It’s the quintessential Southern California afternoon as the days creep into the winter season. As I drive around the turns of Pacific Coast Highway I am greeted by the waves crashing alongside me, and the slow-moving marine layer that wraps the little shops and Malibu art galleries in its brisk arms. As I turn off the historic highway and make my way into the hills, there is an old soul spirit with new soul energy about this place.
I arrive at this gorgeous open-concept house that has the feel as if The Montage started making live-in homes. Matt Bomer the versatile actor, director, and producer walks casually into the room carrying with him the attention and excitement of everyone on his shoulders. The atmosphere is light-hearted and full of joy. From crew to camera, the smiles and laughter are endless. As Billy Idol plays in the background, this photoshoot has everything you can ever ask for in a NOBLEMAN shoot. Matt Bomer, classic cars, jokes, and of course making his much anticipated debut, Louie the Rabbit.
Matt Bomer exudes kindness, even as he holds the rabbit, he does so with the respect he would with anything precious. Matt’s laughter and goofy antics kept the set on their toes. The man of the hour was more focused on if everyone else was comfortable and taken care of, and that is truly one of his superpowers.
The highly talented actor is known for his charismatic on-screen presence and versatility. Born in a small town in Texas, he began his career in the early 2000s, making his mark in the entertainment industry through various television appearances. One of his breakthrough roles came in the popular USA Network series White Collar, where he portrayed the charming and intelligent con artist Neal Caffrey. His performance in the show garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan following.
Bomer transitioned into film, taking on a variety of roles in both mainstream and independent projects. He gained widespread recognition for his performances in films such as Magic Mike, The Normal Heart, and The Nice Guys. Bomer hasn’t stopped there, appearing in theater and making his directing debut soon.
When the day slowly winded down, NOBLEMAN had the honor to sit down with Matt and converse with him about his career and even his collections. Matt talks openly about his struggles and his strengths, letting his kindness and honesty spread their wings into full view.
How would you define a NOBLEMAN?
Matt Bomer: Well, obviously there’s the traditional definition of what a nobleman is, he is a wealthy landowner or something. If I’m thinking about a NOBLEMAN, my definition would be somebody who respectably holds himself and hopefully uses whatever lot he has been given in life to reach his hand down the mountain and help others up. Also, he is curious about other people and he is constantly working on himself.
Were there any style choices that you wore on set today that you enjoyed?
MB: I’m trying to look back on that, the shoot was so fast and furious. The corduroy suit was great. I love the color of that. Corduroy is a tricky fabric because it can be cumbersome if you’re not careful. That suit was the right balance of texture. But it was lightweight somehow at the same time. And I always feel great in Ralph Lauren. Their stuff just always feels good.
You can’t help but notice that you exude kindness and authenticity, how do you keep those qualities, especially in an industry where those attributes could be taken advantage of?
MB: It’s definitely an industry where they have been and can be taken advantage of. That’s not something that will necessarily change anytime soon. I feel like my parents just raised me to at least do my best when I interact with people. Honestly, it’s such a joy to get to do what I do. It’s so rare to get to make your living as an actor and I do love it so much. Why be a grump?
I try to remember to stay grateful for what I’ve been afforded as an actor and an artist. I think kindness is like a wave against a rock, it may get cast aside and you think, “Oh, it’s not really effective, why does it just keep slamming against the rock?” But eventually, it’ll wear it down. So I love when I’m working with a prickly person or I encounter one cause I’m like, I’m going to get you at some point!
– FULL ARTICLE IN PRINT ONLY
Photography by Randall Slavin
Styling by Warren Alfie Baker
Art Direction by Doug McLaughlin
Interview by Tom Burleson
Executive Editor Lydia McLaughlin
Grooming by David Cox
Shot on location at 28837 Selfridge Drive in Malibu CA. Currently offered for sale by Chris Cortazzo at Compass for $21.5M
