Matt Newton

2.1. Birth and Family

Matthew Newton was born on May 11, 1977, in New Haven, Connecticut, and was raised in Guilford, Connecticut. He is the son of Thomas Newton and Jennifer Newton (née Chase). His maternal grandparents were Bruce Chase, a notable arranger and composer, and Fannie Chase, a violinist. Newton's heritage is diverse, tracing back to English, Czech, Norwegian, French, and Scottish ancestry. His family includes several prominent figures in the arts: his sister, Becki Newton, is an actress known for her role as Amanda Tanen in Ugly Betty, and his brother-in-law, Chris Diamantopoulos, has appeared in television series such as 24. His mother, Jennifer Newton, is an accomplished artist, specializing in lithography, while his aunt, Stephanie Chase, is a celebrated classical violinist. Newton is also a first cousin once removed of the acclaimed actress Sienna Miller. He currently resides in New Canaan, Connecticut.

2.2. Education

During his high school years, Matthew Newton actively participated in musicals and plays at local theaters, demonstrating an early passion for performance. Following his graduation from high school, he pursued further education in the dramatic arts. He attended the esteemed Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, known for its comprehensive programs in theater development. Newton subsequently enrolled at Vassar College, where he earned an A.B. degree in Drama. These academic pursuits provided him with a robust theoretical and practical understanding of acting and theater, preparing him for a professional career.

2.3. Early Career Beginnings

In 1999, after completing his education, Matthew Newton made a pivotal move to New York City to launch his professional acting career. He quickly secured roles in various television series, marking his initial foray into the entertainment industry. His early television appearances included the role of Alan, the blind football player, in the popular Comedy Central series Strangers With Candy. He also made guest appearances on established shows such as Judging Amy and Gilmore Girls. Newton's transition to film began with his first significant role in the independent film Dahmer (2002), where he starred opposite Jeremy Renner and Bruce Davison. This film received critical acclaim, earning nominations for three Independent Spirit Awards, which further solidified Newton's presence in the acting world.

3.1. Acting Career

Matthew Newton has amassed a diverse acting portfolio across both television and film. On television, he has made guest appearances in numerous series, including Strangers With Candy (where he played Alan Tiresias, the blind football player, in the episode "Behind Blank Eyes"), Family Law (as Sean Lundberg in "Telling Lies"), Judging Amy (as Taylor Bradford in "Gray vs. Gray"), Farscape (as Ka Jothee in six episodes), Miracles (as Jimmy), L.A. Dragnet, Gilmore Girls (as Jack Springsteen), JAG (as P.O. Derrick Newton), Dragnet (as Greg Kovik), Anna's Dream (as Neil Kennedy), Criminal Minds (as Jordan in "Broken Mirror"), Drake & Josh (as Deegan, also in Drake & Josh: Go Hollywood), All My Children (as Tom Brennan for two episodes), Guiding Light (as Lawrence for two episodes), Ugly Betty (as Troy for five episodes between 2009 and 2010), and Royal Pains. His film roles include Dahmer (2002) as Lance Bell, National Lampoon's Van Wilder (2002) as Matthew Newton (Male Sophomore), Poster Boy (2004) as Henry Kray, Drake & Josh: Go Hollywood (2006), and The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009) as Private Chris. He has also appeared in countless commercials throughout his career.

3.2. Acting Coaching

In 2010, Matthew Newton established his own acting studio, the MN Acting Studio, in New York City. The studio quickly gained recognition, making Newton a highly sought-after acting coach. He has coached numerous actors who have gone on to achieve prominent roles in various television series. His notable coaching credits include preparing actors for roles in productions such as Jessica Jones, Orange Is the New Black, Blue Bloods, The Affair, Master of None, and Ava DuVernay's critically acclaimed Netflix series When They See Us. His commitment to guiding and training aspiring and established actors underscores his significant contribution to the development of talent in the industry.

3.3. Directing and Filmmaking

Matthew Newton expanded his creative pursuits into directing and filmmaking in 2016. He has since written and produced several short films, showcasing his storytelling abilities and directorial vision. His directing credits include Hide/Seek, Pretty People Inc, and Sins of the Son. Among his directorial works, the short film Vacation Rental notably earned him an award for Best Director, highlighting his promising talent behind the camera.

3.4. Writing

In 2020, Matthew Newton ventured into the realm of publishing with the release of his book, The No B.S. Guide to the Acting Biz. This publication aims to provide aspiring actors with straightforward, practical advice and insights into navigating the complexities of the acting industry. The book received positive attention, with Forbes magazine ranking it among the "Top 5 Books to Read in an Uncertain Market," affirming its relevance and value to its target audience.

4.1. Film

4.2. Television