Jessica Biel Says Son’s Matchbox Role Was Kept Small

Jessica Biel says she allowed her 11-year-old son, Silas, a small role in Matchbox after making clear he should not receive acting opportunities simply because he is her child. Biel described the decision and her expectations during an appearance on the Great Chat Show podcast. Silas, whose father is Justin Timberlake, appeared in the film, in which Biel also stars. She said the part was very small and that she would not have agreed to a substantial speaking role, such as one requiring a major monologue. Biel said she wanted her son to understand that young performers who train and work for roles should not lose opportunities to a family connection. Biel said Silas has an interest in music and acting and had been talking with his parents about wanting to perform. She recalled that Matchbox producer Jules Daly asked whether he might be interested in a small part. Biel initially hesitated, saying she and Timberlake try to keep their children away from public attention. She said the family ultimately considered the opportunity in light of Silas’s interest and the limited size of the role. In her account, Biel presented the appearance as an exception rather than a promise of...