Los Angeles based actor Matthew Von Der Ahe fell in love with acting when he was a kid. Now starring in two upcoming movies, “One Perfect Date” and “Wish Watch”, after having experience on screen alongside Woody Harrelson in “Champions”, his career is on the rise. As an ambassador and speaker for several different organizations devoted to helping individuals with developmental disabilities, including Best Buddies and Hearts of Joy, Ahe shows dedication to representation in the entertainment industry. To learn more about Matthew Von Der Ahe and his upcoming films, read on.

Where are you based?
I’m based in Los Angeles, California.

What inspired you to start acting?
When I was seven, I took a kid’s acting class and instantly fell in love with being on stage. After I landed my first role, I was totally hooked.

You starred alongside Woody Harrelson in the inspiring movie “Champions”. What was it like working on that movie? For those who haven't seen it, can you tell us a bit about it?
I loved working on Champions. The cast was amazing and so kind. I found out I got the role just two weeks before I had to leave for Canada to film. I immediately got to work hard on learning my lines so that I could just focus on the acting part once I got to set. Tom Hanks says that the most important thing you can do as an actor is: “Show up on time. Know the text and "Have an idea.” So, I try to always do that.

The movie is about a basketball coach who is court-ordered to coach a team of players with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It’s funny, heartwarming, and full of meaning.

”Champions 2” is set to start filming next year. What most excites you about going back to that film's world? Is there anything you can tell us about what to expect to see from it?
I can’t wait to reunite with the cast — some I haven’t seen since the movie came out in 2022, and others I’ve grown really close to over the years. I can’t say much about the story yet, but I think it will be a great movie.

You are set to star in the upcoming movie, “One Perfect Date”. Can you tell us a bit about this movie? What has been your favorite part about working on it?
One Perfect Date is a coming-of-age romantic comedy that follows a young lady with Down syndrome as she navigates the workforce and love. It’s heartfelt and funny, and I had so much fun filming it — especially because I got to work with my Champions co-star Madison Tevlin, who stars in it.

You are also set to headline in the upcoming movie “Wish Watch”. Can you tell us a little about what we can expect from your character for this movie?
Wish Watch will be the first movie where I get to play a lead character and even though it was a big challenge — it was a really rewarding one. The movie is about two best friends who get stuck in a time loop, and it explores how their friendship is tested when things get tough. It’s got a lot of heart, humor, and lessons about what matters most.

You are a part of the Easter Seals “Disability Is Not a Dirty Word” campaign. Can you tell us about this campaign, its goals, and how you're involved?
The Easter Seals campaign is helping change how people think about the word “disability.” For a long time, that word made some people uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t. This campaign reminds everyone that having a disability is just one part of who we are — it doesn’t define us. I’ve had a great time being part of something that spreads positivity and shows that inclusion can be both powerful and fun.

You’ve spoken at a number of different events for various organizations dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities, including Best Buddies, Dear Mom, NDSS Gala, Hearts of Joy, and Club 21. What do you hope listeners take away from your talks? What do you hope to inspire?
I’m really lucky to get to use my platform to talk about disability inclusion in Hollywood and beyond. I want people to see how important it is for everyone, including people with disabilities, to be represented in the stories we watch. My hope is that audiences walk away feeling inspired to see ability, not limits.

You are also an ambassador for Best Buddies International and Hearts of Joy. Can you tell us about these two organizations and your involvement with them?
Best Buddies helps create friendships, jobs, and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Hearts of Joy provides heart surgery for children with Down syndrome all around the world. Both organizations mean a lot to me, and I’m honored to represent them and share their missions wherever I can.

What does representation within the entertainment industry mean to you? What changes do you hope to see in the coming years for those with disabilities working in the entertainment industry?
Representation means showing real people with disabilities living real lives, not just making the story about the disability itself. I hope more writers start including characters with disabilities in everyday stories, where the character just happens to have a disability, but the story isn’t focused on it. That’s how inclusion becomes the norm.

What advice do you have for others with developmental disabilities who want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
It’s a lot of work, and you’ll hear “no” a lot. But if you love it, don’t let rejection stop you. When I don’t get a role, I remind myself that maybe I just wasn’t what they were looking for. Every audition is a chance to grow and learn.

Are there any upcoming projects you are currently working on that we should be on the lookout for?
Yes, there’s a lot happening! Champions 2 starts filming next year, and I’m really excited about that. I also have Wish Watch and One Perfect Date that will come out next year. It’s been an amazing ride, and I’m just having fun doing what I love and seeing where it all goes.

It has been a crazy few years, and we expect at least four more. How have you been staying positive?
I focus on gratitude, remembering how far I’ve come and all the people who support me. That keeps me grounded and happy, even when things get stressful.

What is your motto in life?
When we choose to believe in each other, we create a future full of hope and possibility.

To learn more about Matthew Von Der Ahe, please check out the links below:
Instagram
YouTube
@Matthewvonderaheofficial on all platforms

Matthew Von Der Ahe on Acting & Representation