Who is Matt Pearce?
I grew up on a Macadamia farm just outside of Bundaberg in Queensland. Both my parents drove me hard to fulfil my destiny as a professional athlete in every sporting code known to man. However, as it turned out my passions lay elsewhere. Taught from a very young age how to sing by my Papa featuring the greatest hits like, I’ve got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts and When Father papered the Parlour. Somehow I ended up moving to the biggest city in Australia as a young adult, attended drama school for three years, and have been pretending to know what I’m doing ever since.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Wow. If I had my time again I would have definitely have worked harder on my backhand. Tennis players make serious bank. Either that or become a marine biologist. I love the ocean.
Who inspires you and why?
Hard question. But Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is the first thing that springs to mind. That man brings another dimension meaning to the word ‘Focus’. Whether it’s in fitness, life or business, he has got it all dialled in perfectly.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
If I won the lottery or obtained enough money, I would invest in science that is developing a cure for blindness. It exists in my family and it pains me to imagine losing eyesight or never being born with it in the first place. To help others see this incredible world we live in would be money well spent.
What is your Favourite holiday destination and why?
Darwin has always felt like my second home. It’s where my parents grew up, part of my family still lives there, and the laksa soups are the best in Australia. To do list when you go: stand on top of Ubirr Rock as the sunset disappears over the horizon; go to Mindil Markets and have an emergency chicken satay (my uncle called them that because we were always hungry and it always felt like an emergency). Also has an amazing sunset; hit up Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) for some of the most spectacular locations known to man; and have a BBQ on the cliffs of Casuarina Beach.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to and why?
I would have to say the Coogee to Bondi walk is a must do for all my friends to do if they have never been to Sydney. Some of the best sites and beaches you will see. Also if you have time, take a day trip out to Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains. Great for the whole family all the way up to Adventure caving for the experienced.
What are you currently reading?
The Witcher series. The game is one of the best of all time and the Netflix series did an incredible job in my opinion.
What are you currently listening to?
I range depending on the activity. It can be country music when I feel the big city getting to me. e.g. Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan… heavy metal when I’m at the gym e.g. Disturbed, Metallica (much to the disgust of my girlfriend). Nostalgia genre when I’m walking around place to place. e.g. Queen, Jim Croce, Eagles…
Happiness is?
I would have to say an incredible glass of wine, at a winery, with my partner, amazing view surrounded by slightly tipsy family members who all love the same thing.
What does your Future hold?
Stay healthy, beautiful kids, and a fulfilling life. I am very excited to see if I can pull off the hat-trick.
Matt stars in Rolling Thunder Vietnam – which kicks off its Australian tour at the Geelong Arts Centre (13 & 14 March); before heading to QPAC – Brisbane (18 & 19 March); The Star Gold Coast (21 March); Hamer Hall – Melbourne (25 March); Canberra Theatre Centre (27 & 28 March); State Theatre – Sydney (31 March & 1 April); and Sydney Coliseum Theatre – West HQ (3 & 4 April). For more information, visit: www.rollingthundervietnam.com for details.
Image: Matt Pearce (supplied)