William Beau Mirchoff is an American-born Canadian actor, known for playing Danny Bolen on the sixth season of the ABC series Desperate Housewives and Matty McKibben on the MTV series Awkward. He also appeared in films such as Scary Movie 4 and The Grudge 3.
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» All Actor InterviewsHey! I'm from Victoria, British Columbia. Started acting when I was 12 years old, eventually moved to Los Angeles, where I continued my acting studies. I like to do a lot of things: I play music, I love outdoors stuff. In POKER NIGHT, I play Detective Sam Jeter and star alongside Giancarlo Esposito, Titus Welliver, Ron Perlman and Ron Eldard.,as well as director Greg Francis... You can check out the trailer here. The film is out on December 20th in select theaters and available NOW on VOD.
Victoria's helping me get started today. AMA!
Proof: http://imgur.com/9enpFv6
EDIT: Sorry I have run out of time. I hope you enjoy POKER NIGHT, out on VOD for various digital platforms now and in theaters on 12/20. Thanks guys!
As Matty you can be so uncomfortably awkward (how suitable for the show!) but I still want to lick your face. Is that ok?
i usually have stubble so it might hurt.
Who do you hope Matty ends up with in the final season? Gabby or Jenna? Or maybe someone else?
May i plead the 5th?
I'm so glad you're doing an AMA! I've had the biggest crush on you ever since season 1 of Awkward. My question is, what are your plans after Awkward ends next season? Are you sad that it's ending or are you excited to move on from it?
Thanks in advance! :)
I can't pinpoint one feeling. I'm sad it's ending, but i'm also happy for the opportunity. I hope to continue to do some theater, but I also look forward to the next television or movie job.
What was the cast of Desperate Housewives like to work with?
Working with the cast of DH was unbelievable. It was my first job since moving to Los Angeles. I had worked before, however not with that caliber of actors. It was an education, to say the least.
What do you miss most about being in Canada?? :)
The Igloos (kidding)... my Family!
Any interesting stories from the sets of awkward?
One year, for my birthday, a man in the wardrobe department saran-wrapped my vehicle with industrial size saran wrap. Before he did that, he filled my ventilation system with baby powder, so when I finally got through the cellophane to drive away, the air conditioning blasted me with baby powder.
I got him back, though, I pushed him in a pool at 3 AM in the morning on our last day of shooting. And when he got out, we threw flour in his face.
What's your favourite film?
I have so many. From the last couple years, I would have to say Inside Llewyn Davis. There's something about the movie that speaks to me and I love the Coen brothers.
On Awkward you play a soccer superstar, what about in real life? Do you have a favorite team? Mine is Real Madrid.
I would say the Seattle Sounders.
Hi Beau, thanks for doing this ! How would you say you are different from your character in Awkward and in what ways are you two alike ? It seems like you put a bit of yourself in him over the years but I might be wrong about that :)
For one, I don't sniff my armpits when I get nervous! I think that Matty and I are very similar. However, FORTUNATELy for me, my high school experience wasn't as dramatic.
Hey Beau, thanks for doing this. I love your work!
Do you have a favorite episode of AWKWARD? If so, which one? Also I must ask, will you marry me? Haha.
I loved the pilot episode of AWKWARD. I think it's a very complete pilot, and it showcases the show very well. And I'm already taken, unfortunately, but thanks for asking. :)
What is it like on the set of Awkward? You all have great chemistry and friendship on screen, is it like that off screen as well?
It is. A lot of laughs. We all hang out with each other. You know, tell stories... and I write music with the sound guys, so we're always jamming. It's a pretty relaxed environment.
Do you think there is a purpose to life beyond seeking money, sex, fame, and happiness?
There is. Unfortunately most people never find it. I think the key to happiness is friendship and love. I think I saw that on a bumper sticker.
If there was any advice that you could give to fans that are going through bullying/hard times, what advice would you give?
Speak up for yourself - tell parents or a friend. Remember you are important and valued and loved. And whatever predicament you are in, it will get better. That's for sure.
Beau, If you weren't an actor what would you be?
That's a good question, thank you. I always wanted to be following my father's footsteps - he's a podiatrist - but something to do with maybe I always liked science? Maybe something to do with biology? But then again, I'm back in school studying literature, so I'm kinda like... I don't know. If I could, I would love to be a scholar. That would be pretty cool. I would like to be everything, how about that.
