Top 5 Finalist: Matthew Rodrigues

(FOX Providence) - It's official, the top 5 finalists for The Rhode Show's Search for a Star has been chosen. Matthew Rodrigues of Porstmouth, R.I. is one of them.

Watch the attached videos to learn more about Matthew, and why he thinks he's the next Rhode Show co-host.

About Matthew:

Matthew Charles Rodrigues was born in a far away land on the straw of a manger….oh wait …wrong guy. Matthew came into this world by way of Newport Hospital on March 19th, 1982 in Rhode Island. It was no manger, but he loved having the stork drop him off in one of the world’s most beautiful places. Mansions built by the Vanderbilt’s and clam chowda for days …What more could a little boy ask for? Maybe a star on the walk of fame?

Growing up in Portsmouth, RI, Matthew always knew he wanted to do something “big“. At first he thought being “big” was having a limo. So, a limo driver was the occupation for him. However, he soon realized that the “big people” came out the back doors of the limo. Not the front. With all due respect to the limo driver, he dropped that idea quickly. So, it was on to the stage. The minute he stepped on the Portsmouth High School stage he knew he had found his home. From giving speeches as class President to belting out songs from “Annie Get Your Gun”, he always loved the opportunity to make people laugh and think at the same time. He knew it couldn’t end there.

NEW YORK CITY, BABY!!!! Matthew went on to capture a BFA in Theatre Arts at Marymount Manhattan College and also learned how to get mugged and survive. It was in that great city that he had the opportunity to work in Development for WNET 13 PBS NEW YORK, appear as a regular commentator on MTV’s “Hit List”, model for Estee Lauder, speak at Lincoln Center, and work as a PA for ABC’s “THE VIEW”. Now, this was “The View” pre-Rosie O’Donnell. Nobody watched and there was no money. However, Matthew loved every second of it. His favorite part was standing in the middle of Times Square at eight in the a.m. with a 30 below wind chill factor begging people to take tickets for the show. How could he not fall in love with the talk show world?

After soaking up the culture in NYC he thought he would soak up the sun in La La Land, California. On the west side Matthew met his current agent, Matt Fletcher, from Greene and Associates Beverly Hills. Fletcher has helped guide Matthew through his studies with Brad Henke, music videos, movies like the soon to be released “Wild Cherry” and what outfit to wear at the grocery store. Along the way, Matt met a funny lady by the name of Katie Donahue. Together they thought they would take matters into their own hands and start an internet variety show. “ The Matt and Katie Show ” started out with the duo barely knowing how to turn the camera on, but with each passing episode they started to find their humorous stride and even how to download… oooooooohhhhhhh aaaaaahhhhhhhh. In 2009, they were approached by the production company LIFEinaVAN.com to bring “ The Matt and Katie Show ” to another level. With this HUGE corporate merger the production value went through the roof, thousands more started watching the show and companies started advertising. Dat meanz money ya’ll. But home was calling his name…or was that his mother?

Little did Matthew know his biggest break would be in his home state of Rhode Island. While on vacation Matthew had time to audition for the mega hit, “THE RHODE SHOW”. After a grueling audition process with the MILLIONS (150ish) of people that tried out, he made it to the TOP 5!!!!! YAY!!!! It is certainly a dream for him to get this job. There are very few shows with this entertaining format and only one so close to his family and Del’s Lemonade. Matthew is excited to prove his worthiness in the upcoming weeks. Get ready Rhode Island! MATTHEW CHARLES RODRIGUES THE THIRD IS BACK! (“THE THIRD” is added to Matthew’s name for dramatic purposes and a huge ending.)

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