Young Clayton actor keeps rolling up film credits
Six-year-old Mateo Garcia of Clayton was at the center of the excitement during a private showing of “40: The Temptation of Christ” in Concord on March 5.
Director/producer Douglas James Vail joined family, friends, neighbors and cast at the Brenden Theatre screening. Mateo and other cast members happily greeted fans and signed autographs for classmates and friends who came out enthusiastically to support the film’s release.
Mateo lives in Dana Hills with parents Christopher and Sarah Garcia and brother Kylie. His career began in 2016, when he and his extended family shared a Christmas vacation in Southern California. Little did they know that they would receive a suggestion from a relative that would lead to Mateo’s first appearance in a Giant’s commercial.
Mateo Ray, as he is now known in movie circles, was only 4 when he got his first job. Very quickly after that, Mateo earned print campaigns and a stand-up comedy gig. He has also had roles in “Lumen,” “And They Lived” and “Designer Genes” for HBO. Recent notable credits include “One Last Cut,” “A Life Passed,” “The Divisible” (currently in production) and “R.I.P.”
Cue the charm
In addition to building an impressive resume before age 6, Mateo is on a personal mission to make friends. He exudes joy, with his signature mop of golden curly hair accentuated by hazel eyes and a sun-kissed complexion. His energy was infectious as he explored my house and yard before winding down a bit and snuggling into the cushions on the couch.
Most of his answers were just a word or two. His favorite things about portraying the young Jesus in the movie were being able to pet the little lamb and being hugged by his movie father, Joseph.
Like most 6-year-olds, he is very interested in being delightfully playful and snacking on granola bars. He can also raise and lower one eyebrow at a time.
When he found out that all of my five kids had already left home, he nodded soberly, with eyes wise beyond his years, and said, “Less distractions.”
He would like to star as Luke Skywalker someday. Or Superman. But for now, he had to leave for Little League baseball practice and, later that week, karate, piano and online acting lessons. Movie stars and kids, not to mention their parents, have very active lives.
He said goodbye with a “low five” of our toes touching, a soft head bump and a big hug. He left fingerprints on my heart as well as the coffee table, neither of which will disappear anytime soon.
For information on setting up a screening of “40: The Temptation of Christ,” visit info@Faithworkspictures.org. For more on Mateo, visit IMDb.me/MateoRayGarcia.