What does it truly mean to live with a character? Matt Drago, the breakout star of “Somewhere in Montana,” takes us deep into the transformative journey of method acting in this candid conversation about artistic sacrifice and unexpected opportunity.

Drago shares the remarkable story behind landing his “role of a lifetime” opposite Graham McTavish and Michelle Hurd—a full circle moment that began when he helped another struggling artist years earlier. With refreshing vulnerability, he details his approach to character immersion: losing 25 pounds, creating character journals, and assembling cross-genre playlists that help him emotionally align with his roles. “When you’ve got a cast and crew like we had on Somewhere in Montana, and you just get the space to live and breathe in the character for a long amount of time, it’s a very joyful experience,” Drago reflects.

The conversation reveals how Drago’s lifelong martial arts practice (Okinawan Shorin-ryu) provides the disciplined foundation for his acting work. This parallel path helps him maintain centeredness during career uncertainties and the emotional roller coaster of pursuing acting without industry connections. His journey from closing New York City bars at 4 AM to filming pivotal scenes in Montana barns illustrates the persistence required when following artistic dreams.

Perhaps most moving are Drago’s reflections on artistic mentorship and the family formed during production. From breakfast conversations with McTavish to sunset heart-to-hearts with Hurd, these relationships transcended the project itself. “Matt, you are an actor, don’t forget that,” Hurd told him in a moment of doubt—words that continue to sustain him. His gratitude extends equally to the crews who transform creative visions into reality: “Crews are what make films great.”

Ready to discover the magic of “Somewhere in Montana” and the actor bringing Fabian to life? Follow Matt Drago on Instagram @mattdrago or visit mattdrago.com to learn where his journey leads next.

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Matt Drago: https://mattdrago.com/