Ari Aster's new film “Eddington” stars a few people you may have heard of: Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Pedro Pascal ... and Matt Gomez Hidaka. A Chicago native, Gomez Hidaka is now making a name for himself in Hollywood.
In “Eddington” — a neo-Western, COVID-era drama — Pascal plays the mayor of a fictional New Mexico town. Gomez Hidaka plays his unruly son and, might I say, holds his snarky own against America’s chosen daddy.
That’s the kind of opportunity Gomez Hidaka dreamed of while growing up in Rogers Park. “It makes me feel like anything’s possible, really,” he says.
Hey Chicago caught up with the actor to learn more about his journey to the big screen. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Where did you perform in Chicago as a teen, and what drew you to that scene?
“I did theater all through my childhood. We had this mandatory drama program at my Montessori school, so every year we put on a Shakespeare play that was probably very painful for the parents.
"Then in high school, I wanted to look outside of school productions. I joined American Theater Company, a small black box theater in North Center, and was surrounded by people doing what I loved at a professional level. That energy was addicting.”
Editor’s note: American Theater Company closed in 2018.
How do you feel your Chicago background sets you apart in Hollywood?
“I’m from Rogers Park, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. Growing up around so many different cultures definitely influenced the kind of actor I am. It expanded my worldview.
"In terms of style, one thing I’ve always admired about Chicago actors is their willingness to rip themselves open. I have a theory it’s because of the winters. There’s something uniquely humbling about Chicago’s intense, brutal cold. It strips away any polish, any pretense, and leaves people raw. I feel lucky to have been raised by messy and bold artists like that. They’ve completely shaped my taste.”
What advice would you give to young actors growing up in Chicago?
“Go see theater. Build a relationship with one. Some of the best acting I’ve ever seen has been on Chicago stages. There are just so many incredible theaters. I wish Los Angeles had a Steppenwolf.”
Beyond “Eddington,” you can catch Gomez Hidaka in the dystopian series “Silo” on Apple TV+. He’s also set to appear in the forthcoming thrillers “The Wilderness” and “Send A Scare.”
