When The Dead Files launched on the Travel Channel, viewers tuned in for the high-stakes paranormal investigations led by psychic medium Amy Allan and retired NYPD homicide detective Steve DiSchiavi. Yet behind the camera lens, another dynamic captured public curiosity: Matthew Anderson. As the show's field videographer and location manager, Anderson spent years working shoulder-to-shoulder with Allan, who was also his wife at the time. Their professional partnership outlived their marriage, creating a unique chapter in reality television history that fans still dissect today.
Understanding the real story of Matthew Anderson and Amy Allan requires looking past the sensationalized headlines. They weren't traditional ghost hunters hunting thrills for the camera; they were part of a specialized production crew whose personal and professional lives intersected in unusual ways. This article breaks down who they are, how their marriage and subsequent divorce impacted their work on The Dead Files, and where their lives and careers stand now.
Who Are Matthew Anderson and Amy Allan?
Amy Allan built her public identity around her lifelong claims of experiencing and communicating with the paranormal. Before becoming a fixture on television, she studied psychology and alternative healing, developing a methodology for her walk-throughs that separated her intuitive impressions from the historical facts uncovered by her co-investigator.
Matthew Anderson entered the picture with a vastly different background. Rather than sharing the spotlight as an on-screen investigator, Anderson worked behind the scenes. His primary responsibility was preparing locations before Allan's arrival—clearing out potential distractions, managing equipment, and capturing the raw footage of her intense, unscripted reactions.
The pair crossed paths before the show's inception, eventually marrying in 2010 as the concept for The Dead Files took shape. When the series premiered in 2011, viewers saw them as an established team, though Anderson's role was strictly practical rather than supernatural.
The Reality of Their Marriage and Divorce
Reality television often amplifies personal relationships, but Anderson and Allan maintained a remarkably quiet approach to their private lives. They married just as production on their hit series ramped up, placing immense pressure on both their personal bond and their working environment.
Differences proved insurmountable, leading to their separation in 2012 and a finalized divorce in 2013. In many television environments, a messy divorce between co-workers results in an immediate departure for one or both parties. However, Anderson and Allan chose a different path.
Working Together Post-Divorce
For three full years after their divorce was finalized, Anderson continued to film Allan's walk-throughs on The Dead Files. Maintaining a professional front while working intimately on tense, emotionally draining paranormal investigations required a high degree of mutual respect.
- They kept their personal separation out of the public eye while production was active.
- Anderson continued managing pre-investigation site setups without letting personal friction disrupt the crew.
- They completed over 110 episodes together, establishing a seamless workflow that fans never suspected was anchored by a divorced couple.
This rare level of workplace maturity allowed the show to maintain its gritty, uncompromised format without production delays or awkward on-screen tension.
Why Did Matthew Anderson Leave The Dead Files?
After appearing in more than 110 episodes, Anderson quietly exited The Dead Files in 2016. Neither network executives nor Anderson offered a dramatic press release or a farewell episode, sparking widespread speculation across fan forums and social media.
The departure was simply a natural conclusion to a grueling chapter. Working on location for a paranormal documentary series involves grueling hours, stressful environments, and constant travel. For Anderson, stepping away meant closing the door on reality television entirely to pursue entirely different creative outlets.
Life After Television
Since leaving the public eye, Anderson relocated to Denver, Colorado, where he reinvented his career path. Rather than returning to television production, he embraced creative and community-focused projects:
- Stand-Up Comedy: Anderson took to local stages in Denver to perform stand-up, leaning into a sharp, self-reflective comedic style.
- Chess Coaching: He channels his strategic mindset into coaching chess, working with students to sharpen their analytical skills.
- Writing and Comics: A lifelong fan of classic pop culture—particularly monster films and comic books—he launched independent creative ventures through EMMA Enterprises.
- New Beginnings: Anderson married Jill Murelli in July 2021, establishing a stable, private life far removed from the cameras of the Travel Channel.
Amy Allan's Journey After Their Split
Amy Allan continued anchoring The Dead Files for many seasons, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the documentary paranormal space. Her distinctive approach to mediumship—relying on physical reactions and detailed sketches of entities—became a blueprint for modern supernatural programming.
Following her divorce from Anderson, Allan found love again. She married Rob Traegler, a television director and producer associated with the industry, in a ceremony in Topanga, California, in October 2018. Allan eventually transitioned away from her full-time role on The Dead Files, making room for new mediums like Cindy Kaza to step into the series, while Allan focused on consulting, private research, and public appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Matthew Anderson a psychic medium on The Dead Files?
No. Many viewers mistakenly believe Anderson participated in the paranormal investigations. His actual role was technical and logistical: he operated the camera, managed equipment, and cleared locations before Amy Allan entered for her walk-through.
Why did Matthew and Amy divorce?
The couple kept the exact details of their 2013 divorce private. Unlike many high-profile reality TV couples, they chose not to air their grievances in tabloids, choosing instead to handle their split quietly while continuing to work together professionally for years.
Is Matthew Anderson still involved in television?
No. Anderson officially departed The Dead Files in 2016 and has not returned to television production since. He lives in Denver, where he focuses on stand-up comedy, chess coaching, and creative writing.
Who is Amy Allan married to now?
Amy Allan married television producer Rob Traegler in October 2018 in Topanga, California.
