‘Proof’s’ Matthew Modine breathes easier by living in the moment

Matthew Modine stars as a terminally ill billionaire questioning the existence of the afterlife in TNT’s “Proof.” To search for answers, he recruits a surgeon, played by Jennifer Beals, who is haunted by the sudden death of her teenage son and her own near-death experience. The deal clincher: She can use his $10-billion fortune for her philanthropic work. Does Modine, an award-winning actor, writer and filmmaker, believe in the afterlife? “I have no idea,” he admits. “This moment, this breath is all we have … so I believe in living each moment like there is not going to be another one.”

Modine, who has directed many short films, recently enlisted Dick Van Dyke, Valerie Harper and Glenne Headly to star with him in an original short film, “Merry Xmas.” The comedy, which recounts a father’s ingenious plan to have a happy holiday, debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival. But this film almost did not happen. Modine, 56, says that when he could not interest Van Dyke’s representatives, he contacted the actor directly via Twitter. Van Dyke’s response, according to Modine: “‘I am not doing anything now, what have you got?’”

The film also was a good family project for Modine and his two children: He co-wrote the script with his son, Boman, who also directed the film; and his daughter, Ruby, sang in it. Working in their father’s business is a family tradition. Growing up, Modine and his six siblings worked at their dad’s drive-in theater. You can watch the “Merry Xmas” trailer at vimeo.com/121512068.

Are you strictly vegan? Do you ever fast?

I am primarily a vegan. Occasionally, when I travel, I have to bend a little. … My father and subsequently my brother died of pancreatic cancer, which is why I live this vegan lifestyle. I think sugar and alcohol (which is basically a form of sugar) have a tremendous impact on the pancreas. I believe that eliminating alcohol and processed foods is vital. Because it takes so much energy for a body to digest food, I regularly fast. ... When you fast your body can use that freed up energy for healing.

Are there foods that you gravitate to or steer clear of?

I eat lots of cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, and gravitate to dark green vegetables. Dairy products are difficult for a body to digest. More people are having wheat and nut allergies. I think that a lot of these allergies are the result of pesticides and genetically modified foods. So it is important to eat organic and non-GMO foods.

How much sleep do you get?

About nine hours. When I was younger it was difficult to get to sleep — sometimes not until 3 or 4 a.m. What kept me awake was worrying about what was going to happen, and how I had to prepare for it. I worried about my career. I no longer worry about things that are out of my control so it is easier to put my head on the pillow and fall asleep. Living in the moment helps me stay calm.

What are your thoughts on naps and meditation?

Fifteen-minute power naps are great. It would be wonderful if people could rest for 15 to 20 minutes daily, even just to close their eyes. I meditate, but not by sitting cross-legged. I believe you can meditate while sitting in a car at a traffic light. If you are hiking up a mountain, when you start listening to your breath, that’s a form of meditation.

Do you still regularly ride a bicycle or skateboard?

When I am in New York City, I ride my bicycle or walk everywhere. When I am home in L.A., it’s more difficult to ride a bicycle. I try to walk at least five miles every day. There are so many great canyons to hike in around here. I got a FitBit to make sure I hit the five-mile mark. Later this morning I will get on my skateboard and get breakfast.

health@latimes.com