In a revealing conversation on The Jay Franze Show, actor Matt Drago takes listeners behind the curtain of his breakthrough role in “Somewhere in Montana,” offering profound insights into the actor’s journey and creative process.

Drago’s approach to character development showcases the depth that method acting requires. For his role as Fabian, Drago fully immersed himself in a two-year process, losing 25 pounds and allowing his personality to merge with the character. “I went a full method approach for this one,” he explains. This dedication extends to creating character journals, voice memos, and personalized playlists that help him inhabit his roles completely. Rather than simply memorizing lines, he over-memorizes them without over-rehearsing, allowing for authentic moments with co-stars like Graham McTavish and Michelle Hurd.

The conversation reveals how Drago’s background in martial arts has significantly influenced his acting discipline. Practicing Okinawan Shorin-ryu karate since childhood under his father’s guidance, Drago credits this practice with teaching him self-discipline, centeredness, and focus—tools that prove invaluable in his acting career. This disciplined approach helped him remain balanced during pivotal professional moments, including the life-changing phone call offering him the role in “Somewhere in Montana.”

Particularly moving was Drago’s recounting of how he secured the role—through a connection he had helped earlier in his career. Having assisted a fellow artist in connecting with his agent years before, that same person later recommended Drago for the role of Fabian. This full-circle moment highlights the importance of supporting fellow artists and the unexpected ways such generosity can return. As Drago puts it, “Sometimes you don’t even know why you’re granted a role until you’re in it.”

The interview also explores the value of mentorship in artistic development. Drago speaks warmly of the guidance he received from established actors on set, particularly Graham McTavish and Michelle Hurd, who became not just colleagues but mentors. One powerful moment came when Michelle told him, “Matt, you are an actor, don’t forget that”—words that affirmed his identity during moments of doubt. This mentorship aspect speaks to the supportive community that can develop in artistic environments, despite the competitive nature of the industry.

Throughout the conversation, Drago emphasizes the collaborative nature of filmmaking, repeatedly acknowledging the crucial role of crew members. “Crews are what make films great,” he asserts, highlighting specific instances where crew ingenuity transformed challenges into creative opportunities. This perspective reveals Drago’s humility and appreciation for every aspect of the filmmaking process, not just the parts that put actors in the spotlight.