Person of the Week: Matt Bomer

Though it’s easy to be distracted by Matt Bomer’s classic Cary Grant charm and his Montgomery Clift good looks, the real beauty of this rising star is deeper than his full head of hair and ability to wear clothes well. This is a well-rounded individual who proves that the concept of sophistication isn’t quite dead yet.

I started Stalking the Belle Époque last year as a response to what I perceived as a distinct lack of elegance and intelligence in the world media. By sharing my ideas of grace and human achievement in the arts and humanities from centuries past (as well as the present), I’ve been joined each week by several thousand others of you who are actively searching for the same thing, a glimpse at the same ideals. We all seem to have the same question. Borrowing from Chicago, “Whatever happened to class?”

Entertainers like Matt Bomer answer that question for us. It’s still alive and well! Bomer, the son of former footballer, John Bomer, grew up in Texas, and engaged in the naturally Texas-y pastime of football in high school. Having spent many of my formative years in Texas as well, I know first-hand what a big deal football is in these parts. Though, admittedly, I don’t understand the sport in the slightest, I have nothing against it, either. I just recall that during my high school days, those who engaged in the sport were discouraged from thinking about much else. Mr. Bomer, on the other hand, enjoyed sports, but also didn’t limit his other interests. In fact, he was encouraged. How refreshing!

With the support of his family Mr. Bomer pursued an education in the arts, graduating from Carnegie Mellon University in 2001. Following his graduation, he worked as an actor in New York, appearing on daytime dramas such as All My Children and The Guiding Light.

A career in film and primetime television soon followed with performances in a varied list of pictures and programs. These appearances led to Mr. Bomer’s casting in USA’s White Collar in which he stars alongside Tim DeKay.

The program has not only given Matt Bomer a chance to showcase his talents, but also to make a difference in our global community. He lends his support to a host of causes, and has spoken in Public Service Announcements about the need for religious tolerance. Bomer’s appearances in public are a testament to the art of elegance.  Articulate, good-natured, modest and cheerful, Mr. Bomer shows us the way a celebrity should act. When we’re inundated with images of “stars” behaving badly and demanding attention for negative conduct, it’s the people like Matt Bomer who remind us what a “star” really is.  When you can effortlessly transition between promoting your show and dancing with a kid to a hip-hop song, smiling the whole time, you've demonstrated the modern definition of "class."