Matt Dillon

About

Matt Dillon is an American actor and film director, born on February 18, 1964 in New Rochelle, New York. He gained fame in his youth for strong performances in coming-of-age films such as "Over the Edge" and "Rumble Fish." Later, he established himself in a career spanning over four decades with notable roles in films like "Drugstore Cowboy," "There's Something About Mary," and "Crash," the last of which earned him nominations for the Academy and Screen Actors Guild Award. Apart from acting, Dillon made his directorial debut with the film "City of Ghosts" in 2002.

Associated With

Matt Dillon, a renowned American actor and film director, has maintained noteworthy associations throughout his time in the Hollywood industry. In terms of his acting career, he has collaborated with esteemed directors like Francis Ford Coppola for films like "The Outsiders" and "Rumble Fish" and with James Mangold in "Drugstore Cowboy" and "Crash" which brought him critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination. Dillon also extended his talents to directing with his debut film "City of Ghosts" where he worked with actors like James Caan and Gerard Depardieu. As for his personal relationships, he was in a three-year romantic relationship with actress Cameron Diaz from 1995 to 1998. Dillon has enjoyed a lengthy and diverse career, sharing screen space with several prominent actors including Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, and Timothy Hutton.

Career Highlights

• 1979: Matt Dillon kick-started his professional career by performing in 'Over the Edge.'
• 1983: His notable role in the film "The Outsiders" created a significant impact on his acting career.
• 1989: Dillon starred in Gus Van Sant’s “Drugstore Cowboy,” earning him an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead.
• 1998: Dillon received critical acclaim for his performance in "There's Something About Mary."
• 2002: Matt Dillon worked in the film "City of Ghosts" which was his directorial debut.
• 2004: His performance in the film "Crash" earned him nominations for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs.
• 2005: Matt won the Special Prize for Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
• 2006: For his role in "Crash", Dillon won both the Independent Spirit Award and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Male.
• 2013: Dillon played a major role in the television series "Wayward Pines," which ran for two seasons until 2016.
• 2018: His work in Lars von Trier's "The House That Jack Built" received significant attention and controversy.
• 2020: Dillon appeared as the main antagonist in the film "Capone."

Notable Awards

• Matt Dillon has won several notable awards throughout his career. They include:
• Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for his role in "Drugstore Cowboy" in 1989.
• Sant Jordi Award for Best Foreign Actor for "Drugstore Cowboy" and "The Big Town" in 1990.
• Stockholm Film Festival - Best Actor award for "Beautiful Girls" in 1996.
• He was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Crash" in 2004.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Matt Dillon Movie/TV Show?

Matt Dillon has had a substantial career in both film and television, starring in numerous projects that have gained notable recognition. However, one of his most popular works would undoubtedly be the movie "Crash" (2004). This ensemble drama about racial and social tensions in Los Angeles, earned Dillon a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal of Officer John Ryan was critically acclaimed and remains one of his most recognized roles, showcasing his flexibility and depth as an actor. It is worth mentioning his performance in the television series "Wayward Pines" was also quite popular amongst audiences.

How Did Matt Dillon Get Famous?

Matt Dillon gained fame as an American actor and film director, first rising to prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s. He was discovered by casting director Vic Ramos in middle school and made his film debut in "Over the Edge" in 1979. However, it was his performances in films like "The Outsiders," "Rumble Fish," and "Drugstore Cowboy" that really catapulted his career, establishing him as a teenage heartthrob and respected actor. His role in "Crash" even earned him an Academy Award nomination. Dillon's talent and versatility allowed him to successfully transition his career from teen idol to acclaimed actor, in both mainstream Hollywood and independent films.