Attended BYU

Good friends with Eric Stoltz.

Was originally offered Tom Cruise's role in Top Gun (1986). Turned down the part because he disagreed with the film's cold-war politics.

Nephew of former Broadway star Nola Modine Fairbanks.

Has a son Boman Mark Rivera Modine (b. 8 November 1985) and a daughter Ruby Wylder Rivera Modine (b. 31 July 1990).

Is a neighbor of Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson.

Loves the New York Knicks.

The Montreal-based band "Pony up!" wrote a song about him called "Matthew Modine" because one of the girls used to have a huge crush on him. You can find the song on the band first LP called "Pony up!".

Learning to fly-fish; his teacher is Liam Neeson.

Brother of Mark Modine.

On a radio interview with Jonathan Ross in late February 2006, he said he was only baptised a Mormon, but the family wasn't very orthodox or 'tight-knit', and only practiced seriously during his very early years.

Studied acting with Stella Adler.

Loves to paint.

Was member of the dramatic jury at the Sundance Film Festival in 1994.

Is a horticulturist and a carpenter.

Does not own a TV.