What was your favourite subject in high school?
Biology!
If you could play any Batman villain in a movie, which one would you play ?
Hahaha! How about the Joker?
If you could go back in time, what year/time period would you travel to?
That's a super-good question. So many answers.
I would say the year 900 in Britain. I would want to be a knight, defending ethics. I like that whole time period, it's rugged and difficult but very important for history.
Hi Beau, first of all, I love you and think you're a great actor. Second, I'm wondering, if you could work with any actor, who would you work with?
Thank you for the kind words.
I would love to work with Tom Hardy. I highly respect that man. I think he's badass, and I would love to just learn from him.
Was there tension between the actresses on Desperate Housewives? I always found it weird the way they kind of froze Teri Hatcher out and the woman who played Mrs McClusky said that Teri was her favorite and didn't seem too keen on the others. Odd, when she worked most with Felicity Huffman
Unfortunately I don't know anything about that. All I can say is they were wonderful to work with.
Would you rather, stand barefoot on an iceblock for 20 min or be tickled on your bare feet for 20 min? Why? :P
I'd rather stand on the block of ice. Because after 5 minutes, hopefully I couldn't feel my feet anymore. And tickling, that's just... you feel it forever.
Hi Beau. You are such a great actor, Matty is probably my favorite of your roles... so far!
What kind of music do you play?
Thanks.
I'd like to play a little bit of everything. My band is Americana Rock... classic rock influences and blues influences.
Hey Beau! Do you have any upcoming projects we could look forward to?
Yes! POKER NIGHT is being released on the 20th of this month in Theaters. I'm coming out with a new TV show starring David Duchovny entitled "Aquarius" that'll be on NBC. I also have another movie coming out soon called "See you in Valhalla"
Follow up to your answer before: "There is. Unfortunately most people never find it. I think the key to happiness is friendship and love. I think I saw that on a bumper sticker."
What have you done to search for this purpose? Have you studied different religions' scriptures or philosophers?
I read a lot. I read a lot of literature, different philosophers, various people's philosophies. Plus my own life experience.
How did you decide to become an actor and how were you discovered?
It didn't just happen one day. I was always intrigued by acting. My mother helped me along the way, and put me in acting classes. It wasn't until I became older that i fell in love with it, and when I realized it would encompass - the intricacies of it all. And that's when I fell in love with it.
who was your Favorite housewife and Power Ranger?
My favorite housewife would be Felicity Huffman. And no offense to the rest - they are all equally desperate and wonderful! And my favorite Power Ranger - it's a tie with Jason and Tommy.
When I was in preschool, someone told me that I couldn't be Jason because I had a long rattail, and so I waited for the scissors at craft time and cut off my rattail and was like "OH YEAH!?! Now i can be Jason!"
What was your favorite episode to film of season 4?
Matty's birthday!
Who is the best celebrity you have met?
RON PERLMAN. If he ran for president, I'd vote for him - twice.
Beau! Just wanted to say I've been kind of following your career a bit as you started playing Matty on Awkward... which definitely is a great show that I'm glad I got into! But I wanted to say that I see great things in your future career so I wish you the best. Thanks for doing the AMA :D. Hmmm I spose I've gotta ask you a question now though - what kind of music would you say is your favorite? Or your current favorite? :) Hope you're having a great day! <3
I have an affinity for classic rock, probably because my father was such an avid listener. Lately I've been listening to The Bahamas... buy their CD or album or whatever - but I also listen to everything. I love classical music. I've just recently been getting into jazz. Even some hiphop now and again!
Who or what inspires you?
My family, theater, passion - people who are passionate. So many things!
Which actor/actress would you love to star alongside in a film? :) xo
Cate Blanchett!
Beau, would you rather fight one horse sized duck? Or one hundred duck sized horses?
I would go with 100 duck-sized horses. Just because they're cute.
With Poker Night, you got a chance to step out of the high school world of Awkward which was the same step away you did with Born 2 Race, how was the transition to a more adult role like for you with this movie?
It was great. Anytime I get the chance to do something a little different I look forward to it. I got to work with so many actors I respect, and you know, I'd like to start doing more and more projects of this type of content.
