Matthew Broderick
In 1983, Broderick starred as teenage hacker David Lightman in the Cold War thriller 'WarGames,' a summer hit that made him a star. Three years later he played the title role in John Hughes's 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' creating one of cinema's most beloved teen characters. The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and lasting fame.
A Theater Family
Broderick was born in Manhattan to actor James Broderick and playwright Patricia Broderick. He made his professional stage debut acting alongside his father.
The Definitive Teen Hero
'WarGames' and 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' made Broderick a face of 1980s youth cinema. His quick wit and boyish charm defined a generation of screen teenagers.
Stage and Screen
A two-time Tony winner, Broderick balanced film stardom with a celebrated Broadway career. He married Sarah Jessica Parker in 1997, forming one of New York's enduring acting couples.
Career Timeline
- 1962Born in Manhattan, New York
- 1981Stage debut acting opposite his father
- 1983Film hit 'WarGames'
- 1983Wins Tony for 'Brighton Beach Memoirs'
- 1985Stars in fantasy film 'Ladyhawke'
- 1986Title role in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'
- 1989Co-stars in Civil War drama 'Glory'
- 1994Voices adult Simba in 'The Lion King'
- 1997Marries actress Sarah Jessica Parker
- 2001Wins second Tony for 'The Producers'
- 2006Receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Biggest Hits
- Broderick voiced the adult Simba in Disney's 1994 animated classic 'The Lion King.'
- He has won two Tony Awards, for 'Brighton Beach Memoirs' (1983) and 'The Producers' (2001).
Portrait: David Shankbone · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons