In a new interview, Matthew Lillard shares his reasons for turning down an opportunity to compete on 'Dancing with the Stars' and how it impacted his career trajectory.
- November 2, 2024
AceShowbiz - Matthew Lillard has revealed the pivotal moment that led him to decline an offer to join the reality competition show "Dancing with the Stars". Following the box office failure of "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed", Lillard found himself reevaluating his career path.
After initially considering the offer, Lillard realized that participating in 'Dancing with the Stars' could potentially derail his aspirations to be a respected actor. "If I do 'Dancing with the Stars', I'll be famous and not a great actor, and I really just wanted to be a great actor," he explained.
Lillard's decision was driven by his desire to focus on his acting and avoid being defined by his celebrity status. He had witnessed firsthand the impact that fame could have on a person, and he was determined to prioritize his craft over short-term popularity.
Prior to "Scooby-Doo 2", Lillard had enjoyed success, but its underwhelming performance left him questioning his career trajectory. He confessed that he had become "caught up in the parts I was getting" and blinded by his pursuit of fame.
However, Lillard's career took a positive turn despite rejecting "Dancing with the Stars". He voiced the iconic character of Shaggy in numerous "Scooby-Doo" projects and achieved critical acclaim for his portrayal of William Afton in "Five Nights at Freddy's". A sequel to the horror film is currently in production.
Despite facing ups and downs throughout his career, Lillard remains grateful for his journey. "I've gone through good patches and bad patches," he said. "I've been irrelevant and thought I was never going to work again. I've been at all aspects of the career, and I love where I'm at right this second."
