Matthew F. O'Connor, a true-born New Yorker, originated from the storied borough of the Bronx, where the vibrant energy of the city's northmost district shaped his early years. Later, he made the scenic transition to the picturesque East End of Long Island, a region renowned for its tranquil charm, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
Matthew's formative years were marked by an intense and all-consuming passion for the art of acting, a creative outlet that had the potential to bring him immense joy and fulfillment. However, the prospect of rejection and failure proved to be a daunting and overwhelming obstacle, causing him to reluctantly set aside his aspirations and redirect his focus towards his academic pursuits.
Despite this initial setback, Matthew demonstrated a remarkable ability to excel academically, consistently producing high-quality work and earning recognition for his intellectual endeavors. Concurrently, he also utilized his natural comedic talents to bring levity and humor to his classmates, earning the reputation as the class clown and providing a much-needed respite from the rigors of academic life.
As he navigated the challenges of adolescence, Matthew's dual pursuits of academic excellence and comedic expression allowed him to cultivate a unique and multifaceted personality, one that was both intellectually rigorous and creatively expressive.
Matthew's life took a dramatic turn at the tender age of 17, as he stumbled upon a previously unknown aptitude for playing the bass guitar. This serendipitous discovery soon found him ensconced in a rock band, jamming alongside friends and like-minded individuals.
Matthew's life took an unexpected turn in the year 2007, when his wife Barbara presented him with a daring challenge that would have a profound impact on his future endeavors. With a sense of excitement and trepidation, Barbara issued a bold invitation, urging Matthew to audition for a local theatrical production. Little did he know, this impromptu dare would be the catalyst that would set his acting career in motion, after a nearly two-decade hiatus.
Barbara Waugh:
Barbara Waugh is a woman of great courage and conviction. Born and raised in a small town in the Midwest, she grew up with a passion for the arts. After completing her education, she moved to the city to pursue a career in acting. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Barbara persevered, always staying true to her dreams. Her unwavering dedication and resilience ultimately led her to meet Matthew, the love of her life. Together, they have shared many exciting adventures and have built a life filled with love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the arts.
As Matthew continued to immerse himself in the realm of acting, he began to form meaningful connections with his fellow thespians and creative visionaries, whose unwavering support and guidance empowered him to relentlessly pursue his passion.
Among these influential individuals was a director who took a particular interest in Matthew's burgeoning talent, offering sage advice and recommending that he audition for an esteemed acting class.
This life-altering suggestion ultimately led Matthew to a pivotal moment, one that would forever change the trajectory of his life, as he found himself face-to-face with none other than the illustrious Alec Baldwin.
Matthew's acting journey gained significant momentum through his enrollment in a prestigious acting class, expertly guided by the renowned instructor, Alec Baldwin. This esteemed program afforded Matthew the unique opportunity to systematically develop his acting abilities through a comprehensive curriculum centered around monologue and scene study work.
As Matthew diligently honed his craft, he concurrently experienced a profound refining of his skills, which, in turn, sparked a chain reaction of new and exciting opportunities. His burgeoning talent soon caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to a breakthrough role in a student film, followed by a regional commercial, thereby marking the inception of his professional acting career.
Matthew has had a prolific career in the entertainment industry, with a wide range of performances in local theater productions, independent films, re-enactment shows, and television shows.
Some of his notable appearances include guest roles in popular television series such as Royal Pains and Law & Order: SVU, as well as a starring role in the HBO Film "You Don't Know Jack," alongside the renowned actor Al Pacino.
In the year 2012, Matthew's professional journey took a significant turn as he proudly obtained membership in the prestigious SAG/AFTRA Union, a milestone that would ultimately pave the way for a myriad of exciting opportunities to come.
As a testament to his burgeoning talent, Matthew soon landed his inaugural Union role on the critically acclaimed HBO series, Boardwalk Empire, a project that would undoubtedly serve as a springboard for his future endeavors.
As he gazes towards the horizon, Matthew's eyes shine with optimism as he contemplates the prospect of embarking on a long and illustrious career in the entertainment industry, a dream that he is eager to turn into a reality.