Hi Beau!!! HUGE fan here!
What is your favorite part of filming Awkward? Do you have a favorite co-star?
Thanks!
Um... my favorite part of Awkward is the cast. I like them all equally the same.
So after reading some of your comments, I'm realizing you probably do your fair share of reading...do you have a personal favorite book? I love reading so I understand if you can't narrow it down to one, but even a few you could name off the top of your head; it would be awesome to have recommendations! :) thanks for doing an AMA
I do read a lot. I love Cormac McCarthy, I've been reading him a lot lately. He can be very graphic, and violent, so reader beware! ALL THE PRETTY HORSES is probably my favorite book by him.
And also Jane Austen, if you haven't been introduced to her. Read EMMA.
How was it like working with Shane Harper in Awkward?
We have a lot of laughs! He's a swell kid. I'm very happy for all his success.
Hey Beau - huge Awkward fan - you are a great actor! What is your favourite spot in Victoria? What is your favourite and least favourite part of being an actor? And if you could bring back one person from any time period to hang out with for a day, who would you choose and why?
I would have to say on the water, on my father's boat. My dad's an avid fisherman, that's how i spent my childhood. My favorite part of acting is acting... my LEAST favorite part is waiting. I just read a book about Sophocles, so that dude is pretty amazing. I would want him to teach me a few things, and I think he'd be really fun to hang out with as well.
Hello!
What is your favourite book (or book series) and if you could be a character in them, who would you be? :)
My favorite book series is the Border Trilogy by Cormac McCarthy. And I wouldn't want to be one of them.
Who is your favorite director and why is it Kanin Guntzelman?
Because we are kindred spirits, Kanin and I. I love his brain. He thinks very differently than I. Therefore, we work well together.
If I ask you to read my poems,would you read? I know you love reading.:) What are you currently reading by the way?
I would love to read your poems, but i'm currently reading a very difficult book, ULYSSES by James Joyce.
What name are you called most commonly called when people recognise you on the street?
MATTY!
What was the most weirdest dream you ever had?
I have a recurring dream I'm in a car accident. It's not fun.
Are you a fan of Kristen Wiig?
YES!!!
I want to be her.
If you were a Pokémon who would you be?
Charizard. DUH!
have you ever been confused for any other celebrity?
I have got the singer from Green Day?
Huge awkward. Fan here!
You're great. How do you feel about cats?
Oh btw you're very attractive, I like all your instagram posts. :)
I have a bit of a contentious relationship with cats, just cuz I've been burned by them in the past. However, I met a very nice cat yesterday named "Blackie" whom I fell in love with. So
Is Jeanine mason your girlfriend? You guys are a very cute couple!!
She is my girlfriend. I'm so lucky.
Have you seen Still Alice yet? Julianne Moore is favorite to win the oscar this year for it. It is very heartbreaking but a very good movie with top performances from Alec Baldwin and Kristen Stewart. Bring tissues!!
I haven't had the opportunity to see it yet. It's on my shortlist, though. Julianne can do no wrong!
Did you play in real life or just an awkward thing ? And if so what position?
I played midfield up till the age of 14, and then other sports - basketball, lacrosse, football - forced me to make the difficult decision to hang up my soccer cleats for good.
Hi! Awkward fan here, thanks for doing this AMA. How was it working with Giancarlo Esposito? Did you ever watch Breaking Bad?
YES! HUGE fan of Breaking Bad.
He was a mensch. The first day I met him, he flew in overnight, hadn't slept in over a day, directly to set, did his scene, after his scene lay down on a couch to get a little bit of shut-eye, and then did his final scene. A true professional and just awesome guy.
The set of POKER NIGHT had great energy. I think you'll like it if you liked BREAKING BAD.
Why aren't you following me on twitter or instagram? I'm hurt.
Wait, I'm not following you!?!?!
Looking forward to it!!
great, let me know what you think!
First of all, I have a really awesome friend whos also named beau and his middle name is beau too. You seem like a cool person. Plus, I was born on a Friday, too. Isn't that super awesome?
My question is: You have a cool last name, what does your last name mean?
Um... I don't know what it means. But I do like the aesthetic of it. It is a Bulgarian name. I went to Bulgaria. And there were many cool Bulgarians.