Matthew Lillard Shares a Look Into His Family World

Matthew Lillard's new liquor venture is exciting. However, his recent interview with E! News about family, work, and life is truly heartwarming.

Lillard explained that he did not pursue acting to become rich or famous. "I found acting because it was the only thing I was ever good at," he shared. Lillard added that adults always encouraged him to continue acting, stating, "So I didn't chase it to be successful. I chased because I had nothing else." After 30 years in Hollywood, he believes his career is flourishing.

Lillard remarked, "You just want to keep doing great work." He emphasized that many actors become disinterested and fade from public perception. Fortunately, he is currently enjoying his work and feels grateful for it, noting, "It's a blessing to have work, to still be relevant, to grow into my age and have the opportunity to keep feeding my kids."

Lillard and his wife, Heather Helm, have three children. If they choose acting, they won't be stepping into an entirely unfamiliar world. "It's so horrible," Lillard joked. "No, I love it." His eldest child was born on the day Scooby-Doo premiered in theaters, and Lillard noted the excitement surrounding that moment.

"I was literally holding my newborn child, and the head of the studio called to [say] congratulations," he recalled. His child now graduates from USC's Roski School of Art and Design. Meanwhile, his second child is also an aspiring actor in college. "The good news is, they're incredible," he said. He loves witnessing his children evolve artistically, noting, "I was a kid that didn't even go to school."

He added that the children understand the realities of the entertainment business without his pressure to pursue it. They are passionate about their artistic pursuits. In contrast, Lillard’s son is an athlete who "gave zero effs" about acting. He instead expressed a desire to distance himself from it.

Helm has been with Lillard during most of his lengthy career. He described their relationship by saying, "I've been married 24 years in a crazy business," emphasizing they have managed well together. He provided an insightful view on their balance, commenting, "I am very carefree, and my wife has the ability to balance that."

He characterized Helm as "incredible to parent with," appreciating her partnership. "I'm pretty basic," he admitted, noting the need for a grounded approach to their busy lives.

As Lillard reflects on his artistic journey, he values perspective significantly. He is glad many people today recognize that every journey includes ups and downs. "I didn't know if I'd ever work again," he shared. He stressed that finding fellowship and pursuing passion can lead to success or alternate achievements.

Last year, Lillard, along with screenwriter Justin Ware, launched Find Familiar Spirits. This firm emerged because they became tired of waiting for opportunities, which felt unfulfilling. "Just sitting around waiting is a horrible way to live a life," he expressed.

Their unique line of Quest End Whiskey, celebrating the Dungeons & Dragons theme, was well-received. Capitalizing on his horror roots, they next launched Macabre Spirits tequila. "Macabre Spirits reflects the idea of recognizing a community and delivering to their passions," he explained. The tequila features a chilling novella created by Mike Flanagan, who directed Lillard in The Life of Chuck, due out in 2025.

After the successful launch, Lillard was ready to dive back into filming the sequel of Five Nights at Freddy's, following its significant box office success of nearly $300 million last year. Reflecting on his roles, he remarked, "I've picked up an iconic film along the way in each decade."

Despite past missed parts, such as auditioning for Guardians of the Galaxy and nearly portraying Negan in The Walking Dead, Lillard maintains a bright outlook. "To be Han Solo would have been huge," he mused. Yet, he assured fans he remains open to opportunities, adding, "I'm still available. If anyone's out there, I'm ready."

Overall, Lillard views his journey favorably, seeing himself privileged to have had varied and engaging roles. "I'm really excited about what's coming," he concluded, emphasizing his enthusiasm for future projects.