Trivia

Learning to fly-fish; his teacher is Liam Neeson.

Was originally offered Tom Cruise's role in Top Gun (1986). Turned down the part because he disagreed with the film's cold-war politics.

Is a horticulturist and a carpenter.

Is a neighbor of Liam Neeson.

Founder of Bicycle For A Day (BFAD), a global initiative bringing together people who choose to ride a bicycle rather than use gas-powered motor vehicles, immediately reducing their carbon footprint.

Streamers (1983) co-star David Alan Grier was the godfather of his two children.

Good friends with Eric Stoltz.

In a radio interview with Jonathan Ross in late February 2006, he said he was only baptized a Mormon, but the family wasn't very orthodox or 'tight-knit', and only practiced seriously during his very early years.

Has a son Boman Modine (b. 8 November 1985) and a daughter Ruby Modine (b. 31 July 1990).

Loves to paint.

Martin Short's Hollywood-obsessed character, Jiminy Glick, has sons named Matthew and Modine.

His paternal great-grandfather, Andrew Daniel Andreassan Modine, was Swedish. His other ancestry is English, with some Scottish, German, and Dutch.

Attended Brigham Young University.

Studied acting with Stella Adler.

Starred in three movies about the Vietnam War: Streamers (1983), Birdy (1984) and Full Metal Jacket (1987).

Was friends with Edward Asner.

The Montreal-based band "Pony up!" wrote a song about him called "Matthew Modine" because one of the girls used to have a huge crush on him. You can find the song on the band first LP called "Pony up!".

He is the only actor to have worked with Stanley Kubrick and Christopher Nolan.

Was member of the dramatic jury at the Sundance Film Festival in 1994.

Alumnus of Stella Adler Studio of Acting.

Nephew of former Broadway star Nola Modine Fairbanks.

Grandfather of Avery Modine, son of Boman Modine.

Brother of Mark Modine.