Matthew Lessall, a two-term former president of the Casting Society of America (CSA), was born in London and raised in New York. After earning a degree in Communications from DePauw University, he moved to London to study acting at LAMDA, where he discovered his passion for casting. This led him to Los Angeles, where he served as an in-house Casting Consultant for Fox Searchlight Pictures' prestigious Searchlab Writer/Director Program while also working alongside renowned casting director Eve Brandstein.

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Lessall’s career spans both the U.S. and the U.K., leveraging his dual citizenship to cast critically acclaimed, international, and award-winning features, series, pilots, and new media projects across a range of genres—from YA to comedy and horror. Best known for his innovative work in independent film casting, he has also held executive roles at major studios, including Director of Feature Film Casting at 20th Century Fox and as a consultant to Paramount Television Studios, where he worked on projects like Urban Cowboy (FOX), Shooter (USA), and Berlin Station (EPIX).

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With a sharp eye for talent, Lessall cast Anna Kendrick in her first significant film role and has similarly helped launch the careers of many now-celebrated actors. His work spans international co-productions in countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, and Mexico, with many of his projects securing spots at prestigious festivals like Cannes, TIFF, Venice, Sundance, Tribeca, and SXSW. Notable films include Chronic (directed by Michel Franco and starring Tim Roth), which won the Cannes Palme d'Or, and Miss Stevens, for which Lily Rabe won Best Actress at SXSW. His work on Frank & Lola, starring Michael Shannon and Imogen Poots, was also featured at Sundance.

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In new media, Lessall cast Warner Premiere’s record-breaking web series Mortal Kombat: Legacy and Warner Digital’s Aim High. His producing credits include the festival favorite Reparation, which he also cast. Lessall has received six Artios nominations, with two wins. In February 2023, he was honored with a nomination for Achievement in Casting by the Canadian Screen Awards for his work on The Swearing Jar. This marked the first time an American had been nominated in this category, which he shared with Canadian casting director Nicole Hilliard-Forde. 

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A longtime member of BAFTA, Lessall continues to be active in the rebranded Casting Society (CSA) and the ICDA. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his husband.