Matthew Atkinson is reaching new heights as his character, Thomas Forrester, battles mental illness on The Bold and the Beautiful. The actor embraces not only internal challenges, but external ones, too. He once scaled down the site of a huge hotel in the Los Angeles area — all for a good cause.
Matthew Atkinson Helps Raise Money
“Last year, I repelled off the side of a building,” Atkinson shared on Instagram along with a photo of him about to go down the side of a the Universal Hilton in Universal City, adding, “(Luckily, Luckily [Katrina Bowden, Flo] was there to catch me if I fell) I did it cause it’s awesome…AND the money raised went to help people that needed it.”
The donated funds benefited the Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles. As BB fans recall, the show shot there back in 2009 as part of Stephanie’s (Susan Flannery) return to the place she once spent time after suffering a memory loss and living on the streets as a homeless woman.
“The Union Rescue Mission got together with this company that does this ‘over the edge thing,'” Atkinson tells Soap Hub. “They propel down the sides of things and in this case — a building. Those things are right up my alley.” (Or in this case “down!”)
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“I had a blast and it’s for a great cause, helping the homeless with addiction and other issues.” Atkinson notes. He didn’t need much prep time given his rock-climbing experience. Plus, the company that puts it all together provides a tutorial and insists on many safety measures. “I was sort of hoping they’d take those off so I could have more fun,” he adds. “They didn’t let me do that, but I understand why.”
The athletic actor added to his post: “@unionrescuemission is a non-profit that has been serving people in need in LA for 129 years. They’ve been in the community through the Great Depression, WWII, civil rights, and are stronger than ever today. They help provide shelter, food, counseling, and guidance to people suffering in one of the poorest parts of our city…
“A couple of bucks can help someone through addiction, give someone hungry a meal, or a much needed night of sleep with a roof over their head,” he notes. “It’s worth foregoing a cup of coffee, or one post-mated meal if you can. I know a lot of people are struggling right now, but if you’re not and you can help – please do. Visit their website.” The Bold and the Beautiful airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for air times.
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