Actor / Actress

Matt William Knowles

Greenville, South Carolina, USA 19 credits available

Biography

Matt William Knowles is an American actor known for his work in both Hollywood and Chinese cinema. He was born and raised in South Carolina, where he grew up playing football until an injury changed his path. In search of purpose, he moved to a remote part of China to do humanitarian work, teaching and volunteering in underprivileged communities. While living there, he was unexpectedly discovered at a karaoke bar, leading to his first roles in the Chinese film industry.

Fluent in Mandarin, Knowles quickly became one of the most recognizable foreign actors in China, taking on a range of roles in television and film. His early work included historical dramas and action films, leading to a major role in Asura (2018), China's first $100 million blockbuster. He later gained international recognition for his performance in Son of the South (2020), a civil rights drama produced by Spike Lee.

Determined to refine his craft, Knowles trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London before returning to the screen. His recent roles include Barrett, a Shanghai police captain, in Burning Star, and Thor, an American football star, in Clash, which premiered at the Rotterdam International Film Festival in 2025. He also starred as William, a German weapons expert, in War on Faith, and appeared in the historical war series Winter and Lion.

Now working internationally, Knowles continues to bring his versatility and depth to a wide range of roles across different genres.

Matt William Knowles is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 19 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes Clash (2025), Winter and Lion (2023), Son of the South (2021), Red Sorghum (2014), Eastern Battlefield (2016), Deng Xiaoping at History's Crossroads (2014), War of Faith (2024), Bill Burr Presents Immoral Compass (2021). The recorded credits span 2013 to 2025, including 11 movies and 8 TV shows.

The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.