Most Famous Matthews in the World

The name Matthew appears across film, television, and music, carried by performers and creators who have shaped modern popular culture. From award-winning leads and chart-topping frontmen to influential directors and showrunners, these Matthews have anchored hit projects and long-running careers.

Below is a concise overview of widely recognized celebrities named Matthew (including the Matts many of them go by). It highlights key roles, major awards, and the projects that made them household names.

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ and led the first season of ‘True Detective’. His filmography spans large-scale studio releases and director-led dramas, including ‘Interstellar’, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, and ‘Mud’.

Beyond acting, he has taught at the University of Texas at Austin, published a bestselling memoir, and worked with nonprofit initiatives. He has served as a producer on select projects and continues to take on feature leads and voice roles.

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry became globally known as Chandler Bing on ‘Friends’, a role central to the show’s international popularity and syndication. He also starred in ‘The Whole Nine Yards’ and led television projects including ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’ and ‘Go On’.

Outside of screen roles, Perry wrote a bestselling memoir on his life and recovery and supported initiatives focused on addiction treatment. He appeared on stage and developed television projects as a writer and producer

Matthew Broderick

Matthew Broderick broke out with the lead in ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ and later starred in the film version of ‘The Producers’. He voiced adult Simba in Disney’s ‘The Lion King’.

On stage, Broderick has earned Tony Awards for Broadway productions and frequently returns to theater between film and television roles. He has appeared in limited series and independent features while maintaining a consistent presence on Broadway.

Matthew Vaughn

Filmmaker Matthew Vaughn directed ‘Layer Cake’, ‘Kick-Ass’, and the ‘Kingsman’ films, building a track record in action and stylized storytelling. Before directing, he produced British crime titles like ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ and ‘Snatch’.

Vaughn founded and runs Marv Studios, developing franchise features and original properties. He collaborates with recurring teams of writers and actors and has overseen spin-offs and sequels that expand his films into connected series.

Matthew Rhys

Matthew Rhys starred as Philip Jennings in ‘The Americans’, earning an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He later headlined ‘Perry Mason’ and appeared in the film ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’.

Rhys works in both English and Welsh and maintains an active stage career. He also produces select projects, including documentaries and scripted television, often focused on character studies and historically grounded narratives.

Matthew Macfadyen

Matthew Macfadyen received an Emmy for his performance as Tom Wambsgans in ‘Succession’. His earlier screen work includes ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and the crime drama ‘Ripper Street’.

Macfadyen balances film, television, and theater, appearing in period pieces and contemporary dramas. He has appeared in anthology projects and limited series, working with directors across British and American productions.

Matthew Goode

Matthew Goode’s notable credits include ‘The Imitation Game’, ‘Downton Abbey’, and arcs on ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘The Good Fight’. He moves between independent films and ensemble-driven television.

Goode has fronted biographical and historical dramas and taken part in travel and wine-focused television features. His career includes regular collaborations with ensemble casts and recurring roles in high-profile series.

Matthew Modine

Matthew Modine’s breakout came with Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Full Metal Jacket’, followed by roles across independent and studio features. Later, he joined ‘Stranger Things’ as Dr. Brenner.

Modine has directed shorts and features, narrated documentaries, and supported film-education programs. He continues to appear in limited series and festival-circuit films.

Matthew Gray Gubler

Matthew Gray Gubler portrayed Dr. Spencer Reid on ‘Criminal Minds’ and directed numerous episodes of the series. He has built a parallel career in voice acting for animated projects and independent films.

Gubler is a published author and visual artist whose work includes gallery exhibitions and a bestselling children’s book. He continues to direct music videos and short-form projects alongside on-camera roles.

Matthew Weiner

Matthew Weiner created the series ‘Mad Men’ and later developed ‘The Romanoffs’. He previously worked as a writer and producer on ‘The Sopranos’, contributing to late-series episodes.

Weiner has published essays on television writing and directed select episodes of his shows. He continues to develop drama concepts with an emphasis on period settings, character psychology, and ensemble storytelling.

Share your picks—and any Matthews we missed—in the comments!