Perry Mattfeld has built a steady career in television and film by taking on complex characters that break away from conventional casting molds. From her breakout role as a cynical, hard-drinking sleuth in The CW drama series In the Dark to high-profile streaming comedies and prestige thrillers, Mattfeld's trajectory showcases a deliberate shift from guest appearances to headlining major network and streaming projects.
Understanding her filmography requires looking beyond simple title lists. Her career highlights specific shifts in tone, stretching from early Disney Channel guest spots to gritty crime dramas and sports comedies.
Early Career and Television Roots
Before landing leading roles, Mattfeld spent years building her resume through guest appearances, recurring parts, and short films. Born in Los Angeles and trained extensively in ballet and theatre from a young age, she attended the University of Southern California (USC), where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the School of Dramatic Arts.
Her early television work included minor spots that helped her secure representation and industry footing.
- Wizards of Waverly Place (2009): Mattfeld appeared in two episodes as FrankenGirl (Frankie Stein), a mechanical creature brought to life by Justin Russo. While brief, this early Disney Channel credit introduced her to mainstream television sets.
- Shameless (2017–2018): In the Showtime comedy-drama Shameless, she played Mel across several episodes of seasons eight and nine. This recurring role gave her a platform to perform alongside a veteran ensemble in a grounded, gritty environment.
- Homecoming (2018): She made a minor appearance in the Amazon psychological thriller series directed by Sam Esmail, starring Julia Roberts.
These foundational years established her versatility across network sitcoms, cable dramas, and streaming platforms.
The Breakthrough: In the Dark (2019–2022)
Mattfeld's career reached a turning point when she was cast as Murphy Mason in the dark comedy-drama series In the Dark. The show follows Murphy, a twenty-something blind woman with a chaotic personal life who stumbles upon the murder of her friend Tyson and decides to investigate when police dismiss her claims.
Playing the lead role demanded intense physical preparation and emotional range. Critics frequently highlighted Mattfeld's performance for subverting traditional portrayals of disability on television, leaning into Murphy's flaws, stubbornness, and complexity rather than presenting her as a sanitized archetype.
- Character Arc: Over four seasons and 52 episodes, Murphy evolves from an aimless slacker into a fugitive, criminal mastermind, and survivor navigating the underworld.
- Production Challenges: Filming required extensive movement choreography and consultations with accessibility experts to ensure the portrayal respected individuals with visual impairments.
The series ran on The CW until its cancellation after season four in 2022, cementing Mattfeld as a recognizable television lead capable of carrying an intricate narrative arc.
Transition to Feature Films and Prestige Streaming
Following the conclusion of In the Dark, Mattfeld expanded her portfolio into feature films and limited streaming series. She balanced indie projects with high-profile studio releases.
- Who Invited Them (2022): She starred as Sasha in this Shudder horror-comedy film about a suburban couple whose housewarming party takes a sinister turn when mysterious neighbors stay behind.
- The Idea of You (2024): Mattfeld played Eva in the romantic comedy-drama film distributed by Prime Video, starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. The film became a massive streaming success, giving Mattfeld visibility in a global pop-culture phenomenon.
- Long Bright River (2025): She joined the cast of this Peacock crime thriller miniseries starring Amanda Seyfried, playing Paula and diving back into gritty, grounded crime storytelling.
Chad Powers and Recent Work
In 2025, Mattfeld stepped into the sports comedy world by joining the cast of Chad Powers, a Hulu series co-created by and starring Glen Powell. The show follows a disgraced college quarterback who disguises himself to walk onto a struggling southern football team. Mattfeld plays a primary role as Ricky Hudson, bringing a sharp comedic and grounded dynamic to the football-centric narrative.
Her choice of projects reflects a deliberate strategy: alternating between gritty crime procedurals and sharp, character-driven comedies.
Common Misconceptions About Perry Mattfeld's Career
Viewers often discover actors through their most visible hits, leading to a few common myths regarding Mattfeld's background and filmography.
- Was Perry Mattfeld actually blind during In the Dark? No. Mattfeld has normal vision. She won the role through a traditional casting process that included extensive auditions and movement training with consultants.
- Did she start as a child actor? While she performed in local theatre productions and commercials during her youth, her professional television career officially launched during her college years at USC.
- Is she exclusively a television actress? While television series like In the Dark and Chad Powers define her major credits, her filmography includes independent features and major streaming movies like The Idea of You.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Perry Mattfeld's first major television role?
Her first major television starring role was Murphy Mason in In the Dark, which premiered on The CW in 2019. Prior to that, her most notable recurring television work was playing Mel in Showtime's Shameless.
Is Perry Mattfeld married?
Yes. She married former NFL quarterback and analyst Mark Sanchez in a ceremony in Mexico.
Where can I stream In the Dark?
Depending on regional licensing agreements, In the Dark has historically streamed on platforms like Netflix or through video-on-demand services, though availability changes periodically.
What sports-related series does Perry Mattfeld star in?
She stars in the Hulu comedy series Chad Powers, which centers around college football culture and features a disguised quarterback attempting a comeback.
