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Monday's Connector: Matt Dillon
You probably recognize American actor Matt Dillon from the slew of Hollywood hits he has been a part of, but you most likely didn't realize that he is also lending his hand to ease the crisis in the Sudan.
Dillon is working alongside Refugees International and has been to the region to do his part in helping the situation.
Last year, Dillon also directed and filmed a short documentary about southern Sudan.
Dillon's involvement in the country will have more significance in the coming weeks as millions of people take to the polls to give birth to the world's newest nation during a referendum.
Here's your chance to have your questions answered by Matt Dillon on this important issue.
Please leave your questions below and be sure to include where you're writing from.
Dear Matt,
I am happy to see that you are taking an interest in the welfare of Africans. Since you are aware of the suffering of those in Sudan, don't you think it would be equally important to expose the horrific genocide being carried out against the Boers (Afrikaaners) in South Africa? Since 1994 tens of thousands of them have been brutally murdered, raped and tortured, with the SA government doing virtually nothing to stop the violence, at times even encouraging it. Many of these crimes have been documented and evidence is easily accessible online.
Please let us know what you plan on doing to help these needy people.
Thank you.
-Jonathan
(Jerusalem, Israel)
This is Nate O'Brien from Albuquerque, New Mexico. How did you initially become involved with your work in the Sudan? What inspired you to travel halfway across the world to assist a group of people most Americans will never see nor meet?
Please can you devine the term "nation" (newest nation) as you perceive it?
Hence, what would justify Sudan to attain this status?
Not a question – just a comment Matt and others. Matt, thanks for bringing light to this important issue. I think if Sudan could create a sovereign nation that 'worked' it would, but war ravaged millions, and it is probably far better, emotionally, for this spit to occur to as to foster a 'new beginning.' As for Jonathan's comment above – Jonathan, please let us know what you are planning on doing to help support the needy you speak about. Have you created any groups, charities, or blogs so that we can better familiarize ourselves with the issue and take action? Albeit true that there are many other causes that we need to address, we all have a part to play in promoting peace and goodwill towards humankind. It almost sounds as though you may be criticizing for one cause being side-stepped while another is addressed. I'd love to read more information about what you've put forth for Matt to address.
Question for Matt Dillon: What motivated you to start working with addressing the crisis in southern Sudan and with Refugees International ?
January 6th, 2011 4:45 pm ET
Dear Matt,
I am happy to see that you are taking an interest in the welfare of Africans. Since you are aware of the suffering of those in Sudan, don't you think it would be equally important to expose the horrific genocide being carried out against the Palestinians in Palestine Since 1948 tens of thousands of them have been brutally murdered, raped and tortured, with the USA government doing virtually nothing to stop the violence, at times even encouraging it. Many of these crimes have been documented and evidence is easily accessible online.January 6th, 2011 4:45 pm ET
Dear Matt,
I am happy to see that you are taking an interest in the welfare of Africans. Since you are aware of the suffering of those in Sudan, don't you think it would be equally important to expose the horrific genocide being carried out against the Palestinians in Palestine Since 1948 tens of thousands of them have been brutally murdered,took their land and left living in camps for the last 60 years ,all to make sure that the Israeli nation may exist??with the USA government doing virtually nothing to stop the violence, at times even encouraging it. Many of these crimes have been documented and evidence is easily accessible online.
Please let us know what you plan on doing to help these poor and lonely nation...both christians and Muslims.
Thank you
Amy
Cairo,Egypt
Hello Matt, Long time.Tim Williams here.. Carlyn´s Cove... Larchmont N.Y Days... I´m living in Berlin now..But to the subject in matter, my question is, how can I help????? It´s so sad that in this day and age this still goes on,... It´s time to stand up as a whole world against what´s going on there. Matt, I´m really happy to see you doing what can for Sudan. I´m on your side. Please let me know what I can do to help. All my best to you and the whole family.. Please say hello. Tim
Hello Matt Dillon and CNN friends,
I would like an answer from Matt Dillon on the following questions:
– How will you Improve Liberty and Order in Darfur?
– What can we expect from you in 2011?
