Matt Dillon Biography: Matthew Raymond Dillon, born on February 18, 1964, is an American actor known for his versatile performances across film genres. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous honors, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and two Independent Spirit Awards, as well as nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy.
Matt Dillon Biography
Matt Dillon’s film career has spanned more than three decades, highlighting his impressive range in both dramatic and comedic roles. He demonstrated his versatility with a powerful performance as a racist police officer in Paul Haggis’s critically acclaimed film Crash. The role earned him multiple award nominations, including an Academy Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award, Critics Choice Award, and BAFTA, while also winning him an Independent Spirit Award.
Matt Dillon Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Matthew Raymond Dillon
February 18, 1964 New Rochelle, New York, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Relatives | Kevin Dillon (brother) Jim Raymond (great uncle) Alex Raymond (great uncle) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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Matt Dillon Personal Life
Additionally, he received a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Critics Choice Award for Best Ensemble Cast. As noted by The New York Times film critic A.O. Scott, “He seems to be getting better with every film.” Dillon also starred alongside Kate Hudson and Owen Wilson in Universal Pictures’ comedy You, Me and Dupree, and received critical praise for his portrayal of Charles Bukowski’s alter ego in Factotum, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
About Matt Dillon
Matthew Raymond Dillon is an American actor. He has received various accolades, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and two Independent Spirit Awards alongside nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Grammy Award.
Matt Dillon Achievements
Dillon made his film debut in Over the Edge (1979) and quickly rose to fame as a teen idol with roles in My Bodyguard (1980), Little Darlings (1980), Liar’s Moon (1982), The Flamingo Kid (1984), and three adaptations of S. E. Hinton novels: Tex (1982), Rumble Fish (1983), and The Outsiders (1983). His career continued to flourish into the late 1980s and beyond, with notable performances in Drugstore Cowboy (1989), Singles (1992).
Matt Dillon Wiki
- Born: 18 February 1964 (age 61 years), New Rochelle, New York, United States
- Siblings: Kevin Dillon, Katy Dillon, Paul Dillon, Timothy Dillon, Brian Dillon
- Parents: Mary Ellen Dillon, Paul Dillon
- Height: 1.83 m
Early Life
Matt Dillon grew up in a close-knit Roman Catholic family of Irish heritage in Mamaroneck, New York. He was raised by his mother, Mary Ellen, a homemaker, and his father, Paul Dillon, who worked as a portrait painter and sales manager for the toy bear company Union Camp. Paul Dillon also had a long career as the golf coach at Fordham University and was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame in 2019. Matt is the second of six siblings, with one sister and four brothers, including actor Kevin Dillon. On his father’s side, his family has a creative lineage—his paternal grandmother was the sister of Alex Raymond, the renowned comic strip artist who created Flash Gordon.
Key Details
- Full Name: Matthew Raymond Dillon
- Date of Birth: February 18, 1964
- Place of Birth: New Rochelle, New York, USA
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Actor, Director
- Net Worth: Approximately $40 million
- Relationship Status: Single
- Children: None
Family Background
Matt Dillon was raised in a Roman Catholic family of Irish descent in Mamaroneck, New York. His mother, Mary Ellen, was a homemaker, while his father, Paul Dillon, worked as a portrait painter and sales manager for a toy bear manufacturer. Paul also coached golf at Fordham University. Matt is the second of six children, including one sister and four brothers, among them actor Kevin Dillon. His paternal grandmother was the sister of Alex Raymond, the famed comic strip artist who created Flash Gordon. Growing up in a large, close-knit family fostered Dillon’s sense of camaraderie and resilience. Being raised in a creative household with a father who balanced artistry and coaching likely influenced his own artistic drive and strong work ethic.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Dillon’s acting career began unexpectedly in 1978 when, while skipping class at Hommocks Middle School in Larchmont, he was discovered by talent scouts Jane Bernstein and a colleague who were helping director Jonathan Kaplan cast the teen drama Over the Edge. Impressed by his natural charisma, they encouraged him to audition, leading to his film debut in 1979.
Following this, Dillon’s career quickly gained traction with roles in Little Darlings (1980) and My Bodyguard (1980), both commercial hits. He further established himself as a leading young actor with roles in three film adaptations of S.E. Hinton novels: Tex (1982), The Outsiders (1983), and Rumble Fish (1983), all directed by Francis Ford Coppola. These performances highlighted his ability to portray complex, troubled youth, earning him critical acclaim.
