Matthew Broderick achieved widespread recognition at twenty-three for his title role in the 1986 comedy Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Born in Manhattan in 1962, he established a career spanning decades across film, stage, and television. His professional path is defined by a consistent presence in major studio productions and an enduring commitment to Broadway theatrical performances.
Early Theater and Broadway Success
Broderick began his acting training at the HB Studio and attended the City and Country School in Manhattan. His professional debut occurred in an HB Studio production of On Valentine's Day. He later appeared in Torch Song Trilogy off-Broadway before transitioning to Broadway. In 1983, he received a Theatre World Award and a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in Brighton Beach Memoirs. He remains the youngest recipient of that specific Tony Award category. In 1995, he secured a second Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
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His film debut occurred in the 1983 movie Max Dugan Returns, followed by his performance in WarGames that same year. Throughout the 1980s, he appeared in Ladyhawke, Project X, Biloxi Blues, and Glory. His work in the 1990s and 2000s included roles in The Freshman, The Cable Guy, Election, and Inspector Gadget. In 1994, he provided the voice for Simba in the animated film The Lion King. He later appeared in The Producers in 2005, Deck the Halls in 2006, and Tower Heist in 2011.
Television and Recent Projects
Broderick's television career includes performances in the film The Music Man and the Netflix miniseries Painkiller, where he portrayed Richard Sackler. He has made guest appearances on several series, including 30 Rock, Louie, Modern Family, The Conners, Better Things, and Only Murders in the Building, which resulted in a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. His stage work continued with productions such as The Odd Couple and It's Only a Play.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962, Manhattan
- Citizenship: United States
- Notable film: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- Notable voice role: The Lion King
- Tony Award wins: 2
- Education: HB Studio; City and Country School
- Membership: SAG-AFTRA
- Hollywood Walk of Fame induction: 2006
Questions readers ask
How many Tony Awards has Matthew Broderick won?
He has won two Tony Awards: one in 1983 for Best Featured Actor in a Play and one in 1995 for Best Actor in a Musical.
What was his first major film role?
His first major film role was in the 1983 production WarGames, where he played the character David Lightman.
Achievements
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play — 1983
- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical — 1995
- Notable work: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- Notable work: WarGames
- Notable work: The Lion King
- Worked as film actor, singer and voice actor
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