J.D. Mata co-star's in Lil Wayne's new music video, "How to Love!"

Over the last few years, as an actor, I started to gravitate toward and resonate with the more edgy character driven roles! I found them infinitely interesting and FUN! Then I let my hair grow, and it sealed the deal! I am grateful to have been cast for this amazing and profound music video!

J.D. Mata as TIO LUCA on True Blood

Working on True Blood was an amazing experience! Genius production all the way around-grateful!..jd p.s. Tio Luca esta descansando....

J.D. Mata appearing in TRUE BLOOD as "Tio Luca!"

I will appear on TRUE BLOOD, July 31, 2011, as "Tio Luca!" I'm also in this trailer! Life is JUST RIGHT! xo, jd

NEW C.D. **JD in LA**

This "L.A. song" is the first track on the C.D. Thank you, and I LOVE MY LIFE:) xo, jd

Orson's Last Dance and my lovely encounters with, Jeff Conaway!

Jeff, starring in ORSON'S LAST DANCE, would have been the encore to Mickey Rourke - a storybook comeback! Heaven ain't a bad alternative my lovely, friend.
When I first met Jeff, he no longer had the world class dance chops of Kenickie on Grease. When I first met Jeff, he was a few decades distant from the hip, cool, and slick character from the hit t.v. series, Taxi; but, what he possessed trumped all of the above, KINDNESS, SPIRITUALITY and, LIFE EXPERIENCE. This was MY experience with Jeff. His deep baby blues were in the moment, honest and REAL. He was very knowledgeable in many areas of life-religion, philosophy, and especially the craft of ACTING! He shared with me how he had been acting his whole life and how he had met and studied under legendary instructor, Stella Adler. Case and point, the above film, he starred in my first ever feature film, PAN DULCE. He plays the Angel Gabriel Levine, a role with no dialogue, which is what really intrigued him!

Everybody knew Jeff from Andy Warhol to John Travolta! And, somehow he was not phased by his incredible journey, but only interested in the moment, the next indicated thing. He was a work horse when it came to the script, as he was VERY invested in the entire process.He starred in my second film, FROM BEHIND the SUNFLOWER, this role with MUCH dialogue:) He re-wrote lines on my script, in which I was only honored to have him transform something half-baked into, HIGH ART! Every take, in terms of body movement and continuity, was the same- very professional! However, I will forever be struck with the profound honesty and sincerity in those steely gentle blue eyes! The camera does not lie. Therefore, I new in my heart of hearts, no one else in the world could play the role of Orson, a person with down's syndrome who wants to make a movie and take it to Sundance, more honestly than Jeff. Thank you my friend for believing in me, as I believed in you - I always held hope! The heavens are imitating art from here on earth, as you are NOW a REAL Angel! I am grateful to have met you and to have been blessed by your kindness and love. I will never forget you, and "love you, bro!" I love my life, jd

"Between the Bar's" an Elliott Smith tribute-promo-

Produced by LA filmakers Tobi Sackheim and J.D. Mata. A collaboration of Los Angeles artists offers an innovative theatrical experience to American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith's repertoire of music. This creative tribute merges live music with contemporary dance and incorporates striking visuals via multi-media. Come experience an evening of Elliott Smith told through the voices of these vibrant artists. This performance will take place at the newly opened metro arts district in Boyle Heights, where an emerging arts movement has begun. Cast Members, DANCERS: Eddie Hawks, Kat Hawks, Alice Ngo. James Keene, Tobi Sackheim, J.D. Mata, Alexandria Yalj, Jodie Mashburn, Ellen Clifford, POET: Mario Valdez Juarez ARTISTS: Holly Azami, Heather Azami MUSICIANS: Morgan Jenkins, Ivan Smirnov, and J.D. Mata

ELLIOTT SMITH tribute performance "teaser" in LA

A musical dance theater production, in honor of the late Elliott Smith, an Oscar nominated singer songwriter, t-shirt wearing, tattoo displaying, sensitive soul.
April 8th/9th 2011.
The M-Bar
18461 1/2 1st. Street
Los angeles, Ca. 90033 - 8:30 PM- Tickets: $10.00-
You can purchase tickets via Brown Paper Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/163931
I love my life! xo, jd