Los Angeles — Matthew Lillard says he still does not feel fully understood or valued by Hollywood as an artist, even as he approaches 40 years in the entertainment business.
In an exclusive clip from the Tuesday, Oct. 6 episode of Tommy DiDario’s podcast, I’ve Never Said This Before, Lillard was asked whether he feels valued by Hollywood at this stage of his career. His answer was straightforward: “No. Not really.”
The 56-year-old actor explained that Hollywood often looks for a conventional movie star — someone who is “dashing” and can easily be placed into a recognizable category. Lillard said he has never fit that mold.
“They sorta want to be able to put you in a bubble,” he said. “I’ve never fit in that little, perfect bubble. I’ve always been a little quirky, a little gangly, a lot of energy. I’m funny and silly and at the same time can do drama, and they don’t know where to slot me.”
Lillard, who broke out with his role in Scream in 1996, said he has frequently been cast as “the best friend” or as comic relief who provides some lightness during emotionally intense moments.
“But they felt they could replace me,” Lillard said. “I still fight for jobs now.”
He said he has also struggled to land the kind of role that gives an actor greater recognition, despite appearing in acclaimed projects including Twin Peaks and The Descendants.
“I’m in these great movies, but nobody ever equates me with greatness. They equate somebody else with greatness,” he said.
Lillard questioned why he was never given an opportunity to headline a major $20 million movie, arguing that his popularity and abilities were not the issue.
“And it wasn’t because I wasn’t popular or didn’t have the chops,” he said. “It was because they didn’t get me, or didn’t see me as that guy.”
The actor, who is set to appear in the upcoming Prime Video adaptation of Carrie, also pointed to the loyal audience he has developed over the years.
“At conventions, my lines are really long, and I think that people really like me,” Lillard said. He added that both older and younger audiences connect with him, something he takes “great pride in.”
He also believes his personality brings a particular atmosphere to productions.
“I think I bring an energy to set that they don’t understand and will never understand that lets the work be light and [I’m] incredibly dedicated and committed,” he said.
Despite his frustrations, Lillard stressed that he is not complaining about his career.
“I’m approaching 40 years in the business. So I’m not complaining at all,” he said, while acknowledging that the issue affected him more when he was younger.
Lillard also recalled living with Paul Rudd for two years and feeling that he was constantly in Rudd’s shadow, regardless of how successful he became.
“I was always in the shadow of Paul Rudd, no matter how famous I got,” Lillard said. “I’m like, oh my God, Paul Rudd is 10 times more famous than I am.”
He said his competitive personality made those comparisons particularly difficult.
“And I have a competitive nature. You have to have that competition in you [in this business],” Lillard said. “For the longest time, I had a really hard time competing against other people.”
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