Matt Newton

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Newton was raised in Guilford, Connecticut. He is the son of Jennifer Newton, whose parents were arranger and composer Bruce Chase and violinist Fannie (née Paschell) Chase. He is of English and Czech descent.

He began performing musicals and plays at local theaters while in high school. Following graduation from high school, Newton studied at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and Vassar College, from which he graduated with a B.A. in Drama. Newton moved to New York City in 1999 and landed roles in various television series, including that of Alan, the blind football player, in the Comedy Central hit Strangers With Candy, and guest appearances on Judging Amy and Gilmore Girls. His first film role was opposite Jeremy Renner and Bruce Davison in the critically acclaimed independent film Dahmer (2002), which was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards.[1]

His sister, Becki Newton, is an actress who appeared as Amanda Tanen in Ugly Betty, and his brother-in-law, Chris Diamantopoulos, is featured in the television series 24. Newton's mother, Jennifer, is an award-winning artist,[2] and his aunt, Stephanie Chase,[3] is a classical violinist. Newton makes his home in New Canaan, CT.

Newton started his professional career as a tv and film actor, before becoming a filmmaker and acclaimed acting coach. As an actor, Matt guest starred on Dragnet, Strangers with Candy, Family Law, Dragnet, JAG, Royal Pains, Ugly Betty, Drake and Josh Go Hollywood, Miracles, The Americans, All My Children, Gilmore Girls, and starred in the films Van Wilder, Poster Boy, Dahmer, and The Men Who Stare at Goats, and appeared in countless commercials.

In 2010 Matt started his own acting studio (MN Acting Studio) in NYC, and became a sought after acting coach. His coaching credits include Jessica Jones, Orange is the New Black, Blue Bloods, The Affair, Master of None, and Ava Duvernay’s When They See Us on Netflix.

In 2016 Matt turned to directing, and wrote and produced several short films, including Hide/Seek, Vacation Rental (winner Best Director), Pretty People Inc, and Sins of the Son.

In 2020 Matt published the book "The No B.S. Guide to the Acting Biz," which was ranked by Forbes as "Top 5 Books to Read in an Uncertain Market."

• Matt Newton at IMDb