You probably know him as the guy who likes buttered toast. Or maybe the guy who does handstands to think better. If you grew up in the mid-2000s, Matt Austin (now often credited as Matt Austin Sadowski) was a constant fixture on your screen as Bridge Carson, the quirky, psychometric Green Ranger from Power Rangers S.P.D. But here is the thing: his career didn't start or end with a spandex suit and a morpher.
Honestly, tracking the full list of Matt Austin movies and tv shows is a bit of a trip. He’s one of those rare performers who successfully jumped from being a "teen idol" type into a legitimate, award-winning indie filmmaker. He’s been a hustler in Queer as Folk, an EMS technician in the Dawn of the Dead remake, and the director of a documentary that literally every John Hughes fan needs to watch.
The Power Rangers Legacy: Bridge Carson and Beyond
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Most people searching for Matt Austin movies and tv shows are looking for the S.P.D. Green Ranger.
Matt played Bridge Carson for 38 episodes in 2005. He wasn't your typical tough-guy leader. He was eccentric. He wore gloves to control his powers. He talked to himself. He was, quite frankly, the heart of that season.
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What’s cool is that he didn't just walk away after his season ended. He came back for the 15th-anniversary special Once a Ranger during the Operation Overdrive season. By then, his character had been promoted to the Red Ranger, which was a massive deal for fans who had watched his growth from a scatterbrained cadet.
- Key Trivia: The "buttery" toast obsession? That was actually Matt’s idea, inspired by his real-life love for Indian butter chicken.
- The Gloves: While they served a story purpose (psychometry), they were actually used in real life to hide Matt's tattoos.
From Acting to Directing: The Matt Austin Sadowski Shift
Around the late 2000s, Matt started leaning heavily into life behind the camera. If you look at his credits from this era, you’ll see him shifting from "Matt Austin" to "Matt Austin Sadowski."
His directorial debut, Don’t You Forget About Me (2009), is a fascinating piece of film history. It’s a documentary where he and a small crew went on a road trip to find the legendary, reclusive filmmaker John Hughes. He managed to interview huge names like Kevin Smith, Ally Sheedy, and Judd Nelson. It’s a raw, honest look at how 80s cinema shaped a generation.
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Then came Pretend We’re Kissing in 2014. This wasn't some big-budget blockbuster. It was a quirky, awkward, very "Toronto" romantic comedy starring Dov Tiefenbach and Zoë Kravitz. It showed a completely different side of Matt—one that understood the nuances of social anxiety and modern dating.
A Quick Glance: Notable Matt Austin Movies and TV Shows
Because his career is so varied, it’s easier to look at the "greatest hits" across different genres. He's been in everything from soap operas to horror films.
Television Acting Credits
- Power Rangers S.P.D. (2005): Bridge Carson / Green Ranger.
- Power Rangers Operation Overdrive (2007): Bridge Carson / Red Ranger.
- Queer as Folk (2003): He played a character simply known as "Hustler" in a guest spot.
- This Is Wonderland (2006): Played Daniel McDonald.
- Aaron Stone (2010): A guest appearance as a Secret Service agent.
- Taste Buds (2008): He actually hosted this food-centric show for 13 episodes.
Film Acting and Directing
- Dawn of the Dead (2004): A small but memorable role as an EMS technician during the chaotic opening.
- Don’t You Forget About Me (2009): Director and Writer.
- Pretend We’re Kissing (2014): Director, Producer, and Writer.
- F'ED (2024): A recent return to acting in this comedy directed by Tyler Boyco.
Why He Still Matters in 2026
Matt is a staple at conventions like Power Morphicon. He’s incredibly open with his fans, often talking about the struggles of the industry and the reality of being a working artist. In an era where many actors distance themselves from their "kids' show" roots, Matt has embraced it while also building a serious resume as a filmmaker.
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He’s currently active in the Canadian film scene, often working as a creative executive and director on commercials and short-form content. His company, Whisperwood, has handled productions for major brands, showing that he’s found a sustainable path outside of the Hollywood machine.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often think Matt "disappeared" after Power Rangers. He didn't. He just changed lanes.
Making the jump from a niche TV hero to an indie director is incredibly hard. Many actors get stuck in the convention circuit loop. Matt used that momentum to fund his own stories. If you only know him for the spandex, you’re missing out on some of the best Canadian indie cinema of the last decade.
Actionable Next Steps:
If you want to see the "real" Matt Sadowski, start with Don’t You Forget About Me. It’s available on various streaming platforms and gives you a clear window into his creative brain. For those feeling nostalgic, Power Rangers S.P.D. is frequently available on the official Power Rangers YouTube channel. Keep an eye on his social media for updates on his latest project, F'ED, which marks a fun return to his comedic acting roots.