Have you ever wondered what drives an actor like Matthew Modine to success? Well, according to the man himself, it’s not just talent or hard work—it’s the unwavering support of his wife, Caridad Rivera. Over the span of nearly four decades, Caridad has been Matthew’s anchor. In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, the 61-year-old actor shares heartfelt insights about his life, career, and the people who have shaped him. “I’ve hung out with some real bad-boy actors over the years—Mel Gibson, Nic Cage, Sean Penn,” Matthew says with a laugh. “But when they went off to do their wild things, I’d say, ‘It was fun hanging out, but I’m heading home!’” He credits Caridad’s stability and strength for keeping him grounded. “Sometimes, I think I wouldn’t even be alive if I hadn’t met her,” he adds earnestly.
Through the ups and downs of his career—from the iconic roles in films like Birdy and Full Metal Jacket to his modern-day comeback in Stranger Things—Caridad has been his rock. “She’s the best partner and friend anyone could ask for,” Matthew shares with gratitude.
Keep reading to dive deeper into our exclusive Q&A with Matthew Modine!
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Playing Dr. Fisher in Sanctuary: A Psychopath’s Perspective
Matthew’s portrayal of Dr. Fisher in the Sundance Now thriller Sanctuary was nothing short of fascinating. “Playing a psychopath is always intriguing,” Matthew explains. “The thing about psychopaths is, they don’t think they’re crazy—they believe they’re perfectly rational. So, I found it compelling to play a character who runs a sanatorium full of other people deemed ‘insane.’ It’s not far-fetched when you consider how many people in positions of power—like politicians or corporate leaders—often lack empathy or exhibit traits typically associated with psychopathy.”
Stranger Things: The Global Phenomenon That Changed Everything
While Matthew’s career boasts an impressive array of high-profile projects, there’s one that stands out as a game-changer: Stranger Things. “There’s no question that Stranger Things had the biggest impact on my career in recent years,” he says. “Traveling the world for publicity tours with Full Metal Jacket was incredible, but the reach of a successful Netflix show is on another level altogether. It introduced me to a whole new generation of fans, and that’s something I’ll always cherish.”
Saying No to Top Gun: A Matter of Principle
Not every opportunity came Matthew’s way by chance. In fact, he turned down a role in Top Gun because it didn’t align with his beliefs. “I was in East Berlin once, and they took me to a monument honoring a million Russian soldiers who died fighting Nazis during World War II. I was shocked—I hadn’t learned about that in school,” he recalls. “When I read the Top Gun script, it felt like it was perpetuating the idea that Russia was the enemy and we had to win at all costs. Life isn’t that black and white, so I felt it was important to pass on that project.”
