Matthew D. Fox-Interview with the Cover Model
At The Reading Cafe we had the privilege to interview author Kyllie Griffin and discovered that the cover model for her novel ALLIANCE FORGED was Matthew D Fox. Today, we would like to introduce Matt.
TRC: Hi Matt and welcome to The Reading Café. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us about yourself?
Matt: As a young child I was always playing all different kinds of sports. I loved soccer, basketball and baseball especially and dreamed that one day I would be a professional soccer player. As I grew a little older I became interested in becoming a surgeon and then that changed to a vet. I’ve always been a big animal lover. I never dreamed that I would be acting/modeling but it’s funny how life works
TRC: Would you please tell us about the challenges you have faced in your life?
Matt: I have faced many challenges in my life but the biggest one was definitely the illness of my father. For many years, ever since I was a freshman in high school, my dad has been battling with cirrhosis of the liver. By the time I was a junior in high school he was deathly ill and needed a liver transplant right away. The doctors were not sure if he would make it while waiting on the list to receive a new liver so my family went right to the hospital and started getting tested to see if we would be positive matches to give him half of ours. You had to be at least 18 years old to do a living donor transplant and I was unfortunately too young at the time. My mom was luckily a positive match and very bravely underwent surgery to give my dad more than half of her own liver. That was a rough experience for me, feeling helpless while both parents undergo a massive surgery. Thank goodness all went well and they both made a full recovery.
TRC: We are glad they are doing well. Something like that is always hard, but harder for a child to understand.
TRC: You were brought to our attention as the cover model for Kylie Griffin’s ALLIANCE FORGED. Do you know the number of covers that your image has appeared?
Matt: As of today, I have been on the cover of many romance novels. I do not know the exact number but my guess would be around 300 book covers
TRC: Do you remember the first ‘romance cover’ where your image appeared?
Matt: I do remember the first book cover that I ever appeared on. It was called “Back to Luke” and I was wearing jeans and a tool belt.
TRC: There has been a significant rise in the popularity of romance and paranormal storylines, and many people attribute some of the success to the covers and the model representations used for both the hero and the heroine-readers use the image to fuel their imaginations. What is your opinion regarding the increase in popularity with both the books and the covers?
Matt: I’m not sure if the cover models or actors of romantic stories are a big factor in their success. I would like to think that we are helping to draw attention to the book but it is the writers that deserve all of the credit.
TRC: How do you feel knowing that your image fuels the imaginations of many romance readers? 😉
Matt: It is flattering to think that my image helps to fuel the imagination of the readers…except of course for when I see my mom or grandmother with one of the books haha
TRC: Who or what brought you to the world of cover models?
Matt: I was approached in a bagel store by a model scout and he basically brought me into the world of modeling. From there I began doing many photo shoots.. magazines, catalogs, etc.. And of course book covers.
TRC: There is always controversy surrounding nude photography due to the nature of the content. Some photos are sensual and sexy while others border on pornographic. What is your opinion about nude photography and what advise would you give new models just entering the business?
Matt: I do not have a problem with nude photography. I think it is just another form of art/expression and can be done very tastefully. I would advise models that are new to the industry though to only shoot what they are comfortable with and not let anyone pressure them into doing otherwise.
TRC: Would you please tell us about your daily workout regimen?
Matt: My workout routine consists of mostly weight lifting with 2 or 3 days of cardio a week. I try to work out about 4 or 5 days a week and target two body parts a day. On weekends I enjoy going for a nice jog or bike ride to change up scenery from the inside of a gym. Plus it is more fun to be outdoors.
TRC: Many photo shoots can take you to exotic locations. Where has been your favorite location and why?
Matt: I have traveled to many great locations for work but one of the nicest shoots I have been a part of was shot in Jamaica. It was 10 day shoot for Sandals Beach Resorts. I remember swimming and snorkeling on beautiful beaches with very friendly people. I also got my first scuba diving lesson there which was a very cool experience.
TRC: What do you do when you are not modeling? e.g. hobbies, work-related.
Matt: When I am not modeling, I love to travel. I love experiencing new cultures, trying new foods, and seeing different parts of the world. Whenever I have enough time off I am always looking for an adventure.
TRC: On what are you currently working?
Matt: I am currently focusing much of time on acting. I have done several TV commercials and appearances on television shows but I would love to break further into the acting world and hopefully one day make it to the big screen. I really enjoy the art and look forward to seeing where it may take me.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite Food-Chicken Parm
Favorite Dessert-Home made Brownies
Favorite Movie-Braveheart
Last Movie you saw-The Avengers
Last Book that you read-Abe Lincoln Vampire Hunter
Dark or Milk Chocolate-Milk Chocolate
Do you have any pets-I have a Shitsu named Bella
TRC: Thank you Matt for taking the time to answer our questions. We are looking forward to seeing your image on future storylines. Good luck with your career.
~~~~~~