I am awaiting Matt Dillon’s replies.
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Hometown: Paramaribo
Country: Suriname
I can be reached at asap_lawfirm@hotmail.com. I have a business plan for a new patented ithem for comfort and i need the money to go to production. You will see as we see when given the opportunity to present it. Thank you for your attention and we will be your fans no mateer what....The Arroyos
Hi Matt,
My name is Kimberly Anne ,39, Born and raised in Boston,Ma, now living in South Australia. You were my first crush as I am sure you were for many girls my age.
There is a certain amount of eye rolling when people read about another celebrity taking up a pet cause in a foreign country. What do you say to those people about the work you are doing in Sudan?
Matt, i would like to know why you and other wealthy celebrities, and entrepreneurs seem to race to the other side of the world to save people and adopt baby's.When we have so many problems and homeless here. If we could get our economy going we would have more resources available to help people in Sudan. Maybe you could do a fund raiser for infrastructure projects like the high speed train from L.A. to Las Vegas that would put thousands back to work. Or money into education so we don't end up a third world country.I can't help people in other countries if i don't have a job or a home.
Dear Matt,
Why are you actors so dopey yet think you're elite? What do you bring the world, except sleezy movies that no one should watch?
sincerely
Dr Ed Ward II
Where did you get that car in The Flamingo Kid?
In the movies, do you do your own stunts?
As an American expat living in Africa, and seeing first hand the politics of this continent, I have a hard time between keeping up hope for situations like this based on my eternal American optimism and becoming cynical when I see very little or no change over periods of time.
How do you, and others like yourself, expect to make a difference in Sudan when those in power could simply not care less about the West's (or any oppposing) viewpoint and will do anything to keep their measure of power, and those victimized by them have been intimidated into a 'learned helplessness' where they do nothing to stand up to the situation, both because of fear for their lives and of a traditional and indoctrinated respect for those in power?
Dear Matt,
What do you think could be done for Africa as a Nation? This could be one of the strongest nations in the world economicaly. What do you see that could be done not only for Sudan but for all Africans who live in poverty when they do not have to.
Möenchengladbach,Germany
What was the most difficult moment during your work in Sudan? What is the best moment for you on this journey? How can we get involved in this project and what support do you need from those people not yet involved?
Have a good one and best wishes!
Hello Matt Dillon
Compliments for the new year 2011. I'm writing from Pretoria, South Africa.
I would like to congratulating you in the work that you are doing in Sudan for the nationals there.
My question at the moment is how can we work together in rendering help to the people in Sudan? It's my desire this year to get involved in such works.
you may reach me through my e-mail address
thank you
You're a brilliant actor and you make fine films. Just wondering if you're planning to make a western now that the genre is back in style big time with the success of "True Grit"? I sure would cast you in a film! You're brilliant. Good luck with your work in the Sudan! So few are willing to stand up and do something instead of just talking about it. Thanks!
@Jonathan Stern.I am quite appalled by people like you,who continue to show ignorance which words cannot describe.I am resident in South Africa and I can tell you that crime knows no colour or ethnicity.Did you ever make an effort during the peak of apartheid to alert the world of heinous crimes committed by Afrikaner Government , my bet is "no" because back then status quo suited you.Thousands of our brothers today still lie in unmarked graves(Have you ever spared a thought for them?).You claim is crass nonsense which based on hallucinations and paranoa.
Amadla!Matla!
I am a fan of you and your brother. Thank you for making a difference. My question is why Sudan? Why not Detroit, or DC, or Miami, or St. Paul, or Dallas, or LA, or AnywhereUSA? Is America perfect? Why not make a difference in the US?
– Jeff from Ohio (living in Surrey, UK)
Questions? none.
Just want to tell you that you are the greatest actor ever.
Brando or Connery quality.
When are you going to visit Colombia?
Kind regards
Matt,
We rubbed shoulders at a Broadway production where I wore a skull sweat shirt with sleeves torn off. Ripped jeans sure pissed people off in that crowd. You were cool, though. I liked you for your open mind and heart. Never will forget it. Glad you're doing good things in this world of greed. You take care, Matt. Love is where it's at.
Best wishes,
Ian
Hello,
I'd like to ask Matt the following: Why aren't more foreign governments putting more pressure on the Sudanese government to stop the genocide and other atrocities? While it's great that celebrities & ordinary citizens are doing what they can to help, why aren't governments doing more? Are they stretched too thin w/ the Middle East?
Thanks!
Keira
NY
Matt,
We rubbed shoulders at a Broadway production where I wore a skull sweatshirt with sleeves torn off. Ripped jeans sure annoyed people in that dressed up crowd. You were cool, though. I liked you for your open mind and heart. Never will forget it. Glad you're doing good things in this world of greed. You take care, Matt. Love is where it's at.
Best wishes,
Ian
(Paris, France)
Dear Matt,
If you are involved with the Sudan case, you probably have to have an opinion about the current situation in Ivory Coast. Do you reckon it's going to be the very beginning of the civil war in countries near I.C.?
Kuba, Szczecin, Poland
i am glad you and george are helping out , i hope it is helping, they need all the help they can get . what i think they need is mrs. clinton to get involved. as a group effort. other countries should get invoved also. i wish you all the best tony salvaggio san jose costa rica- key west ,florida
Dear Matt,
I am happy to see that you are taking an interest in the welfare of Africans. Since you are aware of the suffering of those in Sudan, don't you think it would be equally important to expose the horrific genocide being carried out against the Jews in Israel by the Palestinian terrorists. Since 1948 tens of thousands of them have been brutally murdered, raped and tortured, with the USA government doing virtually nothing to stop the violence, at times even encouraging it. Many of these crimes have been documented and evidence is easily accessible online.
hi Matt,
Congratulations on working with Refugees International.I'm curious to know if you support Greenpeace,and do you take an interest in the abhorrent actions of the Japanese whale-poachers in the Whale Sanctuary in the Great Southern Ocean?
Have you ever been to New Zealand?I know you have a huge fan base of supporters down here.
Best Wishes for your work with Refugees International and also with your film career in 2011.
John.
I find it interesting how some people are quick to criticize others for their choice of benevolent undertakings. This happens often and celebrities consistently get criticized for helping people in far off places. The bottom line is that a group of people in despair might be helped, which isn't such a bad thing regardless of where in the world they live. Let's be honest, how do you rate which tragedy in the world deserves the most attention?
Good luck to Mr. Dillon and every other celebrity for helping people in despair; wherever that might be.
Hello Mr Dillon from Perth, Western Australia. Can I give you a pointer to which no reply is necessary nor expected? Please, please, please, do not follow the trail set by Michael Madsen, to wit, continue taking B and C grade potboiler and generic heist/crime movies, when you are capable of so much more and better. You are even starting to look a little like Mr Madsen. Read the scripts and put yourself in the place of a standard consumer, then decide. As you are a practicing altruist, you clearly have funds sufficient for your lifestyle. Don't scrabble.
Dear Matt,
I've been an ardent fan of your movies ever since I saw The Outsiders. I especially loved your performance in Rumble Fish. My two questions are:
(1) which of your own movie that is dearest to your heart and why?
(2) which movie did you enjoy most being in?
Radin (Malaysia)
Hi Matt,
Thank you for your work to improve the lives of the people suffering in Sudan! I think your engagement is truly wonderful, and it is very important that all kinds of celebrities, who certainly have different recourses, contacts and media attention than the rest of us, engage in issues such as this one. Hopefully, this sets a precedent in Hollywood (and elsewhere) and encourage other famous people the get involved in other, equally important (see above), issues.
What I think you need to do is to more clearly state what the public and your fans can do to help. Bringing attention to the ongoing suffering in Sudan is an important first step, and I believe that you now need to be more explicit about what you expect the public and your fans to do.
Also, I am curious about your views on China's economic interests and involvement in Sudan. Here (in China), the general perception is that it is having a positive effect on things. China currently provide jobs, infrastructure, money, security, etc. to many people in Sudan. Chinese people tend to regard economic sanctions and complete isolation of nations as unhelpful. It never solves the problems and always results in more suffering among the poorest. On the other hand, we all know that China is in Sudan for it's own benefits, and the picture presented to the public here (through government media) is hardly trustworthy. What are your views on this?
Many thanks,
Maxiao, China
When you were filming Rumble Fish did you ever imagine you would later be helping with the crisis in the Sudan?
Chris Young, Tokyo
Dear Mr. Dillon,
This is Hani from Malaysia. Do you think that by getting involved in politics you risk being used by one side or the other as a "tool" to further their views?
Monsieur Matt Dillon , Bonjour from Paris .
No matter what peoples are saying ,Your input and work in sudan demonstrate your human qality and set an exemple for others , because of stars like you and others ,sudan can be on the way of improvements of law and better life for the world childrens .Merci .Fabrice Canelle
Do you feel the entire genocide is due to oil/greed? Do you feel many look away and are not interested in what is going on in Sudan because of a.Want the oil and/or b.Lack of respect for black people? Will we continue to label this a civil war and neglect evidense of past genocide? If ever connected , ie one nation, will ALL share equally in the wealth?
My favorite was drug store cowboy...
Not a question Matt but a comment. I wish to commend you on a job well done as you are doing something that most of us don't have the nerve to do in terms of getting physically involved and actually stepping out of your comfort zone to travel to a war-torn country where basic needs are very basic. The world needs more people like you and George Clooney and the thousands of others who have put themselves on the line to do their best to make a difference in other people's lives. God bless you all.
Will you be having a guest appearance on Entourage soon or have you been offered this in the past?
Hi Matt,
How are you? I loved you and the other guys in Ocean's 11. but could not follow Ocean's 12 & 13. what the secret?
Sonia M
Baker, LA
Dear Matt,
I have always admired your work as an actor. You are truly gifted and I wish the best to you, your family and career. Thank you for the work you are doing in Sudan. Many blessings will come your way because of your good heart.
Lois
Dear Matt, are you satisfied with what you are doing in Sudan, and whether you think that the situation in such a poor and underdeveloped countries can improve any time soon.
Greetings from Marija from Serbia.
You are awesome! What do you consider you're most challenging work that you have done in film and why?
It always struck me that you are one of the actors whose looks have not drastically changed with time, unlike others who happen to overdo the use of botox. I wonder how come you look so young and handsome as when you just started in the movie industry. Are you for/against cosmetic surgery procedures? Have you had any?
Ha Ha, been there, done that. Look at all these stupid questions. He is in SUDAN people. And by the way .... google it if you don't know!
dear matT,
well done on doing something...these people on here are literally taking the piss at your expense and i feel it not proper and correct.
so you want to help people...great
so you want to use your celebrity to increase awareness....great
WHAT ARE THEY DOING.
First of all I think Matt is a good actor, I've watched him since he's started to shave. Anyhow, he should play the roll of the Green Knight in the book "Death on Demand," for the story "The Rape of Angelina of Glastonbury 1099 AD" he would be supper. Dennis
Well Done, Matt!
Great to see you getting involved in this struggle – which won't be without its controversies. Regarding the comments above, there are no end of issues to tackle clearly, but the moral is that it's always better to shine a light somewhere than be silent in the darkness. Well done.
Good luck with this!
Daniel Fraser – Smiling Albino – Thailand
If u can do it.....why not?
Hi Matt
I wondered if the fulfillment that one generally seeks and finds in these doings and i'm guessing it's at the base of your actions too, was also present in the beginning of your career. Or was there more of a fulfillment in playin great roles and if it feels a whole lot of different, these two kind of excitements of attributing to something ?
Dear Matt,
What made you choose working on refugees issues rather than other important humanitarian issues such as hunger or AIDS perhaps?
Thanks
Andre
Auckland, NZ
Hey Matt – Great of you to spend time trying to help the human condition. You are only one person so I think all of these people who are asking you to help their cause as well, or to focus on good works in America or who imply that you are an elitist should just look in the mirror and ask themselves what have they done for the world today???? good on ya – for using your hard earned means to try to make a difference. I don't care if it comes from hollywood – at least you aren't sitting on your ass and questioning others motives. To your critics, I ask them to act first and question others good intentions after they too have tried to give their share!
January 7th, 2011 6:44 pm ET
Dear Matt,
I am happy to see that you are taking an interest in the welfare of Africans. Since you are aware of the suffering of those in Sudan, don't you think it would be equally important to expose the horrific genocide being carried out against the Monacoians in Monaco by the Monegasque terrorists. Since 2005 thousands of them have been brutally murdered, raped and tortured, with the EU doing virtually nothing to stop the violence, at times even encouraging it. Many of these crimes have been documented and evidence is easily accessible online.
Please let us know what you plan on doing to help these needy people.
Thank you.
Jimmy G
Hi Matt
I am happy to see celebrities lend their voice to issues that really matter in this world.
My question to you is two fold –
What do you hope to achieve with regards to the Sudan problem?
Secondly, Are you involved in other humanitarian projects at home or elsewhere?
Hi their MATT,
I was to fly to denver international airport and as usual before I fly someplace I check if their are any pictures or information before doing so. If you care please give us your take on the ownership, inspiration and idea behind such an armagedeon theme about it?
Seems like world solutions are arranged for some happening the mainstream media would be in cahoots for not reveiling. Does it really matter?
Matt,
What a great way to use your fame in a way to make a difference. I know that you must have been drawn to help these people. I am working on support for the Shan people from the Shan State. They are being killed and there homes burned by the Burmese by the thousands and few know about it. If you know of someone with fame that would like to know more please point them in this direction. They are a great and proud people and worthy of peoples good thoughts and actions.
Thanks,
Craig
Hello Mr Dillon,this is directed to one of the people who wrote you and his name is Dr Ed Ward 11.Why do you call actors dopey ? this actor is out to help people who are hungry and have no roof over their heads,Dr Ed Mr Dillon is out to make peoples lives better and he is not afraid to get his hands dirty in the process,he is not afraid to do manual labour,but you set on your couch and put these poeple down and call them names,what the hell are you doing besides being a armchair general,are you feeding people,are you helping by building houses for them and their children.If you don't have ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY DR ED, THEN PLEASE KEEP YOUR BIG MOUTH SHUT!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think you are a very talented actor. Crash is one of the best movies ever made, in wich you were great but I will always remember you as Pat Healy. Superfun!
I guess he is not coming back so I find some comfort in seeing your brother being funny as h**l as Johnny Drama.
Are you good friends with Kevin?
Best of luck for the future.
Fishing-boat off the coast of Norway
Thank you Matt, for having the courage of your convictions, to stand-up for something you believe in. You cannot fight for every cause in the world, only the issues that burden your soul. As a champion for the cause of the Sudanese people, what would be the ultimate achievement, and the ideal end result? May God bless your efforts!
Hello Matt,
Obviously there are simply too many atrocities committed against so many diverse peoples along with countless charitable causes out there for one person to take on themselves: the Sudanese, the Boers, Palestinians, the Hmong people, Native Americans, Tibetans, and unfortunately countless more. We should all acknowledge that by helping someone, doesn't make the others less important or forgotten.
Mine is a two-pronged question. What you're doing is great and noble. However, have you considered instead of working with the aftermath of the tragedies in Sudan, that you explore putting your efforts towards solving the roots of the problems? And, if the vote tomorrow does in fact split Sudan, how will that change the dynamic of yours and Refugees International's efforts?
Thanks,
Bret
Hi Matt,
No questions, as you are going to do some good.
So, I wish you good luck, as you made up everything good in You, Me & Dupree ... Take Owen with you, he will be rejuvenating.
I wish Sudanese people understand your sincere approach & cooperate with you.
Best Regards,
Satvinder Pal Singh Bindra (Jimmy)
Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, INDIA.
(currently writing from Brazzaville, Congo).
Hey Matt
When's Gunsmoke coming back?
i think i was reading about that on NYT this month
HI Matt
i really love ur movie the outsiders
i was actually crying when u died
but i really think that ur hot
4rget what ever 1 else says
there always takin the miky out of ya
love ya
bye
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
good luck too
can u cum 2 sheffield once
i would really love to see ya
xxxx