In the early 2000s, actor Matthew Lillard faced financial challenges while pursuing his acting career. However, longtime friend and costar Freddie Prinze Jr. played a crucial role in helping him secure a breakthrough. This key support came during the filming of the 2001 baseball movie Summer Catch, where Lillard landed an important role thanks to Prinze Jr.’s endorsement.
At the time, Lillard was eager to play the catcher in the film but encountered skepticism from director Mike Tollin, who doubted Lillard was physically suited for the part due to his height of 6’4”. Despite Tollin’s compliments on his audition and promises of future opportunities, the role initially seemed out of reach. Lillard then sought help from Prinze Jr., who was already cast as pitcher Ryan in the movie.
How a Friendship Secured a Key Role in Summer Catch
Lillard reached out to Prinze Jr. and asked him to recommend him for the catcher role. The following day, Lillard was offered the part, thanks to Prinze Jr.’s intervention. Reflecting on the moment, Lillard said,
“I called Freddie. He and I had done She’s All That and Wing Commander. And I’m like, ‘Hey, if you can put in a good word for me, I’d really love to be your catcher,”
he told Us Weekly.
“And like, the next day, I got the offer.”
Summer Catch follows Ryan (Prinze Jr.) as he joins a summer baseball league on Cape Cod, aspiring to reach the major leagues. Lillard played Bobby, Ryan’s catcher and best friend, who offered support through the personal and professional hurdles Ryan faced. This role not only solidified Lillard’s acting resume but also came at a critical point in his life, right before his marriage to Heather Helm in 2000.
Freddie Prinze Jr.’s Support Came When It Was Most Needed
Lillard recalled the difficulty of balancing a blue-collar acting career with financial stability during this period. He explained,
“Freddie came through for me [right before] my wife and I were about to get married. My wife had quit her job,”
adding,
“And when you’re a blue collar, working class actor and you’re like, 10th on the call sheet or seventh on the call sheet, you’re not getting paid the millions of dollars people expect. So it was a real struggle at that time of my life, and he made a call that made that happen. So for that movie, I’m very grateful.”
This gesture highlighted the bond between the two actors, who had shared earlier projects like 1999’s She’s All That and Wing Commander. They later reunited in the early 2000s for the Scooby-Doo films, portraying Shaggy and Fred, respectively.
Ongoing Partnership and Mutual Appreciation
Recently, Prinze Jr. joked about the debt Lillard owed him during an interview with Men’s Health, saying,
“Matthew doesn’t cause me stress, but I did give him a lot of work, and he should thank me.”
Lillard responded in agreement with a laugh, affirming, “I really do!”
Lillard has continued to return favor within the industry. When Scott Cawthon, creator of the Five Nights at Freddy’s games, inquired about casting Skeet Ulrich, Lillard candidly praised his former Scream costar. He said,
“[Scott] was like, ‘What do you think about Skeet for this role in the second movie?’ And, you know, I jumped at the opportunity to brag on my friend,”
before adding,
“I think he’s a dear man. I think he’s really talented and a joy to have on set.”
Connection Through Fan Engagement and Franchise Roles
Both Lillard and Ulrich earned their roles in the Five Nights films partly due to their dedication to engaging with fans of the long-running Scream franchise. Lillard emphasized this commitment, saying,
“Skeet and I, if you’re in our line [at conventions], will stay extra long to make sure people are taken care of,”
and added,
“And our lines are long, so we often stay really late, and that sort of energy really resonated with Scott in terms of commitment to fans and loving that whole interaction.”
Lillard will reprise his iconic role as Stu Macher in the upcoming Scream 7, continuing his legacy as half of the original Ghostface team. He described being part of a beloved franchise as a special gift, saying, “It’s just such a gift.”
Matthew Lillard’s Advocacy and Latest Projects
Beyond acting, Lillard has partnered with Exact Sciences to promote colorectal cancer awareness through the Cologuard test. Known as a “Scream King,” he viewed this partnership as a meaningful way to use his platform during the spooky season. Reflecting on his motivation, Lillard shared,
“I personally have seen the ravages of cancer. It’s a horrible disease, and it just sort of made sense,”
and noted,
“I felt like it’s doing good in the world. And it just kind of fit who I am in this spooky season and really what I believe in. Because at the end of the day, if we can inspire people to get tested, that’s a win for humanity. And God knows we need all the wins we can get right now.”
In a campaign ad, Lillard joked about his own “expertise” in scares, poking fun at his ‘90s hairstyle by listing
“a grown man with frosted tips”
among the spooky things, alongside
“forgetting to screen for colon cancer when you turn 45.”
Upcoming Releases Highlight Lillard’s Career Longevity
Fans can look forward to Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, hitting theaters on December 5, where Lillard continues to play the sinister Big Bad William Afton. His ongoing work in horror and thriller genres underscores his diverse career, while his collaborations with friends like Freddie Prinze Jr. remain a cornerstone of his journey.
