The Matthew Tardy Interview

Matthew Tardy started his performing career, alongside his brother, in 1994 as young teenagers. They grew up in a small town in Maine where they presented sketch comedy at a local community talent show. They were seen by local physical comedian Michael Miclon, who noticed their natural rapport with the audience and invited them to apprentice and tour with him. The apprenticeship opened many doors including the opportunity to train extensively at the Celebration Barn Theater with Mime Master Tony Montanaro as well as Broadway comedians, gold-medal jugglers, and Cirque du Soleil performers.

By the age of 16, Matthew was performing full-time as a professional juggler, circus artist, and musician. In the last 24 years, Matt has performed all over the globe, including the Atlantis Resort, Disney Cruise Lines, and even The White House on three separate occasions. He has appeared on David Letterman, CBS’s The Early Show, Inside Edition, and CBS Sunday Morning.

The questions below are based on the famous Proust Interview popularized by Vanity Fair magazine.

What is your greatest extravagance? Going to the movies! The smell of popcorn, the previews, the nostalgia of sitting in the seats waiting for the film to start. All of it!
Which living person do you most admire? I admire many people. At the moment I’d say, Elon Musk.
What is your greatest fear? My greatest fear is that my children will grow up in a world where they are forced to be anything but themselves.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Knowledge. When we think we know something with certainty, we close the door to understanding other perspectives.
What is the quality you most like in another person? Acceptance.
Fluent in ASLWhat is your current state of mind? Need more coffee…..
On what occasion do you lie? Never intentionally.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Are you going to eat that?
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My children. I know it’s cliché, but totally true.
When and where were you happiest? With friends.
Which talent would you most like to have? The talent to be a magician!
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My head.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Never having a “real” job. I’ve been a full-time performer since I was a kid.
Where would you most like to live? Austin, Vegas, or Mars.
What is your greatest regret? Failure is a path to wisdom. I have no regrets.
What is your most treasured possession? My Grandmother’s guitar.
What is your motto? Have fun. If you can see the humor in a situation, it often turns out better for everyone involved.

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