At a Glance
- Matty Matheson says Neil Fak became The Bear’s emotional glue through vulnerability and loyalty
- The chef-turned-actor compares restaurant kitchens to live theater built on trust and teamwork
- Season five promises more heart from Fak alongside Matheson’s Netflix project
Matty Matheson never expected Neil Fak to become the emotional anchor of Hulu’s The Bear – but that’s exactly what happened.
Since the FX series debuted, Matheson’s lovably quirky, deeply loyal character has grown from a peripheral presence into one of the show’s most grounding forces. Fak offers moments of warmth and humor amid the relentless intensity of restaurant life.
From Background to Backbone
“I don’t think we ever thought Fak would be what he’s become,” Matheson tells News Of Los Angeles in an exclusive interview. “When we made the pilot and the first season, I don’t think anyone knew it was going to turn into this.”
Fak’s role expanded naturally over time – not as a loud disruptor, but as a quiet constant. Matheson describes him as “this odd, vulnerable glue” between the characters.
The character listens, gives and shows up without ego. “He’s kind. He’s vulnerable. He’s a servant to a lot of people on the show,” Matheson says. “He just wants everyone to win.”
Kitchens and Cameras
That emotional steadiness mirrors Matheson’s own experience navigating two demanding worlds. As one of the few cast members with deep culinary experience, he sees striking parallels between working on The Bear and working in a real restaurant kitchen.
“Both are long days. Both are a team effort,” he explains. “Everyone’s working toward one goal.”
On set, that goal is executing the writers’ and director’s vision. In a kitchen, it’s hospitality – feeding people through precision, timing and trust.
Restaurants feel even closer to live theater than television, according to Matheson. “No matter what, people are showing up at a certain time,” he says. “You better know your lines. You better have your mise en place ready.”
If someone falls behind, another person steps in. “That’s the beauty of the team,” he explains. “Someone’s always covering you.”
The Mission Continues
That sense of collective responsibility keeps him grounded in high-pressure environments. “I really believe you can work hard and have fun at the same time,” Matheson says. “We’re lucky – we have good people all around us, in restaurants and on set. Everyone understands the mission.”
As The Bear gears up for season five, Matheson remains careful not to give too much away. But fans can expect more of what makes Fak resonate.
“He’s got a lot of love to give,” says Matheson. “He wants everyone to be together. He wants everyone to be happy.”
That emotional openness continues to shape Fak’s place in the restaurant’s evolving ecosystem.
Beyond The Bear
Outside of The Bear, Matheson prepares to debut his own new project. His Netflix series Just a Dash premieres its season three on January 20.
The show offers another outlet for his creativity – one that blends his culinary roots with storytelling in a looser, more personal way.
For Matheson, moving between acting and cooking isn’t about choosing one identity over another. It’s about recognizing the shared DNA between them: teamwork, pressure, repetition and heart.
“The only teams I’ve ever really been part of,” he says, “are restaurants and television.”
Daily Practice
His approach remains refreshingly simple. No grand resolutions – just showing up, doing the work and trying to be “a little bit better today” than he was yesterday.
This philosophy has served him well as Fak evolved from background character to emotional cornerstone. The transformation happened organically, much like a well-run kitchen service where every team member finds their rhythm.
Matheson’s dual career path – from chef to actor while maintaining his culinary identity – reflects the same adaptability that makes Fak such a beloved character. Both require showing up consistently, supporting the team, and finding moments of genuine connection amid the chaos.
