Matthew Modine is an award-winning actor well known for his roles in Hollywood and on Netflix. We are excited to announce that Matthew Modine is a keynote speaker at RootsTech 2022!
In line with this year's theme of "Choose Connection," Modine will talk about how he has chosen connection in his life. Matthew says, "There are dozens of things each of us can do that have an immediate and positive impact [on others].” Visit RootsTech.org to learn more about Matthew’s story of connection as we travel the streets of his hometown: New York City.
What Is Matthew Modine Known For?
Matthew Modine is a film, theater, and television actor. He has shared the screen with famous actors such as Mel Gibson and Nicolas Cage. He has won a Golden Globe award and was twice nominated as best actor in the Golden Globe Awards. Some of the works you might recognize Modine from include Stranger Things, Full Metal Jacket, Jobs, and Birdy. But let’s get to know him a little bit better!
Matthew Modine’s Story
Matthew Modine was born in 1959 in California and is the youngest of 7 children. His mother was a bookkeeper, and his father managed a drive-in theater surrounded by cherry trees. Because of his father's work, Modine and his family moved often and even lived in Utah for several years. Modine grew up with the cinema because of his father’s job, and he was drawn to the film industry from a young age. When he was only 10 years old, he decided to become an actor.
After performing in several plays in high school, Matthew Modine moved to New York to take acting classes. He then attended the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. While Matthew was still studying, he began to land starring roles in films and later moved into theater and television as well.
While working as a cook, he met Caridad Rivera, a Puerto Rican producer of television commercials, and they married in 1980. Cari is the one who gave Modine the confidence he needed to become an actor. She truly believed in him and has helped him get to where he is today. Matthew Modine said of her, “She’s the greatest partner and friend a person could ask for.”
Matthew Modine as an Activist
In addition to his roles in television and movies, Matthew Modine has engaged in another role: bicycle advocate. When Matthew moved to New York from Imperial Beach, California in 1980, his primary mode of transportation was a bicycle. He rode his bike everywhere. By doing so, he developed a love for cycling, and he started a pro-bike organization called Bicycle for a Day, a global initiative that brought together people who chose to ride bicycles as a mode of transportation.
He has been honored by Solar 1, the environmental arts and education center on the East River in New York, for his work. He explained how this organization has helped people connect with each other: “Families came together, friendships were formed, and participants had a great time learning more about their city and their community.”
View Matthew Modine’s Keynote Address
Matthew Modine's life is one of achieving dreams and doing what he is passionate about. He is also a great example of choosing connection to those in his community. To learn more about Matthew Modine's story firsthand and how he connects with others through his career and organization, visit RootsTech.org to watch his inspirational keynote address.
RootsTech is the world's largest family history conference and is held online this year for free. Visit RootsTech.org to enjoy all that RootsTech has to offer, including Matthew Modine's keynote address.
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