In this episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with my very first acting teacher, Ron Millkie. While many may know him as Officer Dorf from the original Friday the 13th, I know him as the person who saw something in me before I fully saw it in myself.
Ron was the first person to invite me into the world of professional acting, and this conversation is a chance to not only honor that legacy but also explore what it means to live a life in the arts—with all its twists, setbacks, and unexpected moments of serendipity.
We talk about ambition, rejection, mentorship, making peace with missed opportunities, and the power of showing up for yourself even when no one else does. It’s a full-circle conversation about legacy, resilience, and what it really takes to keep going when you're wired to feel everything deeply.
This one means a lot to me, and I hope it speaks to something in you too.
💡 In This Episode, We Explore:
What drew Ron to acting and how teaching found him
The five prerequisites for success in the entertainment industry
The story behind landing his role in Friday the 13th
Taking initiative and the role of serendipity
How to stay grounded through years of rejection
What it means to “follow your bliss”, and the risk of not trying
Building confidence without external validation
The ongoing tension between sensitivity and resilience
Creating and directing independent horror films in 2025
The lasting impact of being truly seen by a mentor
🧭 Key Takeaway
Sometimes the people who shape us most aren’t the ones with the biggest spotlight, but the ones who saw us early, before we fully knew who we were. This episode is about honoring those people, recognizing the quiet power of mentorship, and remembering that every step forward starts with a moment of being seen.
📺 Check Out Ron’s Work
🎬 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTXa-94F2JNAwkNSOAGNImA
📼 Short films, horror projects, and student collaborations
You can find this episode and more at mentalnoteswithmatt.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
👉 If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a comment or review. It goes a long way in helping this channel grow.
Host
Matt Ungermah
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