Matt Shively

Matt Shively was born Matthew James Shively Jr. on September 15, 1990, in Hanford, California, USA. His interest in acting began in the fourth grade, inspired by Shia LaBeouf’s performance in “Even Stevens.” This early fascination led him to pursue acting, with his parents supporting his regular attendance at film and television auditions in Los Angeles. His initial acting experiences included minor roles in the 2007 film “Rattle Basket” and an episode of “Zoey 101,” laying the groundwork for his professional career. He is particularly recognized for his role as Ryan Laserbeam in the popular Nickelodeon television series “True Jackson, VP,” where he appeared in 58 episodes between 2008 and 2011.

Shively’s career expanded beyond Nickelodeon with a notable role as Ben in the horror film “Paranormal Activity 4” (2012), which garnered some critical attention for his performance. He continued to work consistently, featuring in comedies such as “Noobz” (2013) and “Father of the Year” (2018), and family films like the Disney Channel Original Movie “How to Build a Better Boy” (2014) as Bart Hartley. His television work includes recurring roles in “The Troop” as Kirby Bancroft-Cadworth III, voice work as Prince Sky in “Winx Club” and its related films, and a significant role as Jimmy O’Neal in the ABC series “The Real O’Neals” from 2016 to 2017. More recently, he has been a main cast member in “Lopez vs. Lopez” since 2022, playing Quinten, further cementing his presence in television comedy. Additionally, Shively has explored behind-the-scenes roles, serving as an executive producer for “Barrio Tales” (2012) and contributing to the camera and electrical department for projects like “Roofman” (2025) and “Give Me an A” (2022).

Throughout his career, Shively has demonstrated versatility across various genres, from children’s television to horror and adult comedies. His commitment to the craft is evident in his continuous work in film and television, taking on diverse characters and projects. He has worked with prominent networks such as Nickelodeon, ABC, and NBC, building a robust filmography that highlights his steady progression in the entertainment industry.