Matthew Modine is an American actor who has built a distinctive career spanning more than four decades. He is best known for two defining roles: the sharp-witted Private Joker in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket and the enigmatic Dr. Martin Brenner in Netflix’s Stranger Things. His work has taken him from independent cinema to blockbuster franchises and the London stage.
Born on March 22, 1959, in Loma Linda, California, Modine was raised in California and Utah. His father managed a drive-in theater, an experience that sparked his early interest in acting. At age 18, he moved to New York to study under the legendary Stella Adler.
Who is Matthew Modine? Biography and Background
Matthew Modine’s full name is Matthew Avery Modine. He is an American actor, filmmaker, producer, and activist. The following overview provides a quick snapshot of his key personal and professional details.
Here are several key insights into his life and career:
- Modine gained international acclaim for his portrayal of Private J.T. “Joker” Davis in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket (1987).
- He plays Dr. Martin Brenner, also known as “Papa,” in Netflix’s Stranger Things, a role that brought him renewed visibility.
- Modine has been married to Caridad Rivera, a makeup and wardrobe stylist, since 1980.
- He has two children: Boman and Ruby Modine. Ruby is an actress, singer, and ballet dancer.
- His career spans more than 90 film and television credits, including Birdy, Married to the Mob, Memphis Belle, and The Dark Knight Rises.
- He made his film debut in 1983 with Baby It’s You.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Avery Modine |
| Born | March 22, 1959, Loma Linda, California, USA |
| Age | 66 (as of 2025) |
| Height | Not confirmed in available sources |
| Spouse | Caridad Rivera (married 1980) |
| Children | Two |
| Famous Roles | Private Joker in Full Metal Jacket; Dr. Martin Brenner in Stranger Things |
| Years Active | 1980–present |
| Net Worth | Not verified by authoritative sources |
| Nationality | American |
What is Matthew Modine Best Known For? Career Highlights and Roles
Modine’s most celebrated performance remains his role as Private J.T. “Joker” Davis in Full Metal Jacket. The film, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is consistently cited as the project that made him a widely recognized figure. His portrayal of a cynical Marine combat correspondent during the Vietnam War became an iconic moment in war cinema.
What character did Matthew Modine play in Stranger Things?
In the Netflix series Stranger Things, Modine plays Dr. Martin Brenner, the controversial head of the Hawkins National Laboratory. The character, often referred to simply as “Papa,” is a central supporting figure. Modine appeared in the first, second, and fourth seasons of the show.
Was Matthew Modine in other Stanley Kubrick films?
Full Metal Jacket is Modine’s only collaboration with Stanley Kubrick. He did not appear in any other films directed by Kubrick.
What was Matthew Modine’s first acting role?
His first film role came in 1983 with Baby It’s You. That same year, he also appeared in Streamers, a drama directed by Robert Altman.
Modine’s role in Full Metal Jacket was his breakthrough. According to multiple sources, it is the single project most associated with his name and the one that brought him widespread recognition.
Matthew Modine Movies and TV Shows: Complete Filmography
Modine has built an extensive and varied filmography across film, television, and stage. Below is a selected list of his most notable work.
Notable Films
- Baby It’s You (1983)
- Streamers (1983)
- Mrs. Soffel (1984)
- Birdy (1984)
- Vision Quest (1985)
- Full Metal Jacket (1987)
- Orphans (1987)
- Married to the Mob (1988)
- Memphis Belle (1990)
- Pacific Heights (1990)
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Television Roles
- And the Band Played On (1993)
- Weeds (2007)
- Proof (2015)
- Stranger Things (2016–2017, 2022)
While some reports have asked if Modine appeared in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, he is not listed in the cast of that film. His role in The Dark Knight Rises is his only known collaboration with Nolan.
Who is Matthew Modine Married To? Personal Life and Family
Modine has been married to Caridad Rivera since 1980. Rivera works as a makeup and wardrobe stylist. The couple has two children: Boman and Ruby Modine. Ruby Modine is an actress, singer, and ballet dancer.
Modine maintains a relatively private personal life. He is active on social media platforms, including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where he shares updates about his work and personal interests.
What is Matthew Modine’s Net Worth? Career and Finance
No clearly sourced, authoritative net worth estimate for Matthew Modine could be confirmed from the available research materials. While some online databases and booking sites may suggest figures, none of the provided sources supply a verifiable or official number. His exact earnings per film or for his role in Stranger Things are not publicly documented.
