Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Matthew Modine

How Matthew Modine built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Matthew Modine is an American actor and filmmaker known for his roles in several prominent films. He received the Volpi Cup for Best Actor as part of the ensemble cast of *Streamers* (1983). Modine gained further recognition for lead roles in movies such as *Birdy* (1984), *Vision Quest* (1985), and *Married to the Mob* (1988). One of his most iconic roles is as U.S. Marine James T. "Joker" Davis in Stanley Kubrick's *Full Metal Jacket* (1987).

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1983: Volpi Cup and Film Roles

In 1983, Matthew Modine shared the Venice Film Festival’s Volpi Cup for Best Actor as part of the ensemble cast of the film Streamers. He also appeared in Baby It's You and Private School.

1983: First Film Role and International Stardom

In 1983, Matthew Modine's first film role was in John Sayles' 'Baby It's You'. Robert Altman's film adaptation of 'Streamers' propelled him to international stardom and he co-starred in 'Private School'. He filmed Vision Quest, based on Terry Davis' novel.

1984: 'Birdy' and 'Mrs. Soffel' Films

In 1984, Matthew Modine played Mel Gibson's brother in 'Mrs. Soffel' and starred with Nicolas Cage in Alan Parker's 'Birdy'.

1984: Starring in 'Birdy' and 'Mrs. Soffel'

In 1984, Matthew Modine starred in 'Birdy' and played Mel Gibson's brother in 'Mrs. Soffel', marking significant roles in his early career.

1985: Vision Quest Release

In 1985, 'Vision Quest', filmed in 1983, was released, with Matthew Modine in a prominent role.

1985: Lead Role in 'Vision Quest'

In 1985, Matthew Modine played a lead role in the film 'Vision Quest', further establishing his presence in Hollywood.

1987: Full Metal Jacket Release

In 1987, Matthew Modine played U.S. Marine James T. "Joker" Davis in Stanley Kubrick's 'Full Metal Jacket', gaining further prominence.

1988: Starring in 'Married to the Mob'

In 1988, Matthew Modine gained prominence for playing a role in 'Married to the Mob'.

1988: Married to the Mob

In 1988, Matthew Modine played FBI agent Mike Downey in Jonathan Demme's 'Married to the Mob'.

1990: Appearance in Pacific Heights

In 1990, Matthew Modine appeared in the film 'Pacific Heights', adding to his list of notable film roles.

1990: Memphis Belle and Pacific Heights

In 1990, Matthew Modine led the cast of 'Memphis Belle' and played Drake Goodman in 'Pacific Heights'.

1993: Roles in 'Short Cuts' and 'And the Band Played On'

In 1993, Matthew Modine appeared in 'Short Cuts' and portrayed Dr. Don Francis in the HBO film 'And the Band Played On'.

1993: And the Band Played On and Short Cuts

In 1993, Matthew Modine starred in the HBO film 'And the Band Played On' and in Robert Altman's film 'Short Cuts', receiving Golden Globe nominations for both.