Matthew Broderick
Matthew Broderick (born March 21, 1962) is an American actor celebrated for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Broadway successes, and a varied film and stage career. Explore his biography, major roles, and wise words.
Introduction
Matthew Broderick is a versatile American actor whose career spans film, television, and theater. With a charm that blends comedy, drama, and musical flair, he became a cultural icon through roles like Ferris Bueller, while also earning acclaim on Broadway. Broderick has shown that staying relevant across decades requires both range and dedication.
Early Life and Family
Matthew Broderick was born on March 21, 1962, in Manhattan, New York City.
His parents were James Broderick, an actor, and Patricia (née Biow) Broderick, a playwright, painter, and actress. His mother came from a Jewish background (with German and Polish ancestry), and his father was of Irish and English descent.
Matthew attended the City and Country School and later the Walden School, both private schools in Manhattan. He studied acting at HB Studio in New York.
Career and Achievements
Early Stage Work and Breakthrough
Broderick’s stage beginnings included roles in Off-Broadway productions like Torch Song Trilogy, followed by breakthrough Broadway performances.
He won a Tony Award in 1983 for Brighton Beach Memoirs (Best Featured Actor in a Play), becoming one of the youngest winners in that category. Later, he won another Tony in 1995 for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Best Actor in a Musical).
Film Career & Iconic Roles
Matthew Broderick’s film career includes many notable roles spanning different genres:
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WarGames (1983): He played a teenager who nearly starts a nuclear war.
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Ladyhawke (1985): Fantasy / romantic adventure.
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Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986): His most iconic role, a charismatic high school student taking a day off from school.
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Glory (1989): He played Colonel Robert Gould Shaw in this Civil War drama.
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The Lion King (1994): He voiced the adult Simba.
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Other films include The Freshman (1990), The Cable Guy (1996), Godzilla (1998), Inspector Gadget (1999), You Can Count on Me (2000), Tower Heist (2011), and more.
He also directed in Infinity (1996).
Return to Stage & Ongoing Work
Broderick has maintained a strong presence on Broadway. He starred in The Producers (both stage and film adaptation) as Leo Bloom, alongside Nathan Lane.
He has also appeared in many other theatrical productions and continued acting in television, voice roles, and guest appearances.
In 2022, he returned to Broadway in a revival of Plaza Suite, acting alongside his wife Sarah Jessica Parker.
In 2025, he was announced to play Tartuffe in a new production at the New York Theatre Workshop.
Honors & Recognition
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He has two Tony Awards (1983, 1995).
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In 2006, he was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a star for film.
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In 2017, he was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.
Personal Life & Controversies
Matthew Broderick married actress Sarah Jessica Parker on May 19, 1997. They have three children: a son, James Wilkie Broderick, and twin daughters, Tabitha and Marion, born via surrogacy.
One significant controversy in his life is a tragic car crash in 1987: while driving in Northern Ireland with then-fiancée Jennifer Grey, he accidentally drove into the wrong lane and collided head-on with another car, killing a mother and daughter. Broderick was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, but ultimately convicted of a lesser charge of careless driving and fined.
He sustained injuries himself (broken leg, ribs) in that accident.
Style, Themes & Public Persona
Matthew Broderick’s on-screen and stage persona often combines:
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Youthful charm & wit: Even as he ages, many of his early roles (like Ferris Bueller) shape how he is remembered—clever, slightly mischievous, charismatic.
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Versatility: He moves between comedy, drama, voice acting, and musicals without being typecast.
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Stage discipline: His continuing presence in live theater underlines his roots and commitment to craft.
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Balancing public and private: Though famous, he tends to keep certain parts of his personal life more private, letting characters and roles take center stage.
Notable Quotes
Here are a few of Matthew Broderick’s more memorable or reflective remarks:
“I’ve always felt a certain responsibility to try to deliver something good.”
“If you are not excited about what you are doing, then you’re in trouble.”
“Fame is not something to which I am naturally inclined. I’m more introspective.”
These quotes reflect his attitude toward work, purpose, and the pressures of visibility.
Lessons from Matthew Broderick
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Cultivate versatility
Broderick shows how crossing genres (comedy, drama, musicals) can sustain a long career. -
Value the stage as foundation
His continued Broadway work anchors him to discipline, immediacy, and live connection with audiences. -
Own your iconic roles—but don’t be defined by them
While Ferris Bueller is unforgettable, he has continued to grow beyond that image. -
Commit to craft over celebrity
His longevity suggests that consistent work, skill, and thoughtful role choices matter more than hype. -
Responsibility to legacy and choices
His life reflects how public figures must reckon with past actions, growth, and accountability.
Conclusion
Matthew Broderick is more than just “the guy from Ferris Bueller”—he’s a multi-decade actor who has balanced film stardom and Broadway legitimacy. With notable roles, Tony awards, and a durable presence, he continues to contribute richly to the performing arts. His journey reminds us that a career in entertainment can evolve, mature, and still be grounded in serious artistic ambition.
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