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Matthew Shields Griesser
Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | September 10, 2023
It’s with profound sadness that we share news of the death of Matthew Shields Griesser, age 53. Matt was born in Pittsburgh, PA on May 5, 1970 and died in McKeesport, PA (Elizabeth Township) on September 2, 2023. He is survived by his parents, Garry and Nancy Griesser, his brother Thomas Griesser, and by beloved uncles, aunts, cousins, and countless long-time college and industry friends.
Matt grew up in Denver, CO; Redlands, CA; and Fresno, CA where he graduated from Clovis West High School. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in film and television production from Chapman University in Orange, CA in 1992.
Shortly after graduation, Matt moved to Los Angeles and began working in the entertainment industry, first as a production assistant and then appearing in TV shows such as “Murphy Brown” and small film roles in “Viva Rock Vegas” and Cameron Crowe’s “Almost Famous.” His improvisational skills landed him roles in national ad campaigns, notably as “Sign Boy” for FootJoy golf shoes and most recently as the voice of the wisecracking wheel of cheese in television ads for Cheez-It Crackers. Matt's talents gained the attention of actor/director Christopher Guest, who directed him in ad campaigns and cast him in several episodes of Guest’s HBO show “Family Tree.” Matt was highly respected for his improvisational acting skills, his professionalism, and his dedication to his craft.
After living in Studio City, CA for 28 years, Matt returned to the Pittsburgh area in 2022. His hobbies and interests included golf, baseball, visual art, Denver Broncos football, and Formula 1 auto racing.
Family and friends will gather in Southern California to celebrate Matt’s life later this fall. He was a caring and thoughtful friend to many and will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.
Arrangements were handled by Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177).
To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com
Shortly after graduation, Matt moved to Los Angeles and began working in the entertainment industry, first as a production assistant and then appearing in TV shows such as “Murphy Brown” and small film roles in “Viva Rock Vegas” and Cameron Crowe’s “Almost Famous.” His improvisational skills landed him roles in national ad campaigns, notably as “Sign Boy” for FootJoy golf shoes and most recently as the voice of the wisecracking wheel of cheese in television ads for Cheez-It Crackers. Matt's talents gained the attention of actor/director Christopher Guest, who directed him in ad campaigns and cast him in several episodes of Guest’s HBO show “Family Tree.” Matt was highly respected for his improvisational acting skills, his professionalism, and his dedication to his craft.
After living in Studio City, CA for 28 years, Matt returned to the Pittsburgh area in 2022. His hobbies and interests included golf, baseball, visual art, Denver Broncos football, and Formula 1 auto racing.
Family and friends will gather in Southern California to celebrate Matt’s life later this fall. He was a caring and thoughtful friend to many and will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.
Arrangements were handled by Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177).
To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Matthew Shields Griesser, please visit our flower store.
Originally published September 10, 2023.
Other deaths:
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