Matthew Fox is a middle aged mega-hunk, best known for his parts on popular television dramas. He’s made a name for himself as a natural actor with an ability to relate to all audiences. From a teen sensation to a full grown leader, Matthew Fox is one heartfelt actor.

Party of One

Matthew Chandler Fox was raised in the glorious town of Crowheart, Wyoming. He grew up on the West River Indian Reservation, which had a population of 141 on the 2010 census. Fox played football and eventually graduated from Columbia University in 1989, with a major in Economics and an intent to end up on Wall Street. Lucky for us his girlfriend’s mother was a modeling agent who convinced him to try modeling, which eventually led to his first commercial gigs. Fox also studied acting for two years at The School for Film and Television in New York City and graduated from New York’s prestigious Atlantic Theater Company.

Fox earned several guest and supporting roles on various TV shows, but made his big screen debut in 1993′s My Boyfriend’s Back. The film featured Matthew McConaughey in his first feature film as well. But it was Matthew’s starring role on American teen drama television show, Party of Five, that brought him to fame. The show lasted six seasons, from 1994-2000, and earned a Golden Globe Award in 1996 for Best Drama in it’s second season. That same year, People Magazine named Fox as one of the “50 Most Beautiful People in the World,” and I think that list still holds true. Party of Five helped launch the careers of many of it’s cast mates, like Neve Campbell and Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Matthew Fox was no exception.

Fox Gets Found

In 2002, Fox was cast in the short-lived television series, Haunted, but his next role would be his breakout. On September 22nd, 2004, Matthew Fox would be a part of one of the most epic television shows in history, ABC’s Lost. Fox played Dr. Jack Shepherd and the stranded islander’s head honcho for 6 seasons, until 2010. The show was a huge success pulling over 10 million viewers for each season and earning itself a cult fan-dom. Lost also earned several awards and nominations (55 in total), which included some mention of Fox – a 2006 Golden Globe nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series and a 2010 Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Lost has often been described by many critics as one of the greatest television series of all time. As a huge fan of the series, I’d have to agree. The series coincided with the entirety of my high school career and was often the talk of the classroom. The show had everything from mystery and suspense to romance and comedy, making every episode a mini movie. As the take-charge leader of the pack, Matthew Fox was a standout star as Jack. He needed to convey a level-headed go-to guy for the group when in reality he was just as scared as the rest of them, and he did an amazing job. Fox really developed as an actor on the often character-driven series. He portrayed a wide range of emotions and was even able show growth in his character through time, helping to bring the script to life.

A Steady Career

It’s obvious my love for Matthew Fox was not developed alone. Since his powerful performance on Lost, Fox has been in a series of solid films. In 2006, Fox had a small part in Smokin’ Aces as a security guard. But he earned a starring role, rejoining Matthew McConaughey, in the biographical sports drama film We Are Marshall.  The film depicts and commemorates the aftermath of the 1970 plane crash that took the lives of the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team and community members. The film pulled in over $40 million at the box office and helped Fox land his next two roles, 2008′s Vantage Point and Speed Racer.

Since his days on Lost, Fox has kept a steady pace of acting. This year, he will star in action film Alex Cross opposite Tyler Perry and put in work on the films Emperor and World War Z. Fox portrays Michael “The Butcher” Sullivan in Alex Cross, based off the 12th Alex Cross novel “Cross”, by James Patterson. In order to become the sadistic serial killer, ex-military officer, and cage fighter, Fox underwent some serious physical changes. He dropped 40 pounds in order to gain the thin yet ripped physique required for the role.. Fox was able to attain his muscly bod by training with Simon Waterson, the trainer also responsible for Daniel Craig’s James Bond tone, Jake Gyllenhaal’s Prince of Persia pecs, and even Chris Evans’ Captain America guns. With over 5 months of mostly circuit training, Matthew will hopefully portray one bad-ass villain, and hey, maybe even a shirtless one.

A Family Man with a Bright Future

It’s safe to say that the 46 year old actor will continue to act, but he may have some things at home he’d like to tend to. In 1998 he and his wife, fellow Columbia attendee Margherita Ronchi, welcomed daughter Kyle, who was followed by son  Byron in 2001. Fox is also a private pilot, photographer, and a fan of music such as Modest Mouse, Arcade Fire and Sigur Ros.

Since the beginning of his career, Fox has earned over 20 award nominations, and has taken home 7 wins. He’s recognized for his manly scruff, the beautiful face underneath it, and most importantly for his genuine acting. Although Matthew Fox isn’t a blockbuster movie star right now, he certainly has the potential to take his career wherever he wants to.

Interview with Matthew Fox:

Alex Cross Trailer:

Matthew Fox TV & Filmography