Notable Works and Achievements
In 1989, Dillon’s performance as a drug addict in Gus Van Sant’s Drugstore Cowboy earned widespread praise and marked a turning point in his career. Throughout the 1990s, he continued to take on diverse roles, including a standout role in the dark comedy To Die For (1995) opposite Nicole Kidman. He also appeared in popular films like There’s Something About Mary (1998) and Wild Things (1998), with the former winning him an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. Dillon made his directorial debut with City of Ghosts (2002), in which he also starred alongside James Caan and Gérard Depardieu. In 2004, he earned critical acclaim and nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Crash, a film co-written and directed by Paul Haggis.
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
In recent years, Matt Dillon has continued to embrace challenging and diverse roles. In 2018, he starred in Lars von Trier’s thriller The House That Jack Built, delivering a compelling portrayal of a serial killer that attracted considerable attention. More recently, he took on the role of Marlon Brando in the biopic Being Maria, which premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Beyond acting, Dillon has a deep passion for music, particularly Latin music, and is known for his extensive vinyl collection. He has also ventured into directing music videos, including work for the band Dinosaur Jr.
Personal Life and Relationships
Throughout his career, Dillon has kept his personal life relatively private. He dated actress Cameron Diaz from 1995 to 1998. Currently, he is single and has no children. Dillon’s artistic interests extend beyond acting—he is also an avid painter, reflecting his creative upbringing. He continues to live in New York City, where he remains actively engaged in various artistic pursuits.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Music Enthusiast: Dillon is an avid collector of Latin music vinyl, including rare Cuban 78 RPM records.
- Directorial Talent: His directorial debut, City of Ghosts (2002), which he wrote, directed, and starred in, explores Cambodia’s gritty underworld and highlights his multifaceted artistry.
- Award Recognition: Over his career, Dillon has received several accolades, including an Independent Spirit Award for Drugstore Cowboy. His role in Crash (2004) earned him an Academy Award nomination, solidifying his reputation as a respected actor.
- Cultural Connections: A keen traveler, Dillon has a strong affinity for Latin American culture, which has influenced both his personal interests and creative work.
- Unconventional Roles: Known for steering clear of typecast roles, Dillon consistently selects projects that push artistic boundaries, including indie films and dark comedies.
Charitable Work and Legacy
In addition to his talents on screen, Matt Dillon is a committed humanitarian. He has supported various causes focused on human rights, poverty relief, and disaster aid. Dillon has worked with organizations such as Artists for Peace and Justice, which provides education and healthcare to underserved communities in Haiti. His philanthropic efforts reflect a deep empathy and a desire to make a positive difference beyond his film career. Dillon’s legacy includes not only his artistic contributions but also his dedication to raising awareness about critical global issues.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Matt Dillon remains a relevant and influential figure in entertainment. His upcoming film, American Hollow, features him as a conflicted lawyer entangled in a morally complex case. He has also expressed interest in directing another feature film, describing it as a deeply personal project. From his early days as a teen idol to his mature, critically acclaimed roles, Dillon has continually reinvented himself while maintaining a strong connection with audiences. His versatility across genres and mediums has inspired countless actors and filmmakers, securing his status as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and respected talents.
Matt Dillon Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Matt Dillon’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million, earned primarily through his long-standing acting career, directing projects, and investments. Despite his considerable wealth, Dillon is known for leading a modest lifestyle focused on his artistic passions and personal growth.
FAQs
How much money does Matt Dillon make?
In addition to his successful acting career, Matt Dillon has also directed several films, including “City of Ghosts” and “Sunlight Jr.”. His work as a director has contributed to his net worth of $40 million in several ways: Box office success: Dillon’s films as a director have grossed millions of dollars worldwide.
Who is Matt Dillon’s wife?
Matt Dillon His Wife Roberta Mastromichele Editorial Stock Photo – Stock Image | Shutterstock Editorial.
What does Matt Dillon do now?
Dillon played the lead role in the Lars von Trier thriller The House That Jack Built. He portrayed Marlon Brando in the biopic about Maria Schneider Being Maria, which premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
Did Matt Dillon date Cameron Diaz?
Cameron Diaz & Matt Dillon dated in 1995 and were cast together in the comedy ‘There’s Something About Mary. ‘ Dillon said Diaz his muse. “I fell in love.
Who is Matt Dillon in real life?
James Arness is an American actor, best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke for 20 years. His brother was the late actor, Peter Graves.