Broderick, Matthew (1962- )

US actor. Known for his boyish charm, he achieved stardom for his role as a charismatic, affable truant in the John Hughes film Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986). Other films include The Freshman (1990), Godzilla (1998), Election (1999), and You Can Count on Me (2000). He also starred in both the play and film adaptations of Torch Song Trilogy (1988).

He made his film debut in Max Dugan Returns (1982), and went on to star in War Games (1983). He also starred in Neil Simon's plays Brighton Beach Memoirs (1983, Tony Award) and Biloxi Blues (1988; and film adaptation).

Broderick was born in New York City, the son of US actor James Broderick. He started acting in his teens, after a knee injury kept him from playing sports. His other theatrical performances include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Tony Award, 1995) and The Producers (2001). His other films include Project X (1987), Family Business (1989), Glory (1989), Out on a Limb (1992), The Night We Never Met (1993), The Cable Guy (1996), Addicted to Love (1997), Inspector Gadget (1999), and Stepford Wives (2004). He acted, directed, and co-produced Infinity in 1996, but the film was neither a critical nor box-office success. He married US actor Sarah Jessica Parker in 1997.