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.

1995: Appearance in Cutthroat Island

In 1995, Matthew Modine appeared in 'Cutthroat Island' opposite Geena Davis.

1999: Directorial Debut

In 1999, Matthew Modine made his feature directorial debut with 'If... Dog... Rabbit...', following the success of his short films.

2003: Guest Starring Roles

In 2003, Matthew Modine guest-starred in 'The West Wing' and played Fritz Gerlich in 'Hitler: The Rise of Evil'.

2004: Appearance in Funky Monkey

In 2004, Matthew Modine appeared in 'Funky Monkey' as Alec McCall.

2007: Portrayal of Sullivan Groff on 'Weeds'

In 2007, Matthew Modine portrayed Sullivan Groff on 'Weeds'.

2008: I Think I Thought Debut

In 2008, Matthew Modine's dark comedy 'I Think I Thought' debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival.

June 2, 2009: Honored by Solar 1

On June 2, 2009, Matthew Modine was honored by Solar 1 for his work with "Bicycle for a Day".

2010: Roles in Film and TV

In 2010, Matthew Modine appeared in 'The Trial', played Sullivan Groff on 'Weeds', and starred as John Thain in HBO's 'Too Big to Fail'.

2010: The Miracle Worker on Broadway

In 2010, Matthew Modine starred in the 50th Anniversary Broadway revival of 'The Miracle Worker'.

2011: Jesus Was a Commie

In 2011, Matthew Modine completed 'Jesus Was a Commie', co-directing with Terence Ziegler.

2012: The Dark Knight Rises

In 2012, Matthew Modine appeared in 'The Dark Knight Rises'.

2012: The Dark Knight Rises and Girl in Progress

In 2012, Matthew Modine appeared in Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight Rises' and the independent film 'Girl in Progress'.

February 2013: Casting in Last Days of Coney Island

In February 2013, Matthew Modine was cast in Ralph Bakshi's animated film 'Last Days of Coney Island'.

2013: Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas

In fall 2013, Matthew Modine starred in a self-parodying comedy, 'Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas' at Los Angeles' Geffen Theatre.

2014: Altar Release

In 2014, Matthew Modine co-starred in the horror mystery film Altar.

2015: Proof

In 2015, Matthew Modine played Ivan Turing in the TNT supernatural medical drama Proof.

2015: Role as Ivan Turing in 'Proof'

In 2015, Matthew Modine portrayed Ivan Turing in 'Proof'.

2016: Stranger Things

In 2016, Matthew Modine appeared in Netflix's Stranger Things.

2016: Dr. Martin Brenner in Stranger Things

In 2016, Matthew Modine played Dr. Martin Brenner in the Netflix original series Stranger Things.

November 2018: Speed Kills Release

In November 2018, Matthew Modine was part of the Speed Kills cast.

2022: Stranger Things Role

In 2022, Matthew Modine continued his role in Stranger Things.

2022: To Kill a Mockingbird

In 2022, Matthew Modine performed in To Kill a Mockingbird at London's Gielgud Theatre.

2023: Oppenheimer Release

In 2023, Matthew Modine appeared in 'Oppenheimer'.

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