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'For Life' star Matt Dellapina says the show opened his eyes to the 'plight of Americans in the prison system'

Matt Dellapina, in an exclusive interview with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW), revealed that working on 'For Life' was quite an experience, thanks to its true emotional storytelling
UPDATED MAR 19, 2020
Matt Dellapina (Getty Images)
Matt Dellapina (Getty Images)

Apart from a gripping plotline, ABC's latest legal drama series has come to be known for its realistic approach towards the inner workings of prisons. Executive produced by 50 Cents, 'For Life' follows the unjustly incarcerated Aaron Wallace and his fight against the legal system to evade time in prison. 

The series, which is loosely based on the real-life story of Isaac Wright Jr, has been inspiring viewers across the globe by sending out some strong messages about racial discrimination and shedding light on the dehumanizing of prison inmates, which is often overlooked in the chase to achieve justice. 

The multidimensional Matt Dellapina, in an exclusive interview with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW), revealed that working on 'For Life' was quite an experience, thanks to its true emotional storytelling. 

Elaborating on the impact the series has had on him, Matt said, "It really opened my eyes to the plight of a majority of Americans. Certainly ones in and out of the prison system. I feel like this is what 'For Life' is doing on a sympathetic level."

Commenting on the response the show has garnered so far, he shared, "I find the performances also are so richly drawn that people are a little bit blown away."

"Something sort of honest and edgy is now being shown to a mass audience. I think that's really refreshing for people versus a lot of the safer boilerplate dramas you see across network television right now. This (For Life)  has a real raw feel," he added.

Matt further explained that "people of administrative and political level are responding in a way that Tom Hansen and Sophia Mastery's character are on the television show" as a lot of what is happening in the show is being reflected in real life. 

When asked about the series' role in showing the life of prison inmates in a different light, Matt said, "I think if I've learned anything it is the fact that every inmate is not a number. Every inmate has a complete human saga of family, love, pain and years of struggle and joy behind them."

"That's really unfortunate. But frankly, I think what the show does really well is create empathy," he added. 

During his conversation, Matt also addressed the much-discussed topic of 50 Cent's appearance in the series. 

When asked about 50 Cent’s involvement in 'For Life' as an executive producer and actor, he responded, "I think he helped shape the story and the narrative of the season. I can't say to what exact effect."

"He also comes on as a major character in the first season. So he also is a wonderful actor who brings all of his gravitas to the role of a really divisive new character that'll enter the world of 'For Life'."

"Things are going to get even more complicated for Mr Wallace, even more so than we've already seen," Matt added.

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