Matthew Modine – Biography, Age, Height, Wife and Net Worth

Matthew Modine is an American actor and filmmaker known for playing Private Joker in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket and Dr. Martin Brenner in Netflix’s Stranger Things. His career spans more than four decades across film, television, and theater.

Born on March 22, 1959, in Loma Linda, California, Modine moved to New York City at age 18 to study acting under Stella Adler. He worked as a chef and took various jobs before landing his first film roles in 1983.

Today, Modine is recognised by multiple generations of viewers. Older audiences remember his defining work in 1980s cinema, while younger fans know him from the global phenomenon Stranger Things. His recent appearance in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023) further cemented his place in contemporary film.

What Are the Most Notable Matthew Modine Movies and TV Shows?

Matthew Modine at a Glance

Key Insights

• His standout role remains Private Joker in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, but a new generation knows him as Dr. Martin Brenner in Stranger Things.
• He is also an accomplished filmmaker and activist, having directed documentaries and short films.
• Modine has maintained a steady career across film, TV, and theater, including a West End role as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird.
• His marriage has lasted over four decades, a rare span in Hollywood.
• He studied under Stella Adler before making his film debut in the early 1980s.
• He has won a SAG Award as part of the Stranger Things ensemble and shared the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival.

Key Facts About Matthew Modine

How Old Is Matthew Modine and Where Did He Grow Up?

Age and Birthplace

Matthew Modine was born on March 22, 1959, in Loma Linda, California. As of 2025, he is 66 years old. He was the youngest of seven children in his family.

Height and Physical Stats

Reports consistently list his height at 6 feet 2 inches, or approximately 1.88 metres. This figure comes from multiple sources but has not been confirmed by official medical measurements.

Early Life and Family

Modine’s father worked as a manager and his mother was a bookkeeper. After graduating high school, he moved to New York City at age 18 to pursue acting. He studied at the Stella Adler Conservatory while working as a chef and taking odd jobs to support himself.

Who Is Matthew Modine Married To?

Marriage and Longtime Partner

Modine married Caridad Rivera in 1980. Rivera is a makeup and wardrobe stylist by profession. The couple has been together for more than four decades, a notably long marriage in the entertainment industry.

Children and Family Life

The couple has two children. Their son, Boman Modine, works as an assistant film director. Their daughter, Ruby Modine, is an actress, singer, and ballet dancer known for appearing in Stranger Things and 13 Reasons Why.

What Is Matthew Modine’s Net Worth?

Estimated Net Worth

Various sources estimate Modine’s net worth at approximately $10 million, though some aggregates place the figure between $10 million and $14 million. This range reflects the difficulty of precisely calculating the wealth of private individuals who do not publicly disclose their finances.

Primary Income Sources

Modine’s wealth comes primarily from his acting career, which includes major film roles, television work, and theatre performances. He has also earned income from directing, producing, and writing. His work as a documentary filmmaker and environmental activist has contributed less to his net worth but remains a significant part of his public identity.

What Does Matthew Modine’s Career Timeline Look Like?

1. 1959 — Born in Loma Linda, California.
2. 1980 — Marries Caridad Rivera.
3. 1984 — Film debut in Birdy.
4. 1987 — Stars as Private Joker in Full Metal Jacket.
5. 1993 — Part of ensemble that wins Volpi Cup for Short Cuts.
6. 1995 — Directs documentary If… The Film.
7. 2012 — Appears as Dr. Jonathan Crane in The Dark Knight Rises.
8. 2016 — First appears as Dr. Brenner in Stranger Things.
9. 2022 — Reprises role in Stranger Things season 4.
10. 2023 — Performs as Atticus Finch in West End production of To Kill a Mockingbird and appears in Oppenheimer.

What Information About Matthew Modine Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?

Why Does Matthew Modine’s Career Span Multiple Generations of Viewers?

Modine’s career bridges classic Stanley Kubrick cinema with modern streaming blockbusters. His ability to move between independent films, big-budget spectacles such as The Dark Knight Rises, and long-running television series such as Stranger Things demonstrates notable versatility.

He made his feature directorial debut with If… Dog… Rabbit… (1999) and has directed short films including When I Was a Boy, Smoking, and Ecce Pirate. His short film I Think I Thought was featured at the Tribeca Film Festival. This range of work sets him apart from many of his peers.

The resurgence of interest in his career through Stranger Things has brought his earlier work back into the public conversation. His role in Oppenheimer (2023) alongside a star-studded cast further reinforced his relevance in modern cinema.

Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Matthew Modine?

The most comprehensive biography of Matthew Modine is available through Wikipedia, which covers his birth date, filmography, awards, and personal life in detail. The Wikipedia entry is regularly updated and cited against primary sources.

IMDb provides a full filmography and trivia about his career. It is a useful reference for quick checks on his credits but offers less narrative depth than a biographical article.

The agency profile at Independent Talent highlights his recent theatre work, including his West End performance as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Fans can also follow Modine on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for personal updates.

What Is the Lasting Impact of Matthew Modine’s Career?

Matthew Modine’s career spans more than four decades, with performances that have defined eras of cinema and television. From Private Joker in Full Metal Jacket to Dr. Brenner in Stranger Things and Vannevar Bush in Oppenheimer, his work continues to reach new audiences. He remains active in film, television, theatre, and environmental activism, ensuring his influence extends beyond the screen. For a broader look at iconic film figures, explore the biography of Orson Welles – Biography, Death, Movies and Lasting Legacy and George Lucas – Net Worth, Biography and 2025 Status.

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