“One, surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming. Two, slowly is the fastest way to get where you want to be. And three, the top of one mountain is the bottom of the next, so keep climbing…”

-André De Shields, on his cardinal rules

PEARL MATTESON is a New York-based actor, singer, and dancer born in China and raised in Connecticut. She first began performing on ice when she was little, training to be a professional figure skater. When she was cast in South Pacific at 10, she knew performing was her calling.

Most recently, she helped originate a role for Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Treasure, working alongside director/writer Ben Schrader.

Pearl made her big screen debut alongside Margaret Cho in Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (Season 21, Episode 7: Counselor, It’s Chinatown), directed by Leslie Hope.

She made her Off-Broadway debut in March 2023 as the female Swing in The Office: A Musical Parody Off-Broadway, covering four principal tracks at the Jerry Orbach Theater.

Pearl is an AEA Eligible EMC and SAG-AFTRA Eligible performer; gratefully represented by The Hell’s Kitchen Agency.

Pearl's passion for learning and growth led her to London, England, where she embarked on a journey to explore the world and enhance her skills. She achieved Stage Combat Certifications from the British Academy of Dramatic Combat (BADC), earning distinction in hand-to-hand combat, rapier, sword, and dagger techniques, all under the guidance of Rc-Annie.

Continuing her commitment to self-improvement, Pearl maintains a close working relationship with the esteemed Barbara Houseman, focusing on voice and speech development. She has also collaborated with Ben Naylor, deepening her understanding of Shakespearean performance.

She is a driven professional with passion and respect for the craft. She hopes to impact the world through her work both on stage and screen while exploring the possibilities the world has to offer! Let’s Connect, Create, and Break Barriers!

(Photos: Ron Brewer Photography and Mark DiConzo)