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.
