. In the past I studied
acting in both Beijing and Los Angeles and
so when I decided to study my MA I wanted