Net worth claims found online vary widely. Without a credible financial disclosure or authoritative industry estimate, any specific number should be treated as speculative.
Is Matthew Modine Still Acting? Current Projects and Legacy
Yes, Matthew Modine remains active as an actor. He continues to take on roles in film, television, and theater. In 2025, he was reported to be performing in the West End production of To Kill a Mockingbird, playing Atticus Finch.
What awards has Matthew Modine won?
Modine shared the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for his work in Short Cuts (1993). He also won a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble cast of Stranger Things. He has not won an Oscar.
Career Timeline: Key Moments in Matthew Modine’s Life
- 1959: Born in Loma Linda, California.
- 1983: Makes his film debut in Baby It’s You and appears in Streamers.
- 1984: Stars in Birdy, directed by Alan Parker.
- 1987: Breakthrough role as Private Joker in Full Metal Jacket.
- 1990: Stars in Memphis Belle and Pacific Heights.
- 1993: Appears in Robert Altman’s Short Cuts, winning the Volpi Cup.
- 2012: Plays a role in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises.
- 2016–2022: Portrays Dr. Martin Brenner in Stranger Things.
- 2025: Performs as Atticus Finch in the West End production of To Kill a Mockingbird.
What is Verified and What Remains Unclear About Matthew Modine?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born on March 22, 1959, in Loma Linda, California. | Net worth estimates vary and lack authoritative sourcing. |
| Married to Caridad Rivera since 1980. | Height is not confirmed in any of the provided sources. |
| Played Private Joker in Full Metal Jacket. | The exact count of independent film awards is inconsistent. |
| Portrayed Dr. Martin Brenner in Stranger Things. | Involvement in upcoming unnamed projects has not been officially confirmed. |
| Has two children, including actress Ruby Modine. | Details of his financial earnings per project are not public. |
What is the Broader Context of Matthew Modine’s Career?
Modine’s career arc is notable for its longevity and reinvention. After his breakthrough under Stanley Kubrick, he worked steadily throughout the 1990s and 2000s, appearing in a range of independent and mainstream films. His resurgence in the 2010s came largely through Stranger Things, which introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
At 66, Modine is equally comfortable on screen and on stage. His role as Atticus Finch in the West End demonstrates his continued commitment to serious dramatic work. He is also a filmmaker and activist, with producing credits to his name.
Culturally, Modine’s performance in Full Metal Jacket remains a touchstone in war cinema, while his work in Stranger Things has solidified his place in contemporary pop culture. For more on other performers who have bridged similar transitions, see our profile on Will Byers – Character Profile & Journey Through Stranger Things.
Where Do the Facts About Matthew Modine Come From?
The biographical and career information in this article is drawn from several established sources. Key references include the Wikipedia entry for Matthew Modine, which provides a comprehensive overview of his life and work. Filmography credits are further supported by his IMDb profile.
Professional representation details are available through the Independent Talent agency bio. Information regarding his role in Stranger Things is corroborated by the show’s official presence on Netflix. Industry updates, including his 2025 West End performance, have been reported by outlets such as BroadwayWorld and the Golden Globes website. For a broader perspective on actors of a similar generation, see our article on Tommy Lee Jones – Biography, Age, Net Worth & Health (2025).
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew Modine
How tall is Matthew Modine?
His height is not confirmed in any of the available reliable sources. No official figure has been publicly verified.
Did Matthew Modine appear in Stranger Things season 5?
As of 2025, his return for the final season has not been officially confirmed by Netflix or the showrunners.
Was Matthew Modine in Oppenheimer?
No. He is not part of the cast of Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
Did Matthew Modine win an Oscar?
No, he has not won an Academy Award. He shared the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for Short Cuts.
Does Matthew Modine have children?
Yes. He and his wife Caridad have two children: a son named Boman and a daughter named Ruby Modine, who is also an actress.
What was Matthew Modine’s first movie?
His first film was Baby It’s You, released in 1983.
Is Matthew Modine on social media?
Yes, he maintains an active presence on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where he shares updates about his work and causes.
What is Matthew Modine doing now?
He continues to act. In 2025, he was performing as Atticus Finch in the West End production of To Kill a Mockingbird.
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Philip Rowe is Senior Reporter at UKBullet.uk, covering breaking UK news stories.