Exclusive Interview: Matthew Sato Chats Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.

Whether he’s recording hit songs like “Do You Say My Name” or wowing audiences with his performance in projects like Hawaii Five-0, Matthew Sato is a rising triple threat to keep your eye on. Currently, he’s one of the stars of Disney+’s Doogie Kamealoha M.D.

Set in modern-day Hawaii, Doogie Kamealoha M.D. is a coming-of-age drama inspired by the hit medical series Doogie Howser, M.D. It follows Lahela “Doogie” Kamealoha, a sixteen-year-old prodigy juggling a budding medical career and life as a teenager.

Matthew shines as Kai Kamealoha, Lahela’s older free-spirited brother.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Matthew about his multifaceted career, Doogie Kamealoha M.D., and how the series celebrates the aloha spirit.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting and music?
Matthew: I’ve always wanted to do it, actually. My mom said that I was already asking them to take me to acting class when I was in second grade. But I remember we used to go to the movies all the time. I was obsessed with going to movies, so I knew I wanted to be a part of it in some way. I kept begging my parents because I wanted to be an actor.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Matthew: I would say the biggest influence was probably my mom. My mom is such a workhorse. She knows how to work. She has been pushing me ever since I told her I wanted to do this. When I told her that it’s what I wanted to do, she said, “All right. You have to fully commit to this.” She taught me how to focus all of my energy into doing what I want to do. I’m so thankful for her.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Matthew: I would say the moment that stands out to me the most is definitely when I did my first job on Hawaii Five-0 because I got to meet all the cast and directors and see the process. That was probably the moment when I decided it was what I really wanted to do.

PC: Speaking of the process, in addition to the work that you’ve done in front of the camera, you’ve also directed music videos and short films. How has your experience behind the camera made you a stronger actor, and vice versa?
Matthew: It’s totally made me a stronger actor. I studied film before I became an actor. There was so much that I was able to take from that, especially when it comes to the process of turning a script into something that you can watch on screen. Learning that was definitely super helpful when it came to acting.

PC: You’ve got a new series on Disney+. Can you tell us about the show and your character?
Matthew: I play Kai Kamealoha in Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., which is a new show streaming now on Disney+. We’re six episodes in. It’s a coming-of-age show based on the ’90s show, Doogie Howser, M.D. It’s female-led. It’s about a girl who’s dealing with life as both a teenager and a doctor. She has to balance them both.

I play her older brother. I’m this cool surfer dude who comes in and balances her out. He’s the teenager to her adult doctor.

PC: What attracted you to this project?
Matthew: The main thing was that it was shooting in Hawaii, and it was based on a local family. It’s a local dad who is Asian-American Pacific Islander and a White mom, which is the same exact dynamic that I have with my parents. That was cool. I’ve never seen a show like that. Growing up, I never had a show to watch that was like that. It’s cool that I get to be in it.

PC: The show does a fantastic job representing the Hawaiian culture on screen. What has it meant to you to be a part of the project that’s pushing these inclusive storylines forward?
Matthew: It means so much to me because it’s where I come from and it’s my home. To get to tell the stories from Hawaii is really cool. I get to teach audiences our ideas of Aloha and the Aloha spirit. We get to share that with everyone who’s watching the show and they can learn a bit about Hawaii.

PC: There are so many great relationships within the show. Which was your favorite to explore in Season 1 and why?
Matthew: In the series, there are a lot of really fun relationships that Kai explores, but there are two in particular. One of them is with his sister because they are able to help each other in different ways. She’s the smarter one and he’s more mischievous. He can finesse his parents. He teaches her that stuff. That was probably the most interesting to shoot. Then towards the end of the season, Kai explores his love interests, and the audience will get to watch that.

PC: Great teaser. There are so many great scenes within the first season. Which was your favorite to film and why?
Matthew: There are a bunch of them. But right now—because I was watching it recently—I’m going to say when Doogie Lahela steals her mom’s car. While she’s stealing the car, she gets a flat tire. She needs someone to rescue her and to help her figure out a way to not get in trouble. That would be me. That’s a scene where he schools her.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Matthew: My friends and I have been watching Glee. I’m only a few episodes in, and I’m loving the drama.

PC: Favorite book?
Matthew: The Art of Racing in the Rain.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Matthew: I went to see Beauty and the Beast with my parents at the Pantages Theatre before I lived in LA. That was such a good show.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Matthew: Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Jack Johnson and other chill singer-songwriter music.

PC: Dream role?
Matthew: I dream of playing a superhero in a movie. I don’t care what it is. I just want to be a superhero.

To keep up with Matthew, follow him on Instagram. Watch Doogie Kamealoha M.D. on Disney+.

Photo Credit: Storm Santos