Matthew Modine Net Worth, Career and Biography
Matthew Modine’s net worth is commonly estimated at around $20 million by wealth-tracking websites, though he has never published his finances and the figure should be read as an estimate only. The estimate reflects a career of more than four decades in film and television.
Matthew Modine quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Net worth (estimated) | Around $20 million, unverified |
| Born | 22 March 1959, Loma Linda, California |
| Profession | Actor, director, photographer, author |
| Famous roles | Private Joker in Full Metal Jacket, Dr. Martin Brenner in Stranger Things |
| Spouse | Caridad Rivera, married since 1980 |
Early career
Modine moved to New York to study acting and landed small parts in the early 1980s. He drew notice in Birdy (1984) alongside Nicolas Cage, a role that showed he could carry an emotionally demanding film.
Full Metal Jacket
In 1987 he played Private Joker in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket. It remains his best-known film role and gave him lasting standing among film fans. Working on a Kubrick set famously took a long time, and Modine has since published a diary of the experience.
Film and TV work over the years
- Vision Quest (1985), a coming-of-age wrestling drama.
- Married to the Mob (1988) and Memphis Belle (1990).
- And the Band Played On (1993), a television film.
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012) in a supporting role.
- Stranger Things, as the secretive scientist Dr. Brenner.
- Oppenheimer (2023), as Vannevar Bush.
How the money is likely to add up
Estimates like this usually combine film salaries, residuals, television income and later-career royalties. Streaming hits such as Stranger Things bring steady work, while a place in an awards-season film like Oppenheimer raises his profile. Modine has also published a book, produced his own projects and works as a photographer, though none of these is known to be a major income source.
Why the number is uncertain
Actors’ fees are private, and different websites arrive at different totals. Treat any single figure as rough.
Beyond acting
Modine has long been active outside acting. He is a keen photographer and has shown work in galleries, and he has spoken publicly about causes such as environmental concerns and the arts. He wrote a book about the making of Full Metal Jacket, which fans of Kubrick’s work treat as a rare first-hand account. He also directed independent projects.
Longevity as an asset
One reason his estimated wealth has remained steady is that he never disappeared from view. Character actors with long careers often keep earning from residuals, voice roles and recurring parts, even if each individual job is modest next to a leading star’s fee.
Net worth explained simply
- Salary from film and TV roles over four decades.
- Residuals and royalties from classic titles.
- Income from books, photography and other projects.
- Less taxes, agent and management fees, and living costs.
The final figure on any website is a guess based on typical industry pay, not a bank statement.
Public profile and interests
Modine is also known for speaking his mind on social media about the arts, public life and film history. He has been generous with behind-the-scenes stories from classic sets, and fans enjoy following him for that reason. His recent run of high-profile projects has introduced him to viewers who were not yet born when Full Metal Jacket was released.
Reading wealth estimates sensibly
When you see a net worth number, ask where it comes from. Unless a person publishes accounts or sells a company, the total is an informed guess. That is why this article gives only a rounded range and not a precise sum.
Career highlights at a glance
- 1980s: breakout roles in Birdy, Vision Quest and Full Metal Jacket.
- 1990s: leading parts in dramas and television films.
- 2010s: supporting parts in major studio films and television.
- 2020s: renewed visibility through Stranger Things and Oppenheimer.
Frequently asked questions
What is Matthew Modine’s net worth?
It is commonly estimated at around $20 million, but this is not verified.
What is he best known for?
Full Metal Jacket and Stranger Things are his most recognised works.
Is he in Oppenheimer?
Yes, he played Vannevar Bush.
How long has he been married?
He has been married to Caridad Rivera since 1980, as widely reported.
Related: Stanley Kubrick, Nicolas Cage, Cillian Murphy
Disclaimer: Net worth figures are third-party estimates as of 2026 and are not confirmed by the person named.
Related reading
More from Net Worth on NRI Realty News.
Photo: Matthew Modine by Gage Skidmore.jpg by Gage Skidmore, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
