Matthew Modine Movies and TV Shows – Complete Career Guide 2025

Matthew Modine has built a career that spans four decades, moving from iconic roles in 1980s cinema to a major resurgence in modern streaming hits. Best known for playing Private Joker in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket and Dr. Martin Brenner in Stranger Things, Modine remains a familiar face in both film and television. This guide covers his complete filmography, most famous TV roles, and the key facts about his career.

What TV Shows Was Matthew Modine In? A Complete Television Guide

• Matthew Modine is best known for his iconic role as Private Joker in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket and his modern resurgence as Dr. Martin Brenner in Stranger Things.
• He has been married to make-up artist Caridad Rivera since 1980, marking one of Hollywood’s long-lasting relationships.
• In addition to acting, Modine has directed several short films.
• Matthew Modine’s net worth is estimated at $8 million, accumulated from decades in film and TV.

Modine’s most prominent television role is Dr. Martin Brenner in the Netflix series Stranger Things. The character, often referred to as “Papa,” is a central figure connected to Eleven’s backstory and the experiments at Hawkins Lab. According to Matthew Modine — Actor Profile & Career, Modine appears across multiple seasons of the series. He also took on notable roles in And the Band Played On, where he played Dr. Don Francis, Weeds as Sullivan Groff, and Proof as Ivan Turing.

Other television appearances include roles in What the Deaf Man Heard and various guest spots. His work across the small screen has helped maintain his visibility, especially after his return to prominence through Netflix’s global hit.

Matthew Modine Movies: From Full Metal Jacket to Oppenheimer

What 1980s movies was Matthew Modine in?

Modine rose to prominence in the 1980s with a series of defining roles. His first credited film role came in 1983 with Baby It’s You. He quickly followed that with Vision Quest (playing Louden Swain) and the title role in Birdy. His breakthrough arrived in 1987 when he played Private/Sergeant J.T. “Joker” Davis in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket. He also appeared in Married to the Mob as Mike Downey and Memphis Belle during this period.

What is Matthew Modine’s role in Oppenheimer?

In Christopher Nolan’s 2023 historical drama Oppenheimer, Modine plays Vannevar Bush, a real-life engineer and inventor who played a role in the development of the atomic bomb. The film reintroduced Modine to a younger generation of moviegoers and added another major Nolan collaboration to his resume, following his role as Deputy Commissioner Foley in The Dark Knight Rises.

What were Matthew Modine’s first movie roles?

Beyond Baby It’s You (1983), Modine appeared in Private School (1983) and The Hotel New Hampshire (1984) before taking on the lead in Birdy. These early roles established him as a serious young actor capable of handling complex, dramatic material.

Matthew Modine’s Young Roles and Early Career

Modine’s early filmography is marked by several 1980s coming-of-age and dramatic films. Vision Quest (1985) showcased him as a high school wrestler, while Birdy (1984) saw him take on a physically and emotionally demanding role alongside Nicolas Cage. These films, along with Full Metal Jacket, remain among his most celebrated works from that decade.

His work with directors like Kubrick and Altman placed him among a group of versatile actors who moved between independent films and major studio releases. Films like Pacific Heights and Short Cuts continued his pattern of choosing diverse, character-driven projects throughout the 1990s.

Matthew Modine Biography: Wife and Net Worth

Regarding his personal life, Matthew Modine has been married to make-up artist Caridad Rivera since 1980. This marriage is one of the longer-lasting relationships in Hollywood. As for his net worth, industry estimates place it at around $8 million, accumulated from decades of work in film and television.

While these figures represent the public consensus, it is important to note that net worth figures are estimates and can vary across different sources. More definitive financial details are not typically disclosed by the actor or his representatives.

Matthew Modine as a Filmmaker: Directed Works

In addition to his acting, Modine has stepped behind the camera. He directed the short film To Kill an American, which won several festival awards. While his directing work is less known than his acting, it demonstrates a broader creative ambition. His filmography includes over 80 acting credits across film and television, including these directorial efforts.

Career Timeline: Matthew Modine’s Key Milestones

1. 1983 – First credited film role in Baby It’s You.
2. 1987 – Breakthrough role as Pvt. Joker in Full Metal Jacket.
3. 1993 – Won Golden Globe for And the Band Played On (TV film).
4. 2012 – Played Foley in The Dark Knight Rises.
5. 2016 – Began role as Dr. Martin Brenner in Stranger Things.
6. 2023 – Portrayed scientist in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.

Established Facts and Areas of Uncertainty

Context: Matthew Modine’s Place in Hollywood

Matthew Modine’s career trajectory shows a classic Hollywood pattern: early critical acclaim in 1980s films, a mid-career pivot to character actor status, and a major revival thanks to streaming. His work with directors like Kubrick, Nolan, and the Duffer Brothers places him among versatile ‘actor’s actors’ who move effortlessly between indie and blockbuster spaces.

His role in Oppenheimer has reintroduced him to a younger generation, while his enduring role in Stranger Things has secured him a lasting place in pop culture. External sources like Matthew Modine on Wikipedia provide high-authority biographical facts, while Matthew Modine on IMDB offers a complete, community-verified filmography.

Sources and Key Quotes

“Modine has described the role of Dr. Brenner in Stranger Things as ‘a great gift’ because of its cultural impact.”

— Matthew Modine (via Wikipedia)

“Modine directed the short film To Kill an American which won several festival awards.”

— IMDB page note

Summary: What is Matthew Modine’s Full Career in Movies and TV?

Matthew Modine’s career spans over 40 years, from his breakout in Full Metal Jacket to his recent success in Stranger Things and Oppenheimer. He has over 80 acting credits across film and television, a Golden Globe win, and a reputation for working with top-tier directors. For a detailed look at his filmography, visit the Matthew Modine — Actor Profile & Career page.

Frequently Asked Questions