Broadus Mattison: Before now I never felt that I was following my true path

“I enjoy portraying men of strong purpose and character, roles that display integrity, fortitude, dignity, and a ferocious desire to achieve their objectives, by hook or by crook; characters that embody the phrase Invictus Maneo “I remain unvanquished.” ~Broadus

About Broadus Mattison

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Broadus Mattison is a US Navy Veteran, serving as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN-68). After leaving the military, he held a variety of jobs, including service as a police officer in Baltimore.

A chance encounter in Seattle led him to an audition for the role of
Aaron in a production of Shakespeare’s ‘Titus Andronicus’. His true calling was found and he has never looked back.

Broadus has a screen presence that is powerful, commanding, and reassuring; he calls upon on his life experiences and training to inform his choices as an actor and artist. Broadus’ focus, discipline and determination has proven to be an asset to every project of which he has been a part.

The Interview

1. What is the force that drives you forward? What fuels your ambition?

Passion. A burning desire to live my life to the fullest, to put my God-given talents to full use in the service of telling stories in theater, on film, and on television. I want to be able to portray strong, determined, principled men, the kind of men I grew up around. The kind of men I would like my nieces and nephews to be able to see on screen.

2. Can you talk about your greatest “failure” (something that led to your most significant shift in consciousness, and made you who you are today)?

Most of my life I have pursued jobs and careers opportunities that I perceived to be respectable in the eyes of my friends, family, and in the image I wanted to have of myself. While I had enjoyed what I did and learned a lot in terms of life experiences, I never felt that I was following my true path, fulfilling my destiny. Several years ago I got laid off of a job that had ‘brass ring’ written all over it; good pay, benefits, longevity. Getting that pink slip was the best thing that happened to me because it stoked the fire that had long been burning within. I decided to take my severance and move back to Vancouver to begin my journey in acting.

3. Are you happy? What does happiness mean to you?

I see happiness as something you have to strive and work towards every day. It’s as much a mindset that you can control. If you want to be happy, then CHOOSE to be happy. Happiness for me is having gratitude for health, strength, and clarity of mind. There are people in the world who have none of these and we should cherish the gift.

4. What do you think is your greatest strength? What is your greatest personal challenge (something you struggle with)?

I believe that my greatest strength is my presence, my ability to listen and empathize with others.

5. What do you love about what you do?

I love being on set. It reminds me of my experiences playing team sports and my time in the military in terms of the camaraderie and focus on the mission; telling a good story.

6. What is the one habit that you’ve implemented that has had the greatest impact on your success so far?

The habit that has worked for me over the past five years has been to work out first thing in the morning. Pushups, dips, a little yoga, and some deep breathing exercises do much better for me than any coffee drink. I also practice 15 minutes of cold reading, just picking up a book and reading aloud.

7. How do you deal with doubt?

Whenever I am feeling down or doubting myself. I remind myself of all of the accomplishments I’ve achieved in my life. I also repeat the phrase ‘fortitudine vincimus’ to myself, and like magic, I find myself back on track.

8. Is there a quality that you think artistically successful people have in common? What is it?

I think the number one quality is DISCIPLINE. Whenever I have read about successful people from all walks of life and they all seem to have extraordinary amounts of discipline which, combined with passion, can produce magic.

9. Do you have any advice for artists? Perhaps advise that you wish you’d been given when you were first starting out?

Get yourself a routine that keeps your body strong and your mind sharp; yoga, weightlifting, team sports. Read books. Practice your cold reading skills , get used to hearing the sound of your own voice. Develop and maintain relationships with people OUTSIDE the industry.

10. What is your happiest memory (could be related or unrelated to your field)?

Finding a kitten on the sidewalk and keeping her as a pet — the first one I ever had in my life.

11. What is your favourite book?

Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers.

Check out the favourite books by the other interviewees

Follow Broadus:

Twitter: @broadus
Website: www.broadusmattison.com
IMDB: Broadus

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