Matthew Von Der Ahe, a 25-year-old actor with Down syndrome, is making significant strides in the entertainment industry while advocating for inclusion of disabled individuals. He gained recognition at the “Viz-Ability” event held at the Radford Studio Center in October 2023, which showcased the talents of disabled actors, crew members, and filmmakers.
Von Der Ahe’s journey began at the young age of seven when he enrolled in acting classes to help him socialize. This experience ignited his passion for acting, leading him to pursue auditions. Despite facing numerous challenges typical for actors with disabilities, he remained determined to prove his capabilities.
In 2023, he appeared in the film Champions, where he portrayed “Craig,” a character alongside actor Woody Harrelson. The film follows Harrelson’s character, a minor-league basketball coach sentenced to community service, coaching a team of players with intellectual disabilities preparing for the Special Olympics. To ensure authenticity, acting coach A.B. Farrelly trained the actors in both acting and basketball skills.
In addition to his film work, Von Der Ahe also featured in a McDonald’s Super Bowl advertisement alongside rapper Cardi B. His mother, Emmy Von Der Ahe, has been a steadfast supporter throughout his journey, reflecting on the challenges they faced early on. She recounted the doctor’s discouraging words at Matthew’s birth, advising them not to “expect too much.”
Emmy expressed hope that medical professionals would recognize the potential of individuals with disabilities, saying, “Matthew has made my life so much better. He’s given me a different lens to see the world.” She highlighted the ongoing struggle for disabled artists to find significant roles.
“The biggest challenge is knowing that expectations are low,” she stated, emphasizing that many do not believe individuals like Matthew can succeed in memorizing scripts. “But if you give him a script, he will learn it and work on it; he works harder than anybody I know, and he gets there. He shows up prepared.”
Matthew acknowledges the challenges he faces, particularly during improvisational scenes. “I sometimes struggle with improv, like using my hands and such,” he noted. “But it doesn’t stop me from being the actor I am today.” He believes that the key to increasing opportunities for people with disabilities lies in outreach and understanding.
“I think that other people should step out and reach out to people with disabilities,” he said. “Because you never know what comes out of them and know that representation is more than just what they are on the outside.”
Looking to the future, Matthew is set to appear in two upcoming films: One Perfect Date and Wish Watch. His mother described “One Perfect Date,” filmed in Canada, as a romantic comedy featuring a character similar to Matthew. She shared that in “Wish Watch,” which is scheduled for release in January 2024, he worked extensively, often six days a week, demonstrating his commitment to the craft.
In addition to acting, Matthew has interests in music and art, owning a stationery business named Doing My pART. He also collaborated with A.B. Farrelly to write a short film that will be showcased at the Film Fest LA on November 8, 2023.
“I enjoy writing scripts for fun, and I like to step outside my comfort zone to explore the world,” Matthew expressed. “I hope my followers can join me on that journey and see my passion for it.”
Through his work and advocacy, Matthew Von Der Ahe continues to challenge stereotypes and inspire others, paving the way for greater inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
