From the moment the first trailer for Fire Island dropped, we knew Tomás Matos was destined to be a star. You simply can’t nail a Marisa Tomei-in-My Cousin Vinny impression like that and not become an instant queer icon.
The enchanting rom-com set on the titular gay oasis boasts a cast that’s an embarrassment of riches—with faces that are surely familiar to queer comedy fans, like SNL‘s Bowen Yang, I Love That For You‘s Matt Rogers, and Joel Kim Booster, the film’s hilarious writer and star. And though they don’t have the same background in comedy as many of their co-stars, Matos more than holds their own, scoring big laughs with every line, glance, and prance.
As Keegan, one of Fire Island‘s “messy sisters” (inspired by Pride And Prejudice‘s Kitty Bennett), Matos relished the opportunity to step into this dream project, showing a new side of themselves in the process. The non-binary actor grew up in New York, where they attended LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts—yes, that’s the FAME school—and then went on to pursue a career in dance and theater.
After roles in Diana: The Musical and Hadestown, Fire Island could’ve felt like a step out of Matos’ comfort zone, but they embraced the challenge fully, resulting in the “highlight of [their] life thus far.”
With Fire Island now streaming on Hulu—and Pride Month in full effect—we thought it was the perfect time to catch up with Matos and get to know them a little bit better. In their exclusive conversation with Queerty, Matos reflects on their favorite memories from set, shares why Fire Island needs to get on the “inclusivity train,” and proves why this self-proclaimed “Staten Island Ferry” has big things ahead.
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QUEERTY: Fire Island is your first feature film role, but this is just the latest evolution of your career. Outside of the movie, what work of yours would you say you’re most proud of thus far?
MATOS: I would say—so, I have a very extensive background in theater. More recently, right before the pandemic, I made my Broadway debut in Diana. And then, once that closed, I jumped into Hadestown. And I think, out of everything, the thing that was the most impactful for me was being able to go into the role of a Fate in Hadestown, which is traditionally played by a female-identifying performer. So, as a non-binary artist, it meant the world for the show to really see me, and not only see me but celebrate me for my authentic self. So I would say that was definitely the highlight of my career—prior to the premiere of Fire Island, the movie. [Laughs.]
What’s your personal history with Fire Island, the actual place, then? Prior to joining the film, what was your impression of it, what did it mean to you?
First time I went to Fire Island was, I think, 2019. I was freshly 21, I went with my bestie, and we met up with our good Judy’s on the island who are kind of like our aunties—a generation above, and I say that not to be shady. [Laughs.] But, you know, they’re a little grown, and they kind of guided us along: Going to Low Tea, going to High Tea, going to Sip-n-Twirl, going to see the sunset—all of the Fire Island pit stops that you have to make for your first trip.
I was also dosing on G which made it even more of an experience. [Laughs.] Oh girl, it was swirly for sure! But it was amazing.
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So it’s fair to say you came to Fire Island as a fan of Fire Island already.
I mean, I definitely have my feelings about the island and where it still needs to go in terms of, you know, taking the inclusivity train. There is still work to be done on the island, but I do think that the beautiful thing that this movie is going to be able to do is really help and encourage people like myself, who might have felt discouraged to go to the island—because of the fact that, it’s not really marketed for an afro-Latina, non-binary person—to really be able to bring all your girls and hop on that boat and go to Fire Island. And take over Sip-n-Twirl, you know? I think it’s our time!
To dive specifically into your character, Keegan, I sense some similarities between you two, but what is about the role that you first felt connected to?
So, initially, I think the thing that I loved the most was the fact that I was able to read the lines like myself, you know? I was able to just be like, “Oh, b*tch, I would say it like this, girl!” [Laughs.] So that felt really good. I was like, “Okay, I know who this person is because I am this person.” Which is always a really good feeling.
And then, going into costume fittings, and really starting to set up for the first day of shooting, seeing the mood board of Keegan and then seeing all of my photos from my Instagram! The costume designer David Tabbert was like, “You are literally the inspiration for this character!”
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I was going to say! Because I love your personal style, and I noticed a lot of it in Keegan. So, this is full wardrobe, right? Or did you bring some of your own stuff to set?
No, this is full wardrobe, but it was—and not to toot my own horn—David literally said, “This was inspired by you.” So I was like, “Oh work!”
On that note, in terms of playing this character you see yourself in—but then also the fact that you’re literally all living on Fire Island while shooting the movie—I have to imagine it felt like a blurring of reality a little bit, right?
Yes! And it was just like—okay, so we all stayed in one house. So they should have filmed a reality show of our time not shooting because it was so… like, it felt like camp, queer summer camp with all my girls while we’re working, you know? It was nice to be able to, when we weren’t working on the weekend, just chill by the pool, or then go to The Pantry. And it was just all so surreal, the fact that it was just [flowed together] so well. Girl, it was fun.
Speaking of fun, how can we not talk about what is already one of the most iconic parts of the movie, where you and Matt whip out your best My Cousin Vinny lines. What kind of homework went into preparing for that? Did you have a Marisa Tomei cram session?
[Laughs.] Well, Marissa Tomei is kind of like—I’m from Staten Island, so My Cousin Vinny is very on brand for my borough, you know? So It was kind of just like, “Oh, b*tch, I know exactly what this reference is going to give.” Of course, I watched it a few times more times, just to make sure I was getting every [motions hands dramatically.] But, yeah, it was so easy, because I know this reference down, okay?
What are some of your other favorite memories from set? Do you have any Fire Island keepsakes?
There are so many. I mean, from Margaret Cho gifting me so many pieces of clothing—okay, that was probably the most heartwarming. Because they were all femme pieces, and for Margaret to give me those, I was like, “Ahh!” It felt like the most affirming Christmas ever that that I wish I got when I was a child, you know? So that just made my queer, non-binary heart burst.
And then everything with Bowen. I think Bowen is so magical because he gets my humor, and my humor is just me being dumb. [Laughs.] But he gets it and he plays back at it, so it was just him egging me on the entire f*cking time that we were shooting. Every time I went like, [puts hand over mouth,] because I like to coy laugh, he’d just do it back and I’d be like, “B*tch you can’t do that!” [Laughs.]
But, what else? I mean, literally, everything. The magic of filming this movie with an entire queer cast was that every moment on set—whether we were working, or just at the Crafty, or in our trailer—it felt safe. And it felt like I was at home; I was just surrounded by so much love, so much support. Because we were all kind of creating this thing together, which was just so amazing. I think back at it and I’m like, “Wow, that was like probably the highlight of my life thus far.”
And you’re touching on something that I really appreciated about the film: That, while it’s positioned to reach as wide an audience as possible, it’s not pandering, it’s not talking down to anyone—it just immediately welcomes you into its warm world and speaks a language the queers will get from the jump.
No matter who comes to Fire Island, no matter their experience, what’s one big thing you hope people are able to take away from it?
Well, I think what you said is right: No matter who [you are,] what culture, or community you come from—whether you’re not a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, or you’re one of the girls— you can get so much from this movie. And I think the main one, for me, was chosen family. You know, we all have our group of friends that helped us through times when maybe our family, our blood family, wasn’t there for [us.] I think that’s the beauty of having a chosen family.
And I think the fact that Noah and Howie and Keegan and Luke and Max—we all came—they all came to the island and really made a bond. And they were able to have such a beautiful summer—no matter what was going on between them, you know, because families do fight. But it was still love. And I think that, no matter who you are, you can relate to that.
And, finally, it’s summer—it’s Pride Month! Any big plans? Maybe another trip to Fire Island?
Well, the weekend of June 3, [through] the 5th—right after the premiere—I will most likely be on the island doing, you know, “Fire Island tingz,” [laughs.] Which should be super fun! I’m also going to be a part of this year’s Broadway Bares that happens every year. This year is the 30th anniversary, so I will be leading a number and fundraising for the event. So, you can catch me there—that’s going to be the weekend of Pride [in New York.]
But, other than that? Just really being the Staten Island Fairy that I am, frolicking all of New York City. [Laughs.] That’s going to be the title of my book!
As it should be! And may Marisa Tomei bless you and keep you.
Yes, exactly. Thank you, Marisa!
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This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
emarell9
A beautiful creature.
lacciani
This is not how l remember Fire Island see “Boys in the Sand” truer vision of Fire Island.
mz.sam
No shit, Sherlock! I much prefer spending my time in anticipation with Luke MacFarlane in ‘BROS’.
SFMike
So looking forward to dreamy Luke MacFarlane far away from a Hallmark movie and into a man’s arms in “BROS’.
johncp56
Just watched a clip, as an older gay, I needed a shot of those young screaming gay guys, made my day, Love
mz.sam
Luv, luv, luv, to ring in Pride month with a film of ethnic diverse screaming tropes.
SFMike
For some reason it’s hard for Hollywood to make a film with gay men that don’t include stereotypical screaming queens. It’s like there is some kind of rule out there.
CatholicXXX
The movie was created/written by a flaming queen.
glostick25
Well, these people exist so i don’t know what you expect. Seems like you have an issue with femme queers.
monty clift
@glostick25, Femme queens are a dime a dozen in media. Rarely do we get any positive representation of gay men beyond the gay minstrel act that these egotistical queens put on for their straight female audience.
glostick25
@montyclift you’re dead wrong; what’s so wrong with being a “femme queen”? These people exist. You’re stuck on some old ideal that doesn’t exist any longer. I agree that Hollywood has an issue centering films/stories on gay men, but that’s a problem with how little industry opens their doors to the queer community at large. We need to be open to and welcome representation of all kinds if we want anything to progress. I’m sorry that you, specifically, don’t see yourself reflected in Fire Island but that doesn’t mean you need to poo-poo the film. If you genuinely didn’t like it, that’s one thing, but it seems your issue is that it makes space for characters who are femme who, again, are REAL PEOPLE and the more these people are given space in media, the more likely is that people will be open to and receptive to all kinds of queerness
Diplomat
My impression of fire island is a place full of men totally into manhood, not screaming queens. How boring.
glostick25
Yeah and that’s the issue with it
monty clift
@glostick25, The stereotype that gay men are women/effeminate has been damaging and harmful for decades. I didn’t say there was anything wrong with being a femme queer, but this is obviously an act they are putting on, and it’s very immature, it only serves to reinforce those negative stereotypes of gay men.
CatholicXXX
That movie was so boring.
Zane Phillips was the only remotely interesting thing about it.
Kangol2
I disagree. I thought Joel Kim Booster carried the whole film, and Bowen Yang also did the most with a very cliched role. I’d like to see Booster in more films. Also, it’s always a pleasure to see Margaret Cho in anything.
Diplomat
Hey Cat
Tho I must say this movie has all the makings that most gay guys hate, 90% sexless actors and screaming queens, Zane Phillips stole my mojo in the newly dropped season 4 of Legacies starting on episode 9 when he showed up for the first time. Wo that guy is a walking wet dream. Gorgeous beyond belief. Why he’s tied to this train wreck I’ll never know, but he’s just starting out so he’ll learn. Anyway if you like him go check him out on Legacies. You won’t regret it.
barryaksarben
Laugh out loud oh my God I love you old fight cleans pretending you were never found get over yourselves pathetic. This is based on Jane Austen it is just a movie it is not reality.. grow up admit you’re gay. Don’t go to your grave being so damn
monty clift
Embarrassing and cringe inducing. We need to do away with this outdated gay minstrel act. Just because you’re effeminate doesn’t make you funny.
glostick25
Literally what are you talking about. You’re clearly not around queer people. This isn’t an “act,” this is genuinely who someone is. If you don’t think they’re funny that’s fine, but quit trying to tell people how they should/shouldn’t be. No individual film is going to be perfect, but there’s a fair amount of diversity within the “gay experience” represented in fire island. If you’d rather see content centered on your own perception of “masculine gays” then go watch Love, Simon again; I don’t know what else to tell you.
Diplomat
Just to be fair to women: these queens aren’t fem like women at all…they’re all fa+g. No woman I’ve ever seen does fa+g. These cringlings do fa+g gestures fa+g speech fa+g moves. Just being fag+gots pretty much. About as sexy as sawdust.
And a total fail for representing the gay community. But fem? Nah. Just fa+g.
Kangol2
Wow, @Diplomat, you really did just spew a bunch of homophobic, effemophobic crapola on a gay/queer website!
You should admit that fem/femme/nonbinary men may be “about as sexy as sawdust” to you. And you also might add that your homophobic/effemophobia leads you to feel that fems/femmes are “a total fail for representing the gay community,” when the reality is that fems/femmes represent the gay community just fine and have been and remain on the front lines fighting for the rights of frightened people like yourself.
Your masculinity is less brittle than you apparently believe it is!
Diplomat
Oh get real Mary Ellen. You don’t know me. Fear isn’t my problem. I’ll go toe to toe with you anytime cupcake. So let’s break this down in reality, outside your flagrant off track assumptions.
I’ve always been against the lop sided view of the LGB community as straights pick cliche screa+mers to represent us in media as a punchline so they can laugh at us, not with us. Now gays are doing it. So they have won in that category and we may now lose gay marriage bc of this and other things.
I’m not at all phobic about screaming fa+gs. I could out-fa+g these queens with two drinks and love doing it. Am I going to put it on the morning news? No. It was a two minute act, not reality.
I am a gay male annoyed about being advertised in this one cliche stereotype on a constant basis. Sucks a**.
Diplomat
Funny that Asians are trying to build a masculine image out of a feminine one and woops, screamers and drag poo everywhere. I guess we won’t be seeing any Brice Lees in the one in a million Asian porn movies anytime soon.
MrGoldman
This movie looks so lame.
wiggie
White gays complaining that a story written by an Asian gay does not reflect their experience on Fire Island. Shocker
Kangol2
Exactly, and yet he still put a bunch of White men in the mix, including making one the love object of one of the two key Asian American characters, and they’re still unsatisfied. Pathetic, but not surprising!
Me2
LMAO!!! This part!!! Comment of the day!
strap2900
With all the hype, I expected more from this movie. I found it silly and boring.
Kangol2
Fire Island was fun but full of cliches. Then again, if you’ve ever been to Fire Island, it wasn’t totally off the charts in terms of the world it depicted, especially for Millennial and Gen Z folks. More Joel Kim Booster and Bowen Yang in future films, please!
inbama
Actually, Mr. Matos looks quite attractive in that shower shot.