What Happened to Matthew Broderick?
Matthew Broderick is an acclaimed American actor known for his extensive work across film, television, and Broadway, where he has earned two Tony Awards. After iconic roles in films like 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' and voicing Simba in 'The Lion King,' he continues to be active on stage and screen, with recent projects including the film 'No Hard Feelings' and the play 'Ulster American' in 2026. He remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, often collaborating with his wife, Sarah Jessica Parker.
Quick Answer
Matthew Broderick, a two-time Tony Award-winning actor, continues a prolific career in 2026 with significant stage appearances and film projects. Most recently, he starred in the American premiere of David Ireland's 'Ulster American' at the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York, which is set to transfer to Dublin's Abbey Theatre in August 2026. He also appeared in the 2023 film 'No Hard Feelings' and the Hulu series 'Only Murders in the Building,' earning an Emmy nomination. Broderick maintains a high profile in both Broadway and Hollywood, often alongside his wife, Sarah Jessica Parker.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born in New York City
Matthew Broderick was born in Manhattan, New York City, the son of actor James Broderick and playwright/painter Patricia Broderick.
Off-Broadway Debut in 'Torch Song Trilogy'
Broderick made his Off-Broadway debut in Harvey Fierstein's 'Torch Song Trilogy' at the Actors' Playhouse, earning a Drama Desk Award nomination and critical acclaim.
Broadway Debut & First Tony Award
He made his Broadway debut as Eugene Morris Jerome in Neil Simon's 'Brighton Beach Memoirs,' winning his first Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play. The same year, he made his film debut in 'WarGames.'
Stars in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'
Broderick achieved widespread fame for his iconic role as the titular character in John Hughes's classic comedy 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' earning a Golden Globe nomination.
Involved in Fatal Car Accident
While vacationing in Northern Ireland, Broderick was involved in a head-on car collision that killed two people. He sustained injuries and was later fined for careless driving.
Voices Simba in Disney's 'The Lion King'
He lent his voice to the adult Simba in Disney's highly successful animated film 'The Lion King,' a role he would reprise in sequels.
Wins Second Tony Award
Broderick won his second Tony Award, this time for Best Actor in a Musical, for his performance as J. Pierrepont Finch in the Broadway revival of 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.'
Marries Sarah Jessica Parker
Matthew Broderick married actress Sarah Jessica Parker in an Episcopal ceremony in Manhattan, forming one of Hollywood's most enduring partnerships.
Stars in Broadway's 'The Producers'
He starred as Leo Bloom alongside Nathan Lane in Mel Brooks's smash hit musical 'The Producers' on Broadway, earning another Tony nomination. They reprised their roles in the 2005 film adaptation.
Returns to Broadway in 'Plaza Suite' with Sarah Jessica Parker
Broderick reunited with his wife, Sarah Jessica Parker, for a critically acclaimed Broadway revival of Neil Simon's 'Plaza Suite,' which later transferred to London in 2024.
Appears in 'No Hard Feelings' and 'Only Murders in the Building'
He featured in the comedy film 'No Hard Feelings' and received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his appearance in 'Only Murders in the Building.'
Announced for Film 'Pretend I'm Not Here'
Matthew Broderick, Sally Hawkins, and Martin Freeman were announced to star in Simon Bird's World War II-set comedy-drama 'Pretend I'm Not Here.'
Filming 'The Best Is Yet To Come' with Alan Ruck
Broderick was seen filming 'The Best Is Yet To Come' in Vancouver, reuniting with his 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' co-star Alan Ruck for the first time in decades.
Stars in 'Tartuffe' Off-Broadway
He took on the title role in a new production of Molière's 'Tartuffe' at the New York Theatre Workshop for a limited Off-Broadway run.
Stars in 'Ulster American' at Irish Repertory Theatre
Broderick starred in the American premiere of David Ireland's play 'Ulster American' at the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York, with previews beginning March 6, 2026.
'Ulster American' Transfers to Abbey Theatre, Dublin
Following its successful New York run, the production of 'Ulster American' starring Matthew Broderick is scheduled to transfer to the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, for a two-week engagement.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Matthew Broderick, born on March 21, 1962, in New York City, established himself early on as a versatile actor with a remarkable ability to transition between stage and screen. His career began in the early 1980s, making his Off-Broadway debut in 'Torch Song Trilogy' in 1982, which quickly led to his Broadway debut and a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for Neil Simon's 'Brighton Beach Memoirs' in 1983. Simultaneously, he broke into film with 'WarGames' (1983), solidifying his status as a rising star.
Broderick's cinematic breakthrough came with the iconic role of Ferris Bueller in John Hughes's 1986 comedy 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' which earned him a Golden Globe nomination and cemented his image as a charming, clever slacker. The late 1980s also saw him take on more dramatic roles, notably as Colonel Robert Gould Shaw in the critically acclaimed Civil War film 'Glory' (1989). A significant personal event occurred in August 1987 when Broderick was involved in a fatal car accident in Northern Ireland, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. He suffered injuries and was later fined for careless driving, an event he claimed to have no memory of.
The 1990s brought further success, including his memorable voice work as the adult Simba in Disney's animated classic 'The Lion King' (1994) and a second Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for the 1995 revival of 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.' In 1997, he married actress Sarah Jessica Parker, forming one of Hollywood's most enduring couples. Their collaboration extended to the stage, most notably in the highly successful 2001 Broadway production of 'The Producers,' where Broderick starred alongside Nathan Lane, a role they reprised in the 2005 film adaptation.
In recent years, Broderick has maintained a steady presence across various platforms. He and Parker reunited on Broadway in 2022 for a revival of Neil Simon's 'Plaza Suite,' which later transferred to London's Savoy Theatre in 2024. In 2023, he appeared in the comedy film 'No Hard Feelings' and received a Primetime Emmy nomination for his guest role as himself in the Hulu series 'Only Murders in the Building.' His commitment to theater remains strong, with a starring role in 'Tartuffe' Off-Broadway from November 2025 to January 2026.
As of June 2026, Matthew Broderick continues to be highly active. He recently starred in the American premiere of David Ireland's 'Ulster American' at the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York, with previews beginning in March 2026 and running through May 2026. This production is slated to move to the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in August 2026, showcasing his ongoing international theatrical engagements. Additionally, he was announced in April 2025 to star in the film 'Pretend I'm Not Here' and was seen filming 'The Best Is Yet To Come' with Alan Ruck in August 2025, marking their first reunion since 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off.' Broderick's career demonstrates remarkable longevity and a consistent dedication to both dramatic and comedic roles on stage and screen.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Matthew Broderick made different choices?