matt dillon

Matthew Raymond Dillon, born on February 18, 1964, in New Rochelle, New York, began his acting career at a young age, making his feature film debut in “Over the Edge” in 1979. His early roles in films like “My Bodyguard” (1980) and “Little Darlings” (1980) quickly established him as a prominent teen idol. Dillon further solidified this status with his performances in adaptations of S. E. Hinton’s novels, including “The Outsiders” (1983), “Tex” (1982), and “Rumble Fish” (1983). These foundational roles showcased his natural talent and contributed to his early recognition in the industry.

As Dillon transitioned from teen roles, he proved his versatility. His career progressed with notable performances in films such as Gus Van Sant’s “Drugstore Cowboy” (1989), for which he received an Independent Spirit Award. He continued to take on diverse projects, including “To Die For” (1995) alongside Nicole Kidman, “Beautiful Girls” (1996), and the commercially successful comedy “There’s Something About Mary” (1998). This period demonstrated his capacity to engage audiences in various genres and maintain relevance in a competitive industry.

A significant turning point in Dillon’s career came with the critically acclaimed film “Crash” (2004), where his performance as a racist cop earned him nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, among other accolades. He also ventured into directing, making his directorial debut with “City of Ghosts” (2002) and later directing the documentary “El Gran Fellove” (2020). His work on television includes the lead role in the first season of “Wayward Pines” (2015), which earned him a Saturn Award nomination. Dillon’s enduring career is marked by his ability to evolve with the industry while consistently delivering impactful performances, from indie features to mainstream productions.