Summary
Nickelodeon’sVictoriousco-starred Matt Bennett as Robbie Shapiro, one of the students at the elite performing arts school of the series and since his appearance on the show, Bennett has gone to a fascinating career.Victoriousis a 2010s showfrom the tail-end of Nickelodeon’s era of producing live-action sitcoms at a significant rate. As such,it maybe doesn’t inspire quite the same love and reverence as earlier shows likeiCarly,Drake & Josh, andKeenan and Kel. However, it was still a successful program, with a unique setting and talented actors.
Victoriousis an ensemble show, focusing on the students who attend Hollywood Arts, a special school for gifted artists, which means each character has a talent they are trying to hone while also dealing with the usual high school issues. Victoria Justice, Leon Thomas III, Ariana Grande, Elizabeth Gillies, Avan Jogia, and Daniella Monet also star, with many of those actors resurging in recognizability in the 2020s thanks toQuiet on Setand Grande’s and Justice’s commentson the shocking documentary. Bennett was a key part ofVictorious, andhe’s managed to steadily find work in the years after.
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Matt Bennett’s Robbie Shapiro Is An Awkward Ventriloquist In Victorious
Robbie Is A Dorky But Loyal Student At Hollywood Arts
Robbie Shapiro isa talented ventriloquist who brings his puppet, Rex Powers, everywhere he goes. The other students and Robbie speak to Rex as if he’s a real person and Rex is often the confident though sarcastic voice that Robbie wishes he had. Robbie is nerdy, shy, and awkward but a constant and loyal friend. ThroughoutVictorious, it’s suggested that Robbie does not believe Rex to be a puppet and seems to think the doll sitting on his arm is an actual being with his own thoughts. Rex often treats Robbie poorly, but the two can’t stand to be separated.
Robbie’s presence in the series is important to showcase that not everyone at Hollywood Arts is the “cool” kid and talent comes in all shapes.
While a lot of the characters onVictorioushave a more “traditional” artistic talent, like singing or dancing, Robbie’s skill is unique and impressive considering how he sometimes seems to convince others that he’s not even controlling Rex. Robbie’s presence in the series is important to showcase that not everyone at Hollywood Arts is the “cool” kid and talent comes in all shapes. Bennett plays the awkward teen character very well and his relationship with Rex does make it seem like there are two characters on screen, with completely different personalities.
Bennett has a good relationship with his time onVictorious. In an interview withZ100 New York, Bennett talked about his fond feelings for his part on the show,
“Yes, I’ll be Robbie forever, but you know I’m part of a legacy… We’re a comfort show. People have fallen asleep to Victorious… I’m cool to honor it you know… It’s something you can only dream of…”
It was a major role for a young actor, and he was excited to even get the part. Bennett also goes on to say that after the COVID-19 pandemic, he was recognized more often than ever, as many people craved nostalgia during the trying time, and went back to watch old comfort shows likeVictorious.
Bennett Has Continued To Act Post-Victorious & Is A DJ
AfterVictorious, Bennett continued acting steadily. Some other notable TV roles include Howard’s half-brother, Josh Wolowitz, in an episode ofThe Big Bang Theory, Wiley in an episode ofShameless, and the recurring character Gavin Landers inAmerican Vandal. His film credits include Kyle Parker inThe Stanford Prison Experimentand Scott Mayhew inMe and Earl and the Dying Girl. Bennett also appeared in two of hisVictoriousco-star Ariana Grande’s music videos, “One Last Time” and “Thank You Next”.
Matt Bennett reunited withVictoriouscast member Elizabeth Gillies (Jade West) when he appeared in an episode ofDynastyas Cole.
Bennett has also made a pivot from acting to DJing, billed as “iParty with DJ Matt Bennett” (viaHouse of Blues) andlater, “Party101” (viaThe Huntington News). In trueVictoriousHollywood Arts fashion, Matt Bennett is a multi-talented and artistic individual in real life.
Victorious
Cast
Victorious is a teen sitcom created by Dan Schneider, centering on aspiring singer Tori Vega, portrayed by Victoria Justice. Set in the performing arts high school Hollywood Arts, the series follows Tori as she navigates the challenges of adolescence alongside a diverse group of talented classmates. With its combination of musical performances and comedic elements, the show explores themes of friendship, ambition, and self-discovery.
