Biography
Who is Matthew Lillard?
Early life and education
Matthew Lillard was born in Lansing, Michigan, on January 24, 1970, to parents Paula and Jeffrey. He grew up in Tustin, California, and attended Foothill High School. During his youth, he had a younger sister and spent his formative years in the region before pursuing his education further.
Following high school, Matthew attended Fullerton College. He then studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena, California, alongside fellow actor Paul Rudd. In addition to these institutions, he also attended the Circle in the Square Theatre School located in New York City.
Career highlights
Matthew began his professional career co-hosting a short-lived television show titled SK8-TV. He later secured an extra role in the 1991 film Ghoulies 3: Ghoulies Go to College. In 1994, he appeared in the black comedy Serial Mom, directed by John Waters. The following year, he was cast in five different films, including the crime thriller Hackers.
In 1996, Matthew achieved a major career breakthrough by portraying Stu Macher in the horror film Scream. This role helped propel him into mainstream Hollywood. Afterward, he starred in prominent parts in films such as SLC Punk! In 1998, She's All That in 1999, Thirteen Ghosts in 2001, and Without a Paddle in 2004.
Voicing Shaggy Rogers
Matthew portrayed the live-action character Norville Shaggy Rogers in the 2002 film Scooby-Doo and its 2004 sequel, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed. After original voice actor Casey Kasem retired in 2009, Matthew was chosen as the official animated voice of Shaggy.
He voiced the character in subsequent animated television series including Mystery Incorporated, Be Cool Scooby-Doo!, and Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?. He also provided the voice for numerous direct-to-video animated films and a crossover episode of the television series Supernatural in 2018.
Recent projects
In the 2010s, Matthew transitioned into various dramatic roles, appearing in films like The Descendants in 2011, Trouble with the Curve in 2012, and Match in 2014. He also took on television work, starring in the NBC series Good Girls from 2018 to 2021 and appearing in the third season of Twin Peaks in 2017.
Matthew gained renewed recognition in the 2020s for playing William Afton in the horror film adaptation of Five Nights at Freddy's in 2023, later reprising the role in its 2025 sequel. His later work includes appearances in The Life of Chuck and the second season of Daredevil: Born Again.
Family and personal life
On August 26, 2000, Matthew married Heather Helm. Together, they have three children consisting of a daughter, a son, and a child who is nonbinary. The couple currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where they built their family life.
Outside of his acting career, Matthew has participated in various tabletop gaming events. In 2005, he competed in a Dungeons and Dragons tournament at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. He has also played the game on online series such as Dice, Camera, Action and with the Critical Role cast.
Birthday and age
Matthew Lillard was born on January 24, 1970, which makes Matthew 56 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Matthew shares the date with 38 other famous people.
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