Matthew Willson is an award-winning Canadian actor and director with more than 500 stage performances to his credit. A versatile and talented character actor, he also boasts numerous TV and film credits, including roles in Rookie Blue, Murdoch Mysteries, The Strain, Arrival and Queer as Folk.Born in the small town of Paris, Ontario, Matthew started acting as a kid. He only decided to take the craft seriously in his early 20s as a way to productively funnel his creativity. Over the years, he has developed his techniques by studying advanced techniques of acting including stage combat, comedy and improvisation, and singing. Willson has studied under a number of esteemed performance teachers, directors and coaches in the industry.While his early work was primarily in theatre, where he has been honoured for his work on stages across Ontario, his more recent successes on TV and in large commercial campaigns has led to roles on the big screen. In 2010, he produced and starred in Skinning the Cat, a feature-length film that he helped adapt from the hit Fringe stage play of the same name. It received accolades at several international film festivals. Most recently, he joined Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker in the film Arrival.Through his production company, Willson Entertainment Productions, he has produced, directed and starred in several cutting-edge short films, many which have showcased at the trendy Toronto Short Film Festival. Willson Entertainment Productions also finances several small and large scale film and television projects across Canada. Willson is a member of several industry organizations including ACTRA, Equity and the esteemed Canadian Film Centre (CFC).Matthew lives in Paris, Ontario with his wife Jacqueline and their son Thatcher and is a well-known philanthropist supporting organizations that promote film, the arts and unprivileged children.