From Villains to Dads: Matthew Letscher on Roles from “Zorro” and “The Flash” to "Suits LA"

Finding His Path and Early Mentorship

Letscher’s path into acting wasn’t always clear. “When I was in college… I knew I liked acting. I knew I loved doing theater, but I never really thought I’d make a living doing it,” he recalled. That changed after attending a workshop with legendary acting teacher Uta Hagen. “She totally changed my perspective on what the craft was, what it could be… After that workshop, the summer after my freshman year, I decided I was going to get a degree in theater.”

He credits actor Jeff Daniels, who cast him in The Tropical Pickle at the Purple Rose Theatre, for helping launch his film career. “Even back then I knew how stupidly lucky I was… Jeff helped me get my first part in a movie, which was Gettysburg.”

Another formative mentor was his college professor, Richard Clutch. “He said, ‘I think if you keep doing what you’re doing, you’re gonna find your way in this business.’ That was a massive moment for me. You need those moments from people you respect.”

Embracing Villains and Genre Versatility

While fans may know him best as a villain, Letscher never set out to be typecast. “Early on, I had more than my fair share of the good guys too… They’re just not as memorable as the bad guys,” he said. From sitcoms to period dramas, the unpredictability of early roles gave him space to grow. “I loved the unpredictability of my early career… I just wanted to work.”

Still, playing villains came with its perks. “I love the Captain Love and Reverse Flash kind of bad guys because those are just so obvious… They don’t have to have any conscience.”

As for what he hasn’t done yet? “A really good horror movie would be super fun… Jordan Peele or Ryan Coogler, if you’re listening, I wouldn’t mind an opportunity.”

From Suits to Sitcoms: Balancing New Projects

Most recently, Letscher has appeared in two very different series: NBC’s Suits LA and CBS’ Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage. “It’s almost like the two halves of my career… Georgie and Mandy is how I spent the first part, and Suits is how I spent the second,” he said.

He particularly values the experience of performing in front of a live studio audience. “You get to basically do a little play every week… That’s really gratifying.”

In Suits LA, he plays opposite Stephen Amell, a reunion for fans of the Arrowverse. “We’re in a room, or an office, or a hallway… Dad and son going at it. What made me nervous early on was… I’m not that much older than Stephen.” Visual effects helped with the age gap. “They aged me up about 10 years in post. It’s incredible.”

Advice for the Next Generation

When asked what advice he’d give to young actors looking to break in, Letscher didn’t hesitate: “Build community. Work as much as you can. And create your own work as much as you can.” He elaborated, “You’re building your community… It’s through word of mouth in that community that things spread. Little connections like that… develop into a career.”

He urged new actors not to dismiss small opportunities. “You might turn up your nose at that play being done at a 20-seat theater downtown… but what you’re doing is going to the gym.”

Creating your own content, whether its a play, a short film or on social media is just as vital. “Engaging in the process, putting yourself out in the world, is really important. You never know how anything’s going to work out. You just have to start.”

And his final words of wisdom? “Don’t be afraid to look foolish.”

You can see Matthew Letscher on Suits LAstreaming on Peacock and Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage on Paramount